A couple of hours pass, and during that time, our waiting room section has filled. My sister and her family have arrived, and so has Jake’s boss. He keeps asking about Jake, but I have no clue what to tell him. After speaking with Jake’s parents, they are taking the first flight they can get from Florida.

Once my parents were filled in on the situation, they said they want me and Jake to go under protective custody until Bryan is found, but I know Jake will never agree to it. He’ll want to stay and fight it on his own, like the alpha male he is. I’m his to protect. When he finds out about everything that’s happened, he’s going to be beyond livid. There’s no way he’ll run. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. Not having any news on his health scares the shit out of me.

Everyone is silent. My body is numb, and my eyes feel like sandpaper. I don’t think I can cry anymore. It’s like my body is on the verge of a mental breakdown.

“Elizabeth,” my mother murmurs, nudging me in the side. “I think the doctor’s coming.”

I jump from my seat. A doctor in light blue scrubs and a chart in his hand walks toward us. His face is cleanly shaven, and he looks to be in his mid-thirties, with combed-over, light brown hair. He focuses on me and holds out his hand, his expression unreadable. “You must be Mrs. Kingston,” he states.

I nod and shake his hand. “Elizabeth.”

“I’m Dr. Scott Medlin. I just finished operating on your husband.”

“How is he?” I ask, blurting out the words.

His gaze roams around the waiting room, clearly sensing we’re on pins and needles. A slow smile spreads across his face when he meets my eyes. “He’s going to be just fine.”

It’s as if all the weight on my shoulders lifts in an instant. My mother hugs me from behind and I can finally breathe. If the doctor wasn’t standing in front of me, I’d have run up and down the halls rejoicing.

Tears stream down my cheeks and I hold onto my mother to keep from falling. “Thank God,” I cry. “What all did you have to do to him?”

His smile fades. “He has a couple of broken ribs, but those should heal in a few weeks. The main thing that had us concerned was the trauma to his head. He had some bleeding on the brain, but we were able to stop it. I’m surprised things aren’t worse. Jake’s a healthy, strong man and obviously, very resilient. You’ll be able to take him home the day after tomorrow.” He nods toward the exit. “If you come with me, I’ll take you to his room. Someone else can join you if you’d like. Only two people at a time.”

I look back and nod at Owen. He steps forward. “I’ll come with you.”

We follow the doctor through the halls and it feels like an eternity before we get to Jake’s room. Dr. Medlin stops at the door. “He’s not awake yet, and he’ll most likely be out for the next little bit with all the sedation.” He focuses on me. “I’ll have one of the nurses bring in some blankets for you, if you’d like to stay with him tonight.”

I nod. “Yes, please. I’m not leaving.”

As soon as he steps out of the way, I hurry through the door to Jake’s side. His head is bandaged, and underneath his eyes is already black and blue. I pull up a chair and sit down, while Owen does the same on Jake’s other side.

“Jake,” I whisper, lightly gripping his hand. I feel nothing in return. I bring his hand up to my face and place it on my cheek.

“How ya doing, brother?” Owen asks, knowing Jake isn’t going to answer. The only thing we can do is talk to him.

My cheeks burn as tears flood down them. “Everyone’s here to see you, Jake. Your parents are on their way, and . . .” I choke on my words and close my eyes. He wouldn’t be in the hospital if it weren’t for Bryan.

“We have to find him, Owen,” I growl low. “Whatever Bryan’s up to, he’s not going to stop at this. Whether he’s trying to kill Jake to get to me, or whatever, we need to stop it.”

Owen lowers his head and sighs. “We will. Until then, you don’t go anywhere without me until Jake gets better. He’ll kill me if anything happens to you while he’s incapacitated.”

I nod. “Agreed.”

Slowly, he gets to his feet. “I’m going to give you two some privacy.”

I nod again. “Thanks.” Once he’s gone, the room is silent, except for the beeping of the machines. Cupping Jake’s hand, I bring it up to my lips, kissing it gently. “Oh, Jake. This is all my fault. You’re going to be so livid when you hear what’s going on.” Leaning over, I kiss his cheek. “I love you so much. The thought of losing you terrified the hell out of me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Don’t worry . . . cupcake,” he croaks out slowly.

Gasping, I jump to my feet and squeeze his hand. “Oh, my God, Jake.” He licks his dry lips and tries to open his eyes, grunting. I can tell it’s a huge effort. “You need to rest,” I murmur, cupping his face.

He licks his lips and clears his raspy throat. “You’re not . . . getting rid of me . . . that easily.”

I laugh and cry, all at the same time. “You’re damn right I’m not. I plan on us being together until we’re old and gray and everything sags. Nothing and no one is going to take that away from me.”

He tries to say something else, but his breathing slows and he’s out. Relief floods through me and I smile. Jake’s a fighter and he always has been. Bryan doesn’t know what he’s gotten himself into. Pulse racing, I pull out my phone. Provoking Bryan probably isn’t the best idea, but he needs to know he’s not going to win.

Me: I know it was you. If you try to go after my husband again, I’ll find you myself. I’m not the same sweet girl you once knew.

His reply comes instantly.

xxx-xxx-6334: A challenge, huh? I like this side of you, it turns me on. You’re more than welcome to come find me.

Me: Sick bastard. What the fuck do you want from me?

xxx-xxx-6334: I thought that was quite obvious. I want YOU and nothing’s going to stop me from getting what I want. I’ve waited too long to have what’s MINE.

My blood runs cold and my hands shake as my phone drops to the floor. I know it’s just a text, but I can feel the truth in it. Nothing’s going to stop him from getting what he wants, even if it means killing Jake and whoever else stands in his way.