Deadly Ever After (Hardy Brothers Security Book 6) Read Online Free Page B

you’re going to do it,” James said. “I’m the one who was shot. I get what I want tonight, and what I want is you right here.” James extended his arm and pointed to the open spot he’d made. “Right now.”
    “James.”
    “You know, we went through this a few months ago when you were hurt,” James said. “You were hurt a lot worse. A lot worse, baby. You wanted me to touch you even though it really hurt you. It doesn’t hurt me, and I want you in my arms. Now, don’t make me yell.”
    Mandy shuffled closer to him, cautiously resting her head against his shoulder as he secured his arm around her back.
    “If you move after I fall asleep, I’ll know,” James warned. “Then I’m going to yell at you tomorrow morning.”
    “I won’t move,” Mandy said. “I’ll be right here.”
    “You’re going to stay awake all night to make sure you don’t accidentally hit my shoulder, aren’t you?”
    “Yes.”
    James was exasperated. “We’re going to talk about this in the morning,” he said. “We’re going to have a really big fight. Just be prepared.”
    “Go to sleep,” Mandy said, her voice soft as she kissed his strong jaw.
    “A big fight,” James murmured, sleep winning the battle again.
    “I love you,” Mandy whispered.
    “I love you, too,” James said. “We’re still going to fight, and you’re going to lose.”

Four
    Mandy’s head was still resting on his chest when James woke up a little after nine the next morning. He was purposely still, hoping to give her more time to rest before facing the day. Something told him she’d had a long night. As hard as she fought falling asleep, though, she’d been unable to win the ultimate battle. That gave him a small measure of comfort.
    James reached over, brushing the tousled blonde hair away from her face so he could get a better look at her in the early morning light. Her eyes were still slightly puffy, but he was fairly certain she hadn’t succumbed to tears again while he was out.
    He didn’t want her to cry. He couldn’t take it when she cried. The thought of even a little bit of misery touching her heart was too much for him.
    He felt her shift next to him, her legs extending as she stretched. He watched as consciousness claimed her, internally sighing as she bolted to a sitting position and glanced around guiltily.
    “Don’t bother,” he said, his tone dry. “I’m already awake, and you didn’t accidentally maul me or hurt me in my sleep.”
    Mandy leaned over, resting her weight on her elbow. “Are you okay?”
    “No.”
    Mandy furrowed her brow. “You’re not? What do you need? Do you need me to change your bandage? Do you want more of the pain meds? Do you need help getting into the bathroom? Do you think it’s infected? Do you need me to call the doctor?”
    “I need you to chill,” James said.
    Hurt flashed in the depths of Mandy’s eyes. “Oh.”
    “Don’t look at me like that,” James warned.
    “Like what?”
    “Like that,” James said, forcefully pulling Mandy’s head back down to his chest. “I didn’t mean to snap at you.”
    “You’re allowed,” Mandy said. “I shouldn’t have fallen asleep.”
    “Why not?”
    “Because you might have needed something.”
    “I was dead to the world,” James said. “I have a feeling you were awake for hours after I was already gone. Why is anyone’s guess. Only your busy mind has the answer to that.”
    “You were shot,” Mandy reminded him.
    “Oh, really? I forgot.”
    “You’re not funny.”
    “I’m not trying to be funny,” James said. “I’m trying to get you to relax.”
    Mandy was quiet for a minute, letting James pet the back of her head. The perfect morning moment didn’t last long. “Are you hungry?”
    “No,” James said, grimacing as the sound of his stomach growling betrayed him. “Maybe a little.”
    “I can make you breakfast,” Mandy offered. “You need nourishment. You need fuel to recover.”
    “I need you more,” James