Page 105 of Shallow Remains

She’d heard Beth had left him. It seemed ironic that they were both trying to heal their broken hearts at the same time. Though for very different reasons.

“You okay?” she asked.

“I’m good. What about you?” His ice blue gaze delved into hers. Probing.

That stare had always unsettled her on some level. Had always made her feel like he could see right through her. X-ray vision that exposed everything she tried to hide.

She forced a smile, lifted a shoulder. “Doing my best. One day at a time, you know?”

Another nod. “Yeah, I get that.”

“I’m gonna go talk to the recovery nurse. Don’t forget to send me the info on the training courses.”

“I would never forget.” His word choice felt purposeful and significant.

The weight of his stare followed her through the double doors until she was out of sight.

Naya pushed out a heavy breath and made her way to the recovery room, fighting against the weight of the sadness tugging at her. Along with the corrosive anger burning beneath it.

Her entire life had collapsed with Charlie’s death, and not merely from grief.

Because it turned out that the past eight years had been built on a foundation of lies.

FIFTY-FIVE

Lachlan submitted to hospital protocol and allowed Grey to push him to recovery in a wheelchair after Maddy came out of surgery. Being wheeled around wasn’t so bad considering how shitty he felt at the moment. His head ached, the lights hurt his eyes, and his right side hurt like a bitch where the chest tube had gone in.

But he was alive, and he could breathe without feeling like he was suffocating. And more than anything in the world, he wanted to be there for Maddy when she woke up.

She had risked everything to save him, while injured, traumatized, and scared out of her mind. Every time he thought about it, his heart swelled with pride and then constricted in terror. She could have drowned so easily or succumbed to hypothermia if Grey hadn’t gotten to them in time.

They both owed Grey their lives.

Naya had arranged everything for him. The recovery room nurse smiled at them when they entered. “Perfect timing. She should come to anytime now.”

She tugged the light blue curtain back to expose Maddy lying in the bed. She looked so beautiful yet fragile, eyes closed, breathing gently.

A powerful rush of emotion overwhelmed him. He sucked in a painful breath, his injured side aching. Swallowed hard and blinked as tears stung his eyes.

They’d both nearly died a few hours ago. He couldn’t imagine his life without her. Couldn’t imagine having her taken from him that way. He would fight for her.

Grey positioned him next to her and put the brakes on the wheelchair. “I’ll give you guys some privacy, but I’ll be outside when you’re ready to head back.”

He went to step away but Lachlan caught his arm and clamped his fingers down tight. Grey’s pale blue eyes shot to him.

“Thanks, man.” His voice was rough.

Grey gave a short nod and glanced away, uncomfortable. “You’d’ve done the same for me.”

Hundred percent. “Yep.”

He clapped a hand on Lachlan’s shoulder. “Just glad you’re both okay.” A slight smile softened his brother’s face and warmed his ice blue eyes. “You shoulda seen her go after you, Lach. She was gonna haul your ass back to that boat or die trying, busted arm and all. Fuckin’ badass.”

Lachlan smiled back. Maddy didn’t realize it, but she’d won Grey’s eternal admiration and loyalty today. “My little badass.”

“Yep, and you’re a lucky bastard in more ways than one.” Grey squeezed his shoulder and let go. “Take care of her, brother. Tell her I said hi.”

“Will do.” He curled his fingers around Maddy’s hand, careful of the IV in her vein, and stared at her. Memorizing her delicate features that belied the steely core in her petite body.