Page 62 of Built of Flames
“Close your eyes, Bella. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
He should go home. Sleep in his bed. The danger was over.
But she couldn’t say any of it, and as she slipped into sleep, she heard him.
“I want to be here every time you wake up.”
Mitch held her hand as Bella slept. Peacefully. She might have nightmares and he wanted to be there if she did, but for now, a slight smile tipped her lips.
The fear that had been gnawing at Mitch’s belly since they’d realized Roberto’s home was on fire had finally eased. She was alive and her injuries would heal.
Kent was in jail, and they’d get the entire story later. Find out if he’d acted alone or if he had a partner.
He imagined Tess would input the data into a spreadsheet once she spoke to Bella. If Speers didn’t talk, they’d figure it out.
The door swung open again, and Roberto stepped in. He nodded quickly at Mitch, but his gaze moved to the bed immediately.
As he saw Bella breathing easily, Mitch watched relief soften their friend’s features and tears fill his eyes.
Mitch stood and shook Roberto’s hand, then pulled him in for a hug. This man had been a mentor to all of them, but he’d been even more for Bella. A father figure when her own wasn’t filling that role.
“She’s okay, Roberto. She woke up a bit ago and then drifted off again. Still sleeping off the surgery.”
A shudder ran through his friend, and Mitch held on for a long moment.
When Roberto pulled away, he turned to Bella again. “My poor girl. At least she’s not alone this time.”
Mitch nodded. “She’ll never be alone again.”
Roberto’s grin lit up the room. “Now, that’s something I’ve been waiting to hear for a lot of years. Finally figured it out, did you?”
Mitch chuckled. “Finally.”
“You’ve got a crew waiting to see you in the waiting room down the hall. They won’t let anyone back here because visiting hours are over.”
“Over, are they? And how did you get back here then?”
Roberto’s eyes twinkled. “I’ve got some charm left in this old body.”
Mitch laughed. Roberto might be closing in on retirement, but he was as fit as any recruit. He’d taken recovery seriously after his heart attack.
Roberto continued. “Afri’s taking the first overnight shift. Paul is up next. When visiting hours start, everyone wants to come by. This time, they’re going to do it right.”
Mitch nodded and swallowed the emotion. She’d been so alone last time. This time, they’d all make sure she knew how very much she meant to them all.
“Go see your friends and give me some time with my girl. I’ll be here when you come back.”
Mitch wasn’t surprised to find the waiting room full of the entire Midnight Lake group. Along with Troy and his cousin Ginny. They all popped out of their seats when he walked into the room.
Aisling pulled him into a hug, and the men all slapped him on the back. Everyone asked questions at once.
Sam whistled softly, and everyone stopped talking and laughed. “Let the man talk.”
“She’s okay. Well, she will be. Broken arm and a shoulder burn. Sore throat from smoke inhalation, but everything is healing well and she’ll be fine.” To his surprise, his voice was shaky by the time he finished speaking.
Tansy hugged him and held on tight. “I’m so glad. Thank you for taking care of her.”
Graham patted him on the shoulder again. “Okay, now sit down and tell us everything.”