Page 65 of Ride

A mischievous grin was pinned to his mouth.

“You’re okay.” Tears stained my cheeks.

“Pepper, I’m good.”

“Laikin!” Kayne wiggled in Winter’s arms to get down.

“What’s up, lil man.” Laikin stiffly moved in the bed, as the nurse checked him out.

“What happened? Is he hurt?”

The nurse scratched something out on the chart and wrote a new number. “Mr. Trenton is fine—a little sore, but good overall.”

Kayne laid on his chest.

I leaned down, kissing him gently on the forehead. “You scared the hell out of me, Laikin.”

“Pepper, don’t play give me a real kiss.” Laikin grunted.

“You need to be careful.” I puckered my lips, gazing into his eyes.

“Oh, Mommy! You kissed!” Kayne teased.

“Sorry to worry you, things change so fast, and I lost control for a second.” Laikin helped Kayne get off the bed.

“Winter, do you mind taking Kayne home?”

Winter sat up from the couch and grasped Kayne’s hand. “Glad you’re good, bro.” Winter gave him a hug.

“I’m going to stay here tonight.”

Laikin captured both of my palms. “Baby, look at me.”

I sat on the edge of his bed. “I genuinely thought my life was over.”

Laikin reached up to wipe tears from my face. “Never leaving you, sorry to scare you. Love you.” His fingers slid over my knuckles.

“I know.”

“Malik is in the lobby. I sent a statement to the press already. Glad you’re okay, Laikin.” Sarai tapped him on shoulder.

“Thanks, Sarai.”

“Get some rest?—”

Suddenly, the door burst open. We heard a loud, squeaky voice, and security yelling.

“He’s my man!” Callie screamed.

“She can't be serious,” Sarai spat, marching out of the room.

I jumped up to follow, but Laikin yanked me down.

“Laikin, let me go.”

“No, ignore her.”

“Ignore her! Are you serious?”