The Men with the Golden Cuffs (Masters and Mercenaries #2)(111)

I love you.

Was he going to have to go to a signing to see her again?

The chime on the security system rang.

“I’ll take care of it,” Liam said, heading toward the front of the house. “Let’s hope the reporters haven’t figured out your address.”

Adam looked at his partner and knew they were thinking the same things. They were wondering where she would stay and who would take care of her. She was a grown, smart, capable woman, but everyone needed people to take care of them, to see to the little things. Would she come back for her computer or send someone to get it?

“Hi.”

Adam turned and his heart flip-flopped when he saw Serena in the doorway, a tired smile on her face.

Chris gave them all a little wave. “I drove her over. We managed to get by the press. They were all over the hospital. I smuggled her out the back.”

“I’m sorry about that,” Serena said. The polite tone of her voice set Adam on edge. “I know you would have preferred to drive me, but it was so crazy up there, I didn’t want to add to it.”

Adam’s eyes ate her up, but he held his ground. Was she here to get her things? Damn it. He wasn’t going to let her leave without a fight.

Jake had gotten to his feet. “They let you go? What did the doctors say?”

She looked so fragile standing there next to her friend. “The bullet grazed my side. No surgery. It only took three stitches. They were more worried I’d gotten a concussion, but the scans didn’t show anything. I waited so long because I needed to make sure Bridget was okay. And I checked in on the officer who was hurt. He did have a concussion, but they say he’ll be all right. I need to find a way to thank him.”

“You will.” Grace walked to Serena’s side. “Is Bridget all right?”

Serena nodded, relief etched on her face. “It was close, but she’s going to be okay. The doctors say Ian probably saved her life. He held her together with his own hands until the EMTs got there. I can’t thank you enough.”

Ian simply sighed and started for the door. “You’re welcome. I’m glad your friend is all right. I just wish I could have saved Lara.”

Ian walked out, the door closing behind him.

Sean grabbed his wife’s hand. “Little one?”

Grace nodded toward the door. “Go after him. Eve can give me a ride home. Your brother needs you. Put aside the rest of it for one night.”

“He won’t talk about it, but I can buy him a drink.” Sean looked to Liam and Alex. “Come on. Let’s take the boss out for a beer.”

“I’ll take the pregnant lady home.” Eve put a hand on Adam’s shoulder. She went on her toes and kissed his cheek. “You three should talk. Good night, Serena. If you need me, my door is always open.”

Eve and Grace said their goodbyes and left for the night.

Chris sighed. “And I need to get back to Bridget. She should be moved out of ICU in a couple of hours. I think I convinced them to let me stay the night with her. She doesn’t like hospitals. I don’t like cots, but my hatred of discomfort is overcome by my love for my girls.”

“How did you get in? They wouldn’t even tell us what room she was in. The cops had to tell us she was still alive.” Adam had been frustrated for hours.

Chris smiled brightly. “Oh, they let me in to see my sisters.”

“So you lied?” Jake stood staring at Serena even as he spoke to Chris.

Chris hugged Serena gently. “Nope. I just think society places far too much importance on blood and not enough on love. Night, my sister. I love you. I’ll call tomorrow, and don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll take care of Bridget, and we’ll handle Lara’s arrangements later.”

Tears dropped down Serena’s face as she nodded Chris’s way. “Love you, too. I’ll come by tomorrow.”

Chris left and they were finally alone.

Serena knelt down to pet her dog. She hugged Mojo, her face stroking his fur. “I really am sorry about the whole hospital thing. I thought it was best.”

She thought it was best to keep them from her when she was hurt? Adam took a step forward. She’d been shot, but all he wanted to do was make sure she was tied up so she couldn’t leave.

“Your ride just left.” Jake was unmoving, his big form straight and solid.

A faint smile crossed her lips. “I kind of hoped I had one here. Or two. I guess I was really hoping for two. If I don’t have two, you should tell me now so I can catch Chris. I’m afraid I’m not good at compromise. I want you both. I want everything.”

A surge of hope filled Adam. “Serena, you be sure. You be sure this is what you want because I won’t ever let you go.”

Jake finally moved, walking toward her. “She’s not going to change her mind. She’s finally figured it out. And she should know there’s going to be some punishment for keeping us out of the hospital.”

Now she simply smiled, her face lighting up. God, that smile lit up his whole f*cking world. “I thought I was keeping us all safe, Sir. Should I call you Sir outside of the club?”

Jake put a hand on her head, his eyes softening at the contact. “No. I like the way you say my name. But, Serena, there is something else you’re going to call me. You’re going to get everything you want, but you have to call me and Adam by special names.”