Page 103 of Give Me Peace

Kash has been downcast ever since, walking around like a kicked puppy while trying his best not to let Saylor see how hurtful her words were. When the dust has settled and we’ve come out the other end of this, she’ll realize he was only coping the best way he knew how to. Krew, on the other hand, is out of his mind with the need for answers. He can’t figure out how the piece of shit breached our security system. He’s barely slept, working himself to the bone to ensure something like this never happens again. To make matters worse, the coffee here tastes like burnt asshole and the food is rubbish. I’d kill for a nice bed to stretch out on, but there’s no chance I’m leaving this sterilized hellhole until my brother can, too.

“Mr. Calloway?” I stop my pacing and face the elderly woman approaching me. “I know it’s not much, but I was able to wrangle you boys an extra room. It’s a few doors down—number 2208. The sheets are clean and I stocked the bathroom with some toiletries.”

“Thank you,” I reply sincerely, grateful to have somewhere to wash the filth from my body, if nothing else. “It’s more than you realize.” She nods, giving me a tired smile as she heads back to work. I lean against the wall, enjoying the brief moment of quiet. I’ve been eager for space, some time to myself. It’s hard to process everything that’s happened when I’m constantly worried about everyone else. But it’s my job to be the strong one. Not only that, we’re a family, and I need them as much as they need me.

Roan’s door cracks open, revealing Denvers a second later. I straighten, ready to have this whole ordeal behind us. We’ve each been questioned about the events the led up to this—one man dead and another fighting for his life. He’s just wrapped up his interview with Saylor, saving her for last, and I’m eager to hear where we stand.

“That girl’s a fighter,” Denvers huffs with a shake of his head. “Proud of her. Seems fitting that she was the one to take the bastard out.”

“Yeah? At what cost?” I cross my arms defensively. Am I proud of Saylor? Fuck yes, I am. But that doesn’t negate the worry I feel. Regardless of how deserved it was, she still took a life. That sort of trauma tends to linger. She’s got enough without adding any more to her already full plate.

“One day, you’re going to stop underestimating her.” Denvers mirrors my stance and cocks an eyebrow. “Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later. I’d hate to see that sweet woman angry.” I snort and fight back a smirk. He has no idea. “As far as repercussions go, you’re all in the clear. It was never a concern, but you know how it goes. Paperwork is a bitch and I wanted this done by the books.”

I nod in understanding. “So now what?”

“Now,” he clamps a hand on my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze, “you live your lives in peace. However that looks. Just make her happy, Calloway.”

Bloody hell, we’re transparent as fuck.

“She won’t know a day more of misery if I have anything to say about it.” I lock eyes with the man who’s aided us the entire way, promising to do right the woman we both fought to save. He holds my gaze for a minute longer, letting the enormity of the moment build between us. We fucking did it. She did it. Denvers nods and takes a step back, a pleased smile adding a few more wrinkles to his weathered face.

“Take care, kid. I’ll be in touch.” He dips his chin and turns to leave. I watch him go, refusing to pull my eyes away until he rounds the corner. His exit feels like an ending. A chapter of our lives being wrapped up and put to rest. From here on out, the future is blank slate. Fuck, that’s a nice thought.

I push through the door, needing to lay eyes on my girl. My good mood slips as I find her curled up next to Roan, her eyes puffy and rimmed in dark circles. I come to a stop beside them, sighing as I take in the way Saylor clings to his burly ass even in her sleep. She’s been terrified to rest, fearing he’ll wake and she won’t be there to witness it. The two of them might be the most stubborn people I’ve ever known. But no one loves like them, either. Carefully, I pick Saylor up and walk us to room 2208.

“Lochlan?” She stirs, her blue eyes blinking up at me inquisitively. “What’s happening?”

“Thought you’d like a hot shower.” I step inside the bathroom, hugging her against me as I get the water turned on.

“What? No. I can’t be away from Roan that long.” She tries to push away, but I hold her tighter.

“You’re burnt out, love. You’re no good to him like this. You need to recharge. When he comes around—and he will—he’s going to need you alert and fully present. I have a feeling you’re in for a mighty ass chewing.” Saylor gives me a watery smile, not bothering to protest any further.

