“No.”

  The single clenched word told me otherwise and I chuckled softly, ignoring the pain shooting through me.

  “Oh, this is priceless.” The irony was hard to ignore and my chuckle grew into full-blown laughter. “And so damn worth this.”

  “Maybe you lost your mind in the explosion too. Goddammit, Santos, you have to get better,” he rasped through gritted teeth.

  “Oh, boy. I think you’re about to get the taste of sweet Anya’s Latina side, because it’s clear you’re clueless about who my sister is.”

  Two quiet moments passed.

  “I’ve never seen someone’s temper flare so fast,” he muttered under his breath, almost as if he were speaking to himself. However, it was all I needed to envision the situation.

  “Bring her back home,” I said. “You went about this all wrong, and it’s time you admit it, Jet.”

  “She’s my wife.” The cold tone crept through the room, and so did his stubbornness. “I’ll make all this right, and you… for fuck’s sake, Santos, you have to get your vision back. I threatened the doctors and…”

  He trailed off, clearly despairing. It might have been wrong, but suddenly, I didn’t want my vision to return soon. I wanted this motherfucker to suffer, and he would. I knew my sister enough to know that when she reached a pissed-off point, there was no return from it.

  I could practically envision her setting him on fire, throwing away the match, and walking away with a sweet, slightly crazy smile on her face. It might make me petty—fucking sue me—but I relished in it.

  We sat there in silence, and I wasn’t exactly sure why he was here, but I suspected he was lost in his own thoughts.

  “I am sorry,” he said, breaking the silence. “And not only because it backfired, but also because you got hurt. That was never the intent.”

  “Apology not accepted.”

  He let out a breath. “I figured, but I am sorry and grateful that you protected Amara, which leads me to my next to-do item.”

  “I don’t follow.”

  “I’m sorry for the few encounters we’ve had as well,” he continued. “My sister is a grown woman, and she’s always been capable of making her own choices. It was her choice to make, not mine.”

  “Well, she chose me anyway, so you only delayed the inevitable.”

  “Holidays are going to be awkward as fuck,” he grumbled.

  “Not if you’re not invited.”

  He chuckled, but there was no humor in it. “I deserved that one.”

  “And more,” I pointed out.

  The scraping of the chair against the hospital floor told me he was getting up, and my grip tightened on the knife. He might have apologized, but it didn’t mean I trusted him.

  However, the echo of his footsteps grew distant and I slightly relaxed.

  “Jet,” I called out.

  “Yes?”

  “Does Anya want to leave you?” I questioned.

  “I’m not sure, she’s too busy throwing shit at me and trying to kill me to voice her plans,” he grumbled.

  My lips twitched. That was my sister alright. “A word of advice: If she wants to leave, let her.”

  “I really am sorry, Santos,” was his answer, choosing not to comment on my advice.

  The door shut with a soft click, and I knew he was gone. The worry for my sister remained, but suddenly, I felt lighter because I knew Anya could handle Jet, and if I were a betting man, I’d wager that it wouldn’t end well for the fucker.

  Gabriel

  The days came and went, the hospital routine giving me way too much time to think, and that alone was enough to make me insane. My sight was still useless. The doctors insisted it would take time, yet I’d seen no improvements in the days and weeks that had passed. It was hard not to despair. I kept imagining the future, and it didn’t look very bright and colorful. Literally and metaphorically.

  My brother claimed it would return, and Sailor suggested I see a therapist. Although, what I would talk to a shrink about was beyond me.

  But on a positive note, my shoulder had healed very nicely.

  The door to the room opened, and I had to swallow a bark of frustration. I had never felt so helpless in my entire fucking life and the adjustment was hard. I hid it, sending guilt that haunted Amara and what I hated more than my sightless condition was knowing she beat herself up for it.

  “Ahhh, there’s my uncle.” Nikola’s voice filled the space. “He looks like an uncle, doesn’t he, Matteo? Although I have to say, I’m a bit disappointed not to see you in a hospital gown. I was so ready to commemorate the moment.”

