I gaze down at Serenity, who's peacefully sleeping with Ava in her arms. She's been like this for two hours, but she needs surgery soon to stop the infection in her toe, which means I have to take my daughter from her. It's the last thing I want to do, but there's no choice.
"She's a tough one," Addison says, approaching with two coffees. "That girl could conquer the world and doesn't even know it."
I take the coffee, smiling at Serenity. "I think she's got a fair idea now."
Addison laughs. "Yeah, she's a warrior, that one. Have you heard anything about what's happening with Walker?"
"I'll handle it. I have some people inside who will ensure he gets out, or at worst, a light sentence."
"He sacrificed everything for us, people he doesn't even know. I'd say he's a good egg. You should patch him in when he's out."
I grin at Addison. "Your heart is too big, baby girl."
She snorts. "I wonder where I got that from?"
Good point.
"I'm going to take my sister home now so you can spend time with your woman. Let me know when she's out of surgery."
I pull Addison into a hug. "Grateful for you, yeah?"
She scoffs, but her smile is warm. "Yeah, yeah."
She gently takes Ava from Serenity's arms. Serenity, high on painkillers, only makes a soft sound before falling back to sleep. I kiss my baby girl on the cheek and give Addison a grateful smile. I don't know where I'd be without her; she's my rock.
My phone rings, and I see it's Ben, the police officer who once helped me out. He owed me after I got him out of some trouble years ago, and I knew he'd come in handy. Stepping out of the room, I bring the phone to my ear. "Ben."
"How's Serenity?"
"She's sleeping, about to go into surgery. What can I do for you, brother?"
"I wanted to let you know that Xander, the guard from the prison, put in a statement saying that Hound tried to kill him and escaped with Serenity. I figured you knew, but Serenity’s statement and Walker claiming he killed the two men to protect her means he may get out on self-defense. I'm working on it."
That would be incredible.
He saved my woman, and I'll do anything to ensure he comes out of it unscathed.
"That would be the best outcome," I say, my voice low. "Any idea how long it might take?"
"He may be in there for a few months, depending on whether there's a trial, but I doubt it will be long. There's enough evidence against Hound and Gerard showing they were criminals, and he acted to protect himself and Serenity."
"Let me know if I can do anything for him. I'll make a statement if needed."
"I think we've got it covered. I just wanted to let you know."
"Appreciate it, Ben."
I hang up as nurses enter the room. One, a young blonde, flushes when she sees me standing there. I wink, and she giggles, catching the older nurse's scowl. I can't help but grin.
"We're here to take Serenity to pre-op."
The older nurse scowls at me, undoubtedly full of opinions, but I don't care. I offer a grin and walk over to Serenity, gently brushing hair from her face. "Hey," I murmur, pressing my lips to her forehead. "Time to wake up, darlin’."
The young nurse murmurs a low, "Ohh."
I grin again.
Serenity's eyes flutter open, though she's still groggy.
"You've got to go into surgery now, but I'll be right here when you get out."
She blinks a few times, then her hand grips mine. "I don't want you to leave me."
My heart breaks.
I don't want to leave her, either.
I'd do anything to be right by her side until she's safely back home with me, but I can't.
"I won't leave. I'll be right here. Got to get your toe fixed, baby."
A tear runs down her cheek, and I swipe it away with my thumb, kissing her softly.
The nurse makes a noise.
"Love you, pixie, yeah?"
She nods, trying to hold back tears. "Yeah."
"See you soon."
They wheel her out, and our eyes stay connected the entire time.
Watching her leave is painful.
But at least I know this time she'll come back.
“I’M NOT AN OLD LADY ,” Serenity mutters as I carefully help her onto the shower chair, ensuring her injured leg stays clear of the water.
A soft chuckle escapes me as I gently undo her hospital gown, letting it slide off her shoulders. Her breasts jut out, bouncing slightly, and triggering an instant reaction within me. I’ve missed her, fuck I’ve missed her, and seeing her like this, vulnerable and naked, almost overwhelms me. I clench my jaw as I lift her hips to slide her panties down. The subtle, sweet aroma of her pussy fills the air, and I growl, tossing the fabric aside.
“You can’t honestly be turned on right now?” she teases, her voice light and playful.
I meet her gaze from where I’m kneeling. “It’s takin’ everything I have not to spread your legs and bury my face between them.”
