Page 278 of Vexatious Queen

“Yes.”

“No.”

I tried to push her hands away, but Ana slipped onto my lap, straddling me, and put all her strength into slowing the bleeding and keeping me still.

“Don’t you dare start with me, Eddie Genovese. I’m not losing you due to your stubbornness. And our daughter wouldn’t want that either. God knows I’ve already put her through enough. She doesn’t need you dying from stupidity.”

I grabbed her arm, smearing blood across her fair skin.

“Please.”

Her chest rose, eyes firm, and arms locked straight.

“Not a chance.”

“Marcus,” I said.

“Fuck you. Shut up and listen to your wife. I’m not doing it either, even if you order me,” Marcus said as we flew down the street. “And don’t even get me started about the two of you leaving the house without protection. We’ll discuss that later,” Marcus said, his tone telling me that I was going to get an earful.

“Asshole,” I said, but the argument was lost, and I knew it. “You know, under any other circumstances, this would be sexy,” I said, realizing that Ana was only in a lace bra.

She glared at me and pressed harder on the wound. I winced.

“You’re obviously not in enough pain,” Ana snarled. “Don’t you ever do something so stupid again,” she said, her voice firm, but tears started down her cheeks.

“I will always save you,” I said.

“And that is what has always scared me,” she answered. “Do you realize you just proved everything I’ve argued with you about since I returned?”

I grumbled under my breath, not answering.

“We’re here, brace yourself.”

Marcus braked hard and then jumped out, yelling for a doctor.

Before things got insane and they pulled us apart, I cupped Ana’s face, leaving a smudge of red where my thumb touched her skin.

“I love you.”

She sniffed and blinked as more tears fell.

“I love you more.”

“Impossible,” I answered.

For a moment, the air held still. It was the two of us and nothing else. Ana kissed me hard, her lips salty from crying.

“Don’t you dare leave me, Eddie,” she ordered, her voice soft and full of love.

Then the door was yanked open. I reached for Ana as they put me on a gurney. She followed as they ran me inside, but our fingers only brushed.

“Find Lilya, I need to know she’s okay,” I called out.

“I will,” Ana said, stopping at a set of double doors.

Just before they slammed shut, I saw Ana’s face shift—the decision was already made. She was going after them herself.

And that truth hurt worse than the bullet in my shoulder. If I lost her and Lilya, it would end me in ways no grave ever could.