“But you don’t even know me,” she whispers.
“I know all I need to know right now. The rest can come later,” I tell her, giving her a grin.
Before she can protest, the door opens and the room instantly fills with the doctor, nurses, and family, as they all want to set eyes on my woman.
For the first time in what feels like forever, I can breathe.
Chapter Ten
Jordan
“Wanna know why I call you Honey? Because you’re the first woman I’ve wanted to make my own. And badgers love honey, so I figured it was fitting to call you something that I love. Because, babe, I’ve loved you since the first time you bumped into me. I just didn’t know it then.” His words come back to me. I thought it had all been just a dream.
Why is he doing this to me? I’m not this person he seems to have in his head. I’m nothing, and that’s all I’ll ever be. He deserves someone who can hold their head up high without the fear of doing something wrong hovering over them.
I’m about to protest when the door flies open. Nurses and the doctor rush into the room followed by several people, including my mom and brothers.
My heart feels like it’s about to come through my chest at all the people in here. I’m not used to the attention being directly on me. Well, besides when I’m dancing. But even then, it’s not directly on me but what I’m doing.
“Alright, everyone chill the hell out.” Badger’s voice booms throughout the room.
“I need everyone out of the room,” the doctor says. Narrowing my eyes, I try to see the name on his badge but he’s too far away.
“That’s not happening,” Dragon grumbles.
“I’m sorry, but I need the room to speak with my patient in confidence, meaning everyone besides the nurses need to leave,” the doctor demands.
“That’s not happening,” Badger retorts as he stands up to face the doctor, crossing his arms. “In fact, I think I’d prefer if Dr. Connors is the one checking on her.”
“I have to agree with my brother on that,” Dragon states as he moves forward.
“Well, Dr. Connors isn’t a doctor on staff here at this hospital, so you will have to take it up with the Director. 'Til then, Jordan is a patient of mine who just woke up after being in a coma for a month. Now, please step out of the room so that I may speak with my patient,” the doctor says, his voice becoming annoyed by the second.
“It’s okay. Let him do his job,” I say, coming to the doctor’s defense, knowing what it’s like to deal with the difficulties of families who want things done a certain way.
“Babe, I’m not leaving,” Badger states angrily.
“Please, just go,” I murmur softly.
“Not happening.” Gritting his teeth, Badger stands firm.
Knowing it’s frivolous to try and argue with him or anyone else right now, I lean back against the pillow with a huff.
“How about we step right outside the door, that way we’re close,” my mother suggests from where she’s standing with Dragon and Gadget. It’s strange seeing her standing with them like it is a normal thing that happens every day.
“Fine,” Gadget mutters, pointing a finger toward the doctor, then Badger. “Watch him,” he orders.
“Great, just fuckin’ great. I go from one controlling asshole to a bunch more. Why can’t you all do what the damn doctor says and leave for five fucking minutes?” By the time I finish, I’m yelling.
“Deirfiúr, calm down. We’re not trying to be controlling assholes, as you want to call us. We want to protect you and can’t do that if we’re not near you,” Dragon rasps. Glancing in his direction, my chest aches at the sadness in his eyes.
This is why I didn’t want anyone to know about my life and what I was going through. I don’t want anyone to feel pity toward me or guilt over not doing something about it.
Without saying another word, I nod in his direction before looking back at the doctor. “Just do what you have to do,” I tell him.
“Are you sure?” he asks remorsefully. “I can call security.”
“Good luck with that,” I hear Badger mutter under his breath.
Rolling my eyes at Badger, I give the doctor my answer. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Okay.” Sighing, the doctor goes about asking me the generic routine questions I’ve heard plenty of times working at the hospital. Then he examines my body, earning a growl from more than just Badger as he lifts the blanket to check my ribs. Evidently, I was in worse shape than I thought.
By the time he finished doing his poke and probe, I was ready to fall back to sleep, exhaustion creeping up on me.
“Get some rest, Jordan,” the doctor says before leaving the room.
“I don’t like that fucker,” Gadget grumbles as he moves toward the side of the bed opposite Badger.
“Same here. Something about him isn’t right,” Badger mutters, sitting back down on the side of the bed.
I’m sure I shouldn’t enjoy having him sit beside me, but it feels nice having him close.
“I think you all are overreacting,” I mutter, closing my eyes in an attempt to ignore them.
“Sweetheart, they’re just looking out for you,” my mom says softly.
“Yeah, well, I don’t want anyone looking out for me,” I mutter to myself.
“Quit that shit, babe,” Badger seethes.
“Don’t tell me what to do,” I huff, narrowing my eyes on him.
“How about you just get some rest? When you wake up, we’ll discuss all this shit,” Badger says, leaning forward he kisses my lips.
“So happy you’re awake, sweetheart. Just rest for now. Everything else can wait 'til later,” my mom says, squeezing by my brothers to hug me.
“Thanks, Momma.” I lift my good arm up to hug her back.
“Anything for my baby,” she whispers.
“Come on, Cara. Let’s leave Jordan alone,” Dragon says gently to my mom. It’s weird hearing him be gentle with anyone besides Connors.
“Okay, child, let’s go.”
“Swear, she calls us child one more time, I’m gonna scream,” Gadget mutters.
“I suggest you hush, child, before I put you over my knee. I might not be your momma by blood, but I’ll be treating you like my children now that you’re part of my daughter's life,” Momma informs them in the mom voice I rarely get to hear her use.
“Cara, I’m sure our mam wouldn’t mind. But shit, we’re twice your size coming up to our chest. I mean, seriously, what are you? You can’t be more than five foot two,” Gadget jokes, causing me to laugh then groan at the pain.
“Honey, you alright?” Badger asks instantly.
“Yeah, I’m fine, just sore,” I say, turning my focus on him.
“Go to sleep. I’ll be here keeping the monsters at bay,” he whispers as he places his forehead against mine.
“Okay,” I whisper in response, staring into his eyes, feeling the intensity of his words.
Finally, I close my eyes and nod off, knowing for once in my life I can really be safe. I only hope it can last.