Her cheeks flush with heat. “Well, why don’t you?”
A low hiss escapes my throat as my hand caresses her thigh, contemplating if this is too much for her right now. Tipping my head back, I lock eyes with her, and she grins, encouraging me to do exactly what I threatened. Driven by an insatiable hunger to taste her, I gently part her legs. Her pussy is pink and glistening, already wet with anticipation. I rumble with satisfaction as I press my thumb against her clit, feeling it swell under my touch. My mind is solely focused on her, and I need to fucking taste her.
I grasp her upper thigh and gently tug, adjusting her position as I lean down and close my mouth over her cunt. She moans softly, fingers tangling in my hair as I trace my tongue along her wet slit, savoring every second. I swirl around her clit repeatedly, feeling it harden and throb under my tongue. Her body tightens as I continue tormenting her, then I slide my fingers inside her, matching the rhythm of my mouth. Clutching the sides of the chair, she arches her back, crying out as waves of pleasure crash over her. I don’t stop until the last shudder leaves her body.
“Jackson,” she gasps, her voice breathless. “I need you to fuck me. Right now.”
No further invitation is needed. Rising to my feet, I discard my jeans and release my cock that is painfully hard. Carefully, I lift her from the chair, turning to sit myself down, cradling her on my lap, careful not to hurt her. Her legs wrap around me as she lowers herself onto my cock, her pussy enveloping me inch by inch. Her mouth finds mine, and our tongues dance, her lips tasting sweetly of mint. She starts to rock, rolling her hips in a perfect rhythm as our mouths move together.
Every part of her is exquisite; she’s perfect. We lose ourselves in each other, our breaths mingling with her sweet moans. As she climaxes, she calls my name, a sound I love more than fucking anything. My own release follows swiftly, intensifying the connection between us as my body shakes with pleasure. Serenity clings to me, resting her head on my shoulder, breathing deeply as we come down from the high.
“I love you, Jackson,” she whispers softly.
“Love you too, darlin’,” I reply, my voice thick with lust, need and fucking desperation to never let her go again.
Standing gradually, I let her legs slide down, easing out of her as I sit her back onto the seat.
“Now, can you stop distracting me so I can actually shower you?” I grin.
She scoffs playfully. “You were the one getting all worked up.”
“I can’t help it,” I murmur, my eyes tracing over her naked body, the way her pussy is all swollen from sex. “Seeing you like this is fuckin’ difficult, but washing you is going to be even harder.”
She rolls her eyes with a smile. “I’m sure you’ll manage.”
Raising an eyebrow, I flash her a grin and turn on the shower, adjusting the temperature before starting to wash her. I let the water run over her, watching as her hair becomes soaked, cascading down her shoulders. I carefully clean every part of her, lingering just a moment longer over her pussy.
My thumb glides over her clit, and she invites me in by spreading her legs. A low growl leaves my lips as I rub, watching her body tighten once more before she slumps back in the chair, exhausted yet content.
“For an old man, you have impressive stamina,” she teases lightly.
I grin wider. “I’m not finished yet.”
She shoots me a look. “Oh yes you are. I need to sleep.”
I wink at her, before pushing to my feet and taking a towel. Helping her up, I wrap it around her, ensuring every inch is dried before tying a clean hospital gown around her body.
“You still do things to me, even in this gown,” I murmur into her ear as I lean down, hauling her up into my arms and carrying her out.
Placing her on the bed, I stare down at her.
“Can you stay with me?”
I tuck a strand of damp hair behind her ear. “Can’t, baby. Got business to take care of. You want me to call Addison or Ciara?”
She nods. “Please. I don’t want to be alone.”
Then that’s what I’ll do.
“Ben called me earlier, things are looking good for Walker. I thought you’d want to know. They’re going for self-defense.”
Her eyes lighten, and I know that news brings her relief. “Do you think he’ll get out?”
“I’m counting on it.”
“Are you going to help him if he does, with whatever trouble he got himself into?”
I nod. “Leave it with me, baby. I’ll fix it.”
She reaches up, running her hand down my cheek. “How did I get so lucky?”
I cover her hand with mine. “Should be asking myself the same thing. Rest now, you’re safe.”
She smiles at me.
Because she knows I mean it.
No one is going to hurt her again.