  I sighed, preparing for an exhausting conversation. At least the fucker wouldn’t have a photo of me in those idiotic hospital gowns with my butt hanging out. Small mercies.

  “What the fuck are you two doing here?”

  “Now, now, is that any way to greet your nephew?” Nikola drawled, the sound of his cane following behind him. Although, it sounded as if he wasn’t using it for every step he took.

  “It’s certainly not a way to greet your friend,” Matteo piped in, dragging a chair forward. “But I can understand it when it comes to your annoying nephew.”

  I chuckled. “Hello, you two annoying assholes.”

  A gasp echoed, bouncing against the walls. “Did you hear that, Matteo? He fucking called us annoying.”

  “I was more bothered by him calling us assholes,” Matteo said, although there was no bite to his words.

  “Not me,” Nikola piped in. “I’m used to it.”

  I scoffed. “So nice to see…” My voice caught, and I had to clear my throat before continuing. “Thanks for visiting me, you two.”

  “How are you holding up?” Nikola asked.

  “Just great,” I retorted dryly. “Everything is perfect. My sister is still missing, I can’t see shit, and I’m still stuck in this hospital.”

  “Look at the bright side,” Nikola said slowly. “You finally got Amara. That was the longest courting I’ve ever witnessed.”

  “It doesn’t compare to yours, Nikola.” Matteo snickered before turning serious again. “You’ve always looked at things from the bright side, Gabriel, so I think it’s important not to stop now.”

  “Yeah, I’m trying real fucking hard.” I couldn’t see them, but I imagined them sharing a glance, exchanging silent words of what to do next. “What? Why are you not saying anything?”

  “Listen, Gabe, I’m your nephew and friend, and I want you to remember your advice.”

  I sighed. “Are you really doing this right now?”

  “Damn right, I am,” Nikola gritted. “You helped get me out of my self-pity, and while you seem to be doing much better than my dumb ass, I can also imagine the despair in you. I’ve been there and done that. It’s important to keep an optimistic attitude like you usually do. In fact, annoy the fuck out of all of us with it.”

  I snorted. “If I knew my payback was coming, I would have kept my mouth shut, Nikola.”

  “What Nikola is trying to say,” Matteo piped in, “is that you have family and a woman who’s standing by you. Focus on that, and everything else will follow.”

  “Things must be bad if both of you are pampering me with personal advice and life lessons,” I grumbled.

  “Not at all, but I’m sure this situation isn’t easy for you,” Matteo replied. “We’re here for you.”

  “Gabriel, you need a distraction, and that shit won’t happen in the hospital,” Nikola chimed. “So I suggest you get Amara in here, have her lock the door, and you two fuck each other until your vision comes back.”

  “Why in the fuck did I bring you along?” Matteo hissed.

  “I brought you along, Matteo,” Nikola deadpanned. “He’s my uncle, not yours.”

  “I swear I’ve never heard you refer to me as your uncle as much in my entire life as I have today⁠.”

  “Well, you are my uncle, old man.”

  “This is not helping,” I muttered.

  Nikola must have opened his mouth to speak, because Matteo cut in, “I swear to God, Nikola, if you say one more thing, I’m going to kill you.”

  “Fine, fine… but I think Gabe and Amara fucking until his vision comes back is good advice.”

  “Yeah, if I wanted to chafe,” I grumbled. “Besides, it’s not like I can see what I’m doing.”

  Silence followed, stretching for a long moment.

  “What can we do to—?” Matteo asked.

  “No, fuck that,” Nikola interrupted. “Your other senses are heightened, Gabriel. Take advantage of that and learn from it, and continue as your old self because you are still that. Eyes or no.”

  “Amara’s going to fucking kill you, Nikola,” Matteo said, exasperated. “She specifically said not to upset him.”

