“Nope.” She grabbed my shirt and kissed me hard. “I volunteered.”

“Is everyone okay? Dash?”

“Everyone is fine, and so is Dash.” She smiled as she kissed me again. “He handled surgery like a boss.”

I didn’t need the details to know he was likely shot protecting Lake. Thanking him and seeing for myself that he was okay couldn’t wait.

“Take me to see him.” She nodded and I gave her room to help her down. “Should I drive?”

“No, I got this,” she stated with a cocky undertone. I slid low in my seat and turned so I could watch her. She handled my car with ease, and I could feel my dick rock up just watching her drive.

“You’re really good at that.”

She glanced at me with a confused frown. “What?”

“Taking the driver’s seat. It’s sexy.” I used to thrive on her fear but seeing her be so…fearless—for lack of a better word—was even more exciting.

“My driving turns you on?” she asked incredulously.

“It was a metaphor, baby.”

“Oh,” she simply said, but the blush that colored her cheeks told me she was thinking a lot more than she let on.

“What are you thinking?”

“About your metaphor?”

“My metaphor made you blush?”

“No. I, umm… I just like when you call me baby. I haven’t heard it in a couple of weeks. It makes me feel like a virgin all over again.”

Yeah… My dick definitely likes that.

But instead of responding to my baser urges, I cleared my throat of the nerves that built up and got serious.

“How did you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Get away from him and get me released.”

“I fought like you told me to, and as far as your release, it was nothing more than quick thinking and a stroke of luck.” Her answer only spurred more questions rather than answer them.

“Explain. It’s a long ride to Summit. You might as well get it out of the way now.” She huffed and I knew I had her. I made her start with the morning she left the hearing up until she came to get me. I was torn between pride and anger at the risks she took to get the upper hand but decided not to get hung up on them.

By the time we made it to the hospital, I was completely on edge. I needed to get up there and see my best friend, but first, I had one more thing to do.

I jumped out as soon as she parked so I could open the door for her, and then I took her hand in mine and lifted her out. Once the door was closed, I backed her against it and shoved my fingers in her hair. I rested my forehead on hers and breathed her in as well as the knowledge that she was alive and stronger than ever. I searched for the right words, but only two came to mind.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For saving me… again.”

“Again?”

“Again,” I repeated. I couldn’t explain it, but I knew without her, I’d be either in prison or dead by now.

“Well, in that case, you’re welcome… again.” I smiled because no matter what, she would always be a handful. “Come on. I’m sure Dash is just as anxious to see you. I told him we were coming.”

We walked hand in hand as she led me to his room. When we reached his room, I saw Keenan in the corner whispering—likely something dirty—in Sheldon’s ear while she giggle and fingered his shirt. Ken sat in one of the chairs, clutching a tablet.

“Did the Ninjas save the day again?”

Her head popped up at the sound of my voice. Keenan and Sheldon also ceased their make out session. “Uncle Keke!” She tossed the tablet in the seat next to her and wiggled her way down to run over to me. I was ready for her and scooped her up. Lake casually disappeared inside Dash’s room. “Daddy said you were playing hide and seek. Did you win?”

I looked over her head and raised an eyebrow at my brother. He shrugged as he walked over with his arm around Sheldon. “It’s nice to see you walk among the free again.” His tone was light, but his searching gaze was heavy with uncertainty given the last time we spoke.

“I’m okay,” I offered and set Ken down. He didn’t look surprised that I read his mind. He nodded and let go of Sheldon to embrace me. Sheldon took her turn next, and when I let her go, the door to Dash’s room opened and Willow came out. She froze when she saw me but then rushed forward and threw her arms around me.

“I thought we lost you again,” she whispered.