Patriot (Hades Abyss MC 6) - Harley Wylde Page 0,48
winked at her. “Besides, I’m sure we can find some Christmas movies to watch. Want me to turn on the TV?”
She nodded and tried to focus on the screen across the room. I flipped on the TV and went through the channels until I found something I thought she might like. It was one of those sappy romantic Christmas movies. She only watched it a short while before she fell asleep. I angled the recliner so I could still hold her hand but lean the chair back too and see the TV. I let the movie keep playing, on the off chance she woke up before the ending.
Another started after the first one. While it wasn’t my usual type of movie, this wasn’t about me. It was about MaryAnne and what she needed or wanted. Even though she dozed off and on, I played things I knew she’d enjoy for the moments she was alert. She watched a bit of the second one before sleeping a little more. The nurse stopped by and assured me it was normal for her to doze off and on. My stomach rumbled but the cafeteria was closed. I shot off a text to Riley, hoping he was available.
Any chance I can get some food before my stomach eats itself?
He sent back a thumbs-up. Be there in thirty.
I didn’t know what he was stopping to get, and I didn’t much care. As long as it filled me up, nothing else mattered. MaryAnne woke again, her fingers lightly squeezing mine.
“There she is.” I smiled. “You keep falling asleep. How do you feel?”
“Hurt,” she said and licked her lips. I got her cup and handed her another ice chip. I wasn’t sure when they’d give her more medication for the pain, or if that’s what was in one of the IVs.
“Want me to find a nurse?” I asked.
She shook her head. “I’ll be okay.”
“The officer who came the other night stopped by. I told him about you getting attacked on our walk.” I glanced at the open doorway, hoping she wasn’t so loopy she couldn’t take the hint. “Think it was a club whore, but I can’t be sure.”
She nodded and I knew she understood.
“Riley is bringing me some food, but you’re at the mercy of the hospital staff right now. I have a feeling you need a special diet, at least the next few days. I don’t think they’d appreciate me feeding you fries and a greasy burger, or ordering a pizza.”
Her lips twitched and she smiled a little. “Pizza sounds good.”
“Then our first night home that’s what we’ll do. Order whatever pizza you want.”
“Ruining Christmas,” she said, her throat still a little scratchy. I offered her another ice chip and kissed her brow.
“Little Bit, you could never ruin Christmas. It’s far enough off we should make it home from the hospital in plenty of time. Need to get you healed up a bit first.”
“How’s everyone?” she asked.
I felt like an ass for not even checking on my brothers, but I knew they were in good hands with Bones. I shot off a text to him asking about Philly, Poison, and Brick, then showed her the response.
Too hardheaded to die. They’ll be fine.
She smiled and laughed a little only to wince. I’d imagine any jostling she did would pull at the stitches and cause pain for at least a few days. We watched the movie until Riley arrived. He handed me a sack from the diner, and I pulled out a container with a big ass burger and what looked like a double side of fries. He’d even gotten me a bottle of soda from somewhere.
“Thanks, man. Didn’t want to leave her, but my stomach was demanding to be fed.”
“No worries.” Riley reached over to take MaryAnne’s other hand. He glanced down at the IV needle stuck in the back of it. “Glad you’re doing okay. You had everyone worried.”
“Worried me too,” she said.
“She was under anesthesia and seems to be a bit groggy still. She’s dozed off a few times since I’ve been in here with her.” I shoved a few fries in my mouth and nearly swallowed them without chewing I was so hungry. I chased them down with some of the soda. “Would you make sure the animals are okay? Keep them fed and watered while I’m gone?”
Riley nodded. “I have no fucking clue how to take care of your bird, though. Damn thing about took off my fingers when I put him