  My lips twitched despite my somber mood. “I think I might shed a tear as I listen to her kick your ass, Nikola.”

  Nikola snickered. “I would never hurt a woman, but I might hurt you, Uncle.”

  “I finally understand your sentiment, Nikola, and those words you gave me after your accident…” I answered honestly. “I’m struggling with the idea of someone like Amara—so alive, sharp, and beautiful—being stuck with me.”

  “Too late,” Nikola said somberly. “Because I don’t think that woman is going anywhere, and her mothers—so weird, by the way—are already planning the wedding.”

  “For the love of God, Gabriel, don’t piss off Liana Volkov,” Matteo muttered. “We’ll be on your side, but please try not to let it come to that.”

  “Unless…” I could hear Nikola shift, and he cleared his throat uncomfortably. “Unless you don’t want this marriage.”

  I let out a sardonic breath. “I do… so fucking much,” I admitted. “I just don’t like how it came about. The furthest thing from romance I could possibly think of.”

  “Tough shit,” Nikola said.

  “Exactly. You think how my marriage came about was romantic?” Matteo agreed. “Most of the marriages in our world come about in a fucked-up way. Look at my parents, look at yours. So, guess what? You treat her well, love her, and make her happy, and that’s all that matters.”

  “Unless you want to let someone else marry Amara?” Nikola baited.

  “You’re really pissing me off, nephew.” My voice was dark. “Any man who touches her will die.”

  I clenched my teeth, the mere idea making me sick to my stomach.

  “Ahh, the Colombian is finally coming around.” Nikola seemed way too pleased with himself. “Trust your Latin roots, Uncle, and just use Amara as your partner, sight or not. You love her, she loves you… It’s quite simple.”

  “She loves you, your persistence and charm, not your eyes,” Matteo added. “I know we hate emotions and want to be the force that protects the ones we love, but the fact of the matter is that our women are strong and capable. So let’s fucking treat them as equals.”

  It was how I felt too, but it didn’t diminish the slight feeling of inferiority now that I was blind.

  “Thank you both for visiting me,” I said, pushing my hand through my hair. “This conversation is over.”

  “But—” Nikola, forever trying to be the annoying one.

  “But nothing. I want Amara here, not you two bozos.” I heard the two shuffle, and I added, “Thank you both. This helped.”

  I could hear their collective sighs. “Anything,” Nikola drawled. “Now, get to work, Uncle.”

  “See you, Gabe,” Matteo said, then the door shut softly behind them, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

  Alone, I pondered on Nikola’s and Matteo’s words long after they left. The doctors and nurses came and left, and I still couldn’t shake off the worry of what the future would look like if my vision didn’t return.

  The door creaked open and her familiar scent wafted through the air.

  “Ah, my future wife,” I greeted her.

  “How did you know?”

  “Your perfume. Besides, nobody walks quite like you do.”

  She chuckled, pulling a chair over. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she demanded, her small hand taking mine.

  I shrugged. “You have a specific way that you walk. It’s a good thing.”

  “I’ll take your word for it.” Our fingers intermingled. “How did the visit with Matteo and Nikola go?”

  “Okay.”

  A heartbeat passed before she asked, “Just okay?”

  I considered my words carefully, not wanting to sound like a wimp. But I also didn’t want to lie and pretend that everything was normal. If this thing between us was going to work, we’d need to have a heart-to-heart conversation and be partners in everything, including emotions.

  “I think you deserve better than me,” I said honestly. “The idea of you with anyone else kills me, but we have to be honest. I cannot give you everything, and I certainly can’t protect you in my condition.”

  “Firstly, I’m perfectly capable of protecting myself and you,” she retorted wryly. “Secondly, I don’t want anyone else.”

  Selfishly, I liked what she said, although I didn’t think she was seeing the whole picture of what our future would be.

  “How the hell am I going to make love to you?”

