Chapter: 38

A tremor wracked my battered body.

"Hey." Kieran's hand enveloped mine, his thumb brushing my knuckles. "You're safe now. I'm not going anywhere." His jaw clenched. "This won't happen again."

I arched a brow-Why the sudden protectiveness?

He gently, tenderly brushed my hair back from my forehead. "I'm not letting my son grow up without his mother,” he said tightly.

A fleeting pang went through me at the mention of Daniel. How was he? Was he hurt? Did he know I was hurt?

"Sera." Kieran's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. "That mind of yours is working overtime. Stop. Just rest. I'm here." He shook his head. "I don't want you to worry about anything, okay? Just rest. I'm here."

But why? The question burned behind my lips.

The doctor-who I'd almost forgotten-chimed in. "Mrs. Blackthorne, you need serious recovery time. Your husband hasn't left this room in forty-eight hours, so you're in good hands."

My eyelids finally cooperated, flying open. Husband? Two days?

"She'll rest now, Doctor." Kieran's tone brooked no argument. "Thank you so much for everything."

The doctor nodded. "Don't hesitate to alert the nurses if you need anything.”

Once we were alone, I opened my mouth and forced out the dry, cracked words: "You're... not... my husband."

Kieran rolled his eyes.

"Allyour identification documents stillread Seraphina Blackthorne, so..." He shrugged.

Dammit! I'd dragged my feet on changing the name because even though I knew I was no longer a Blackthorne, I didn't feel like a Lockwood either.

"Don't... have to stay," I rasped. His grip tightened around my fingers. "Try and make me leave."

I wanted to argue-assure him that hospital security would keep me safe-but the few words I'd said had drained me, and Kieran's hand was so warm and comforting around mine.

"That's it," he murmured, stroking my head, "Sleep, Sera. I'll be here when you wake. You're safe now."

Against all logic, against the terror of being hunted, his presence anchored me. For the first time in years, I didn't fear the dark.

Because the devil himself was keeping watch.

KIERAN'S POV I watched Sera like a hawk.

Just watched the steady rise and fall of Sera's chest like it held the secrets of the universe.

Even now-with her awake and resting-the image of her bleeding out on that bridge played behind my eyelids every time I closed them. How close I'd come to losing her. Again.

Our hands lay entwined on the hospital blanket. When was the last time we'd touched like this? Not during the divorce. Not during our marriage. Had we ever?