Page 47 of Psycho Saints

"You dickhead," I whispered. "You scared the shit out of me."

A weak smile tugged at his lips. "Just wanted to keep you on your toes, kitten."

Before I could respond, the door burst open. Julian rushed in, followed closely by a doctor and two nurses. His eyes widened as he saw Cristian awake.

"Well, look who decided to join the land of the living," Julian quipped, but I could hear the relief in his voice.

The medical team swarmed around Cristian's bed, checking vitals and asking questions. I stepped back, giving them space to work. Tyrone, ever the boss, started barking orders at the staff, demanding updates and explanations.

Julian appeared at my side, holding out a paper-wrapped bundle. "Thought you might still be hungry. Got you a burrito from that place across the street."

I took it, mumbling thanks, but as the smell hit me, my stomach lurched. The room suddenly felt too warm, too crowded. Without a word, I bolted for the bathroom, barely making it in time.

As I retched into the toilet, I heard concerned voices from the other room. I rinsed my mouth and splashed water on my face, trying to compose myself before facing everyone again.

When I emerged, three pairs of eyes locked onto me. Even Cristian, still surrounded by medical staff, had his gaze fixed on me.

"Are you okay?" They asked almost in unison, concern etched on their faces.

I stared at them incredulously. Here was Cristian, barely conscious after nearly dying, and they were worried about me throwing up?

"Am I okay?" I repeated, shaking my head in disbelief. "Cristian just woke up from a coma, and you're asking if I'm okay?"

"Morning sickness kicking in, right? Or was that some death dream I had?" Cristian smirked, and I rolled my eyes.

"It's midday," Julian pointed out, and I snorted.

"Someone check her over too. She's pregnant," Tyrone ordered.

"It's nothing, I'm fine," I said dismissively, waving my hand in the air as if I could swat away their concerns. But Tyrone was having none of it. His dark eyes bore into me with an intensity that made me squirm. Before I could protest further, a nurse materialized at my side, gently guiding me to sit down.

As the nurse began checking me over, I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck. "I'm so sorry about this," I mumbled, but she just smiled kindly, seemingly unfazed by the whole situation.

"So, how long was I out this time?" Cristian asked, his voice still a bit raspy but undeniably alive. The familiar mischievous glint in his eyes made my heart skip a beat.

Julian laughed, a sound of pure relief that echoed through the room. "Long enough to give us all a scare, you dumbass," he replied, affection clear in his tone.

I couldn't help but smile, drinking in the sight of Cristian awake and animated. The fear that had gripped me began to loosen its hold. He was here, he was alive, and he was still very much himself.

The audacity of this man, I thought, shaking my head in disbelief. Only Cristian could wake up from a coma and immediately start cracking jokes. It was infuriating and endearing all at once, a combination that summed him up perfectly.

22

SCARLET

"We need to get a baby room in order," Cristian said, his voice still weak but filled with determination. "Time for a new place of residence. We'll need to move from the apartment. A child should be raised in a proper home."

I stared at him, mouth agape. The monitors beeped steadily in the background, a reminder of how close we'd come to losing him. Yet here he was, making plans like nothing had happened.

I couldn't believe my ears. It all left me speechless.

Tyrone nodded, his dark eyes gleaming with approval. "Agreed. The penthouse isn't suitable for a growing family."

"Once Cristian's home, we can start looking at new places. Something with a yard, perhaps?" Julian mused.

My head spun. They were talking about this so casually, as if Cristian hadn't just been fighting for his life less than an hour ago. As if I wasn't still reeling from the shock of it all – the attack, the pregnancy, the gunshot.

"I can't believe you're all talking about this right as soon as he's woken up," I blurted out, unable to contain my disbelief any longer.