Chapter 14
Rory stayed with Bond in the hospital all night. The ER doctor had insisted he stay overnight for observation, and Rory refused to leave him. The idea he’d failed this man he loved sat like a stone in his gut. All that crap he’d given him about protecting him with his life and then not doing it shamed him.
Bond stirred, and Rory was up at his bedside on the instant.
“Top of the mornin’ to ya,” Rory said, unable to stop taking hold of his less injured hand and pressing his lips to it. The right one, the one that had held the cell phone, was splinted and bandaged. He looked down at caramel-colored eyes and was relieved at how clear they looked today.
“Hi, yourself”—Bond squeezed back and smiled—”so glad you’re here.”
“How do ya feel? Your nose is bruised and swollen, and ya h