I place her on her feet and help her out of the borrowed scrubs she was given when we first got here. Aside from the quick rinse she took to get the blood off, she hasn’t so much as changed her clothes. Not that we have any extras lying about. It wasn’t that long ago she was in a different set of hand-me-down hospital garb. I’ll be right as rain if I never have to see her in this washed-out green color ever again. I ease her top up and toss it to the side. I’m no spring chicken, rearing to go at the first sight of tits and ass, but Saylor isn’t anyone. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed the company of a woman, but I know any prior trysts I’ve partaken in will pale in comparison to being with her. She smiles shyly and proceeds to return the favor, undressing me with the same methodical precision.

I catch a glance of myself in the mirror behind her, surprisingly unbothered by my unkempt state. I’m always put together, presentable and ready at moment’s notice. It’s a product of my raising. Calloway men are taught to be polished and reserved. Even my Nan—God rest her soul—was a bloody stickler in regard to appearance. She always stressed the importance of a good suit and a winning personality. But Saylor makes me forget all the bullshit that was instilled in me. I let go when I’m around her. The pomp and circumstance feel so unnecessary. As an only child, I craved my parents’ acceptance. It took me a long time to realize I’d never get it, no matter how hard I tried. Maybe that’s why this situation works for us. We’ve been eager for approval, and that’s exactly what we found in our relationship with Saylor.

I link my fingers with hers and guide us under the water. I groan, my head falling back as Saylor wraps her arms around my middle. Her cheek rests against my chest as I run my fingers through her hair, gently working out the tangles. We stay wrapped in one another, taking turns with the soap and shampoo. It’s a far cry from the expensive shit she’s grown used to, but at least we’re clean. As the last bit of suds fade from her long blonde strands, I frame her face and bring her lips to mine.

“I love you,” I mouth. Her shoulders start to shake as she pulls away to meet my gaze.

“I’m sorry,” Saylor hiccups around a sob.

“Sorry for what, love?” My brows dip in concern as she fights to voice her feelings.

“It’s my fault he’s here. I knew it was dangerous to anger him like that, but once I started, I couldn’t stop. It felt like I was purging myself of any part of him. I needed him to know those things, but not at the expense of Roan’s life. What if he…what if he d-d-doesn’t wake up?” Her stuttered wails break my fucking heart. Cleave the organ clear in two.

“I promise you’ll never have to know. Ro’s a fighter, sweetheart. Just like you. He’s going to pull through this and go right back to being the overbearing wanker he’s always been.” I run my thumbs beneath her red-rimmed eyes, wishing I could speed up the process and lessen her pain. I’m going to beat his ass when he’s back to fighting form for making Saylor worry so goddamn much.

Using my foot, I kick the handicap bench down and take a seat, pulling her with me. Her thighs straddle my lap as I run my hand up and down her spine, swearing at every shaky inhale that racks her body. My eyes close as I breathe in her familiar scent, something sweet and solely exclusive to Saylor. Even the cheap hospital soap can’t mask it. I’m not sure how it starts, but slowly, her hips begin to rock back and forth. This is very much not the time nor the place, but this is what I mean. I completely lose my fucking head around her. The slick feel of her pussy makes my dick harden instantly. I clamp a hand around her hip, hoping to stop this before we get too carried away.

“Sweetheart, I’m not sure our first time should be in a shower stall at Pickler Med. You deserve more than that.” My voice is drenched with need, a fact I’m certain she doesn’t miss.

“What I need, is you. The when and where are inconsequential as long you’re present.”

Fuck.

“You want this?” I grip the back of her neck, needing to see her eyes when she answers. Those big blue pools sparkle as she nods furiously, brimming with lust and need. “Then take it, love. Whatever you want, it’s yours. But you’re in control, not me.” I hand Saylor the reins, allowing her to choose how far this goes. To my shock and absolute glee, she angles her body forward, lines my cock up, and drops back down. In one bliss-fueled downstroke, I’m fully seated inside her. Saylor whimpers at the invasion but makes no move to pop off.