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I bark instructions at the others. Thankfully, Bram and Freddie had basic training during their time in the military and the force, so they spring into action.
Daisy groans. She’s barely clinging to life and muttering nonsensical words.
“Ivy,” Daisy murmurs.
“You’ll see her soon,” Hale says.
“Ivy,” she repeats.
“I’m right here,” Ivy says.
Her voice appears to have a soothing effect.
“I love you,” Daisy whispers, and then her eyes close.
CHAPTER 34
IVY
Iwring my hands in my lap as Freddie paces. Bram sits to my left, and Hale—who has just returned from getting his own care, despite his initial reluctance—is on my right. Callen and Seb have gone to the coffee shop for a caffeine hit.
Six hours have passed since Daisy was admitted to surgery, and they’re the slowest hours of my life.
“Thanks for looking after her overnight,” Hale says to Maria over the phone. He looks as shit as I feel. “I’ll call back when we have news.”
Alaric’s rule over the Killers Club has ended, but I can’t find it in my heart to care. He doesn’t matter. Him, the club, the Dukes… nothing matters but Daisy.
Hale’s foot taps on the tiles anxiously as doctors and nurses rush past us. The smell of antiseptic and death lingers in the air, filling the corridors and snaking into my lungs.
“Fuck!” Hale swears, making an elderly lady hobbling past jump. “How long is it going to take?”
“No news is good news,” I reply.
Right now, Daisy’s fate still hangs in the balance, which means there’s hope. Hope is something I can cling to. It’s all I have.
I try changing the subject to distract us both. “How’s Ivy?”
“Good.” Hale’s expression softens. “Maria’s taking care of her at ours.”
“How long have you two been together?” I ask.
“Five years,” he replies. “Well, that’s how long we’ve been partners. It took a while to win her heart, but from the moment I saw her, I knew she was the only woman for me. There will never be anyone else.”
Watching a tough guy’s heart break is like watching a car crash in slow motion. I feel his desperation, love, and the utter helplessness that comes from being out of control, knowing there’s nothing you can do.
“Coffee?” Seb offers, returning with Callen and drinks.
Me and Hale shake our heads as a doctor marches down the corridor in our direction. Hale jumps up, wobbling slightly and forgetting he’s hurt himself. Callen catches his arm to steady him as everyone gathers around.
“How is she?” Hale asks before the doctor even opens his mouth. “How did it go?”
The doctor’s face stays blank, making it impossible to tell the outcome.
“We have moved Florence into intensive care,” the doctor says. “It was a difficult operation. The bullet narrowly missed one of her lungs and also managed to avoid her vital organs. It’ll be a long road until she’s fully recovered, but she will be okay.” He turns to Callen. “Your actions undoubtedly saved her life. If you ever want to return to the medical field, we’d be happy to have you.”
Callen shrugs nonchalantly. “That time of my life is over now, Doc.”
“She made it,” Hale murmurs, still in a daze and processing the news. “You!” He grabs Callen and traps him in a massive bear hug, kissing him on the forehead. “You saved her!”