  She didn’t answer, letting go of my hand. Silence stretched, and with it my anxiety, but I couldn’t take back the words. The truth was that it did worry me how in the hell I would pleasure the woman I love.

  “Don’t look for excuses, Gabriel,” she finally said somberly. “We’ll explore our senses together. In fact, if you’re up for it, let’s start now.”

  “Woman, I’m always up for it, but⁠—”

  She put her finger over my mouth, shushing me.

  “No buts. I locked the door.” I felt the bed dip, and then she straddled me, her body heat hovering above me. “I’ll put a blindfold over my eyes and we’ll fumble through this together. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “The only thing you tell me is if your injuries bother you, and we’ll stop.”

  Her fingers roamed my body, sending shudders through me every time her knuckles brushed against my skin. Her hands worked on the buttons of my shirt, leaving it open as she dragged her palms down my chest and abs until she reached my pants.

  “Your body is so hard,” she murmured. She adjusted over me, her wet heat smearing over me, sending blood rushing through my body. My hands came to her hips and found her naked already.

  “Fuck, preciosa,” I rasped. “Give me a warning next time.”

  Tentatively, with a featherlight touch, she brushed her fingers over my chest.

  “Noted,” she murmured, her lips finding mine, and we kissed—deep, wet, and messy. Our teeth clanked, our tongues danced, and I could feel her slippery pussy smearing her wetness over my abs.

  She brushed her mouth over the scar, peppering kisses over my chest.

  “I love you,” she murmured against my skin, her lips trailing down my neck, and my chest exploded with emotions. I waited years to finally hear those words from her and now that she offered them, I wasn’t strong enough to resist her.

  I couldn’t—wouldn’t—let her go.

  Her hand shook as she struggled with the zipper. Finally tugging it down, she pushed the pants down my thighs, her fingers fumbling slightly, and something about it made me hard as a rock. My cock sprung forward, hard and ready for her, and her small hand wrapped around my throbbing length.

  “Fuck, that feels good.” I let out a guttural sound. “I love you too, Amara. So fucking much that I don’t think I can breathe without you.” My hands reached her breasts and I worshipped them, pinching her nipples. She arched into my touch, a moan slipping through her lips.

  “No more talk about letting me go,” she said, and the air stilled, my heart threatening to come out of my chest.

  “I can’t let you go, preciosa,” I rasped. “Even if I wanted to—and I don’t.”

  She leaned over, resting her forehead against mine.

  “We might argue and disagree on a lot of things, but the two of us will do it together… as partners.”

  My hands found her face and I held it gently, guiding her lips to mine.

  “Together,” I echoed. “Forever.”

  My palms gripped her jaw as I pressed my mouth to hers. My tongue swept across her lower lip, wet and messy, and her mouth parted, welcoming me. Our tongues slid against each other in perfect harmony. Lazy and sweet. Delicious and sinful.

  She moaned into my mouth and her fingers dug into my hair.

  My hand trailed a featherlight touch down the curve of her neck and all the way down her stomach until it reached its destination. The pad of my thumb put pressure on her clit, and I felt slick wetness trickle down my abs.

  “I need your pussy strangling my cock,” I groaned, my breath hot against her lips.

  We fumbled, my hand reaching between us as I took my hard dick and guided it to her hot entrance, rubbing it up and down her wetness.

  Her entrance clenched around the tip of my cock. She put one hand on my chest and took me in hand with the other. My tip found her entrance and she began lowering down, the wet heat clenching around me.

  My hands found her hips and I thrust up, impaling her fully. My balls instantly tightened, lust shooting through me, ready to explode.

  “Fuck, that feels good,” she panted, her mouth latching on to my neck. She rolled her hips, my cock sliding in and out of her, our bodies slick with sweat, flesh smacking against flesh in an erotic dance. Her breasts smashed against my chest, her moans and my grunts bouncing off the walls of the hospital room.

  My pelvis ground against her clit, and with each thrust, her moans got louder.