“It’s coming, baby. You’re doing great.”

“I don’t have any equipment, Max, and even if I did I don’t have the training for this. He’s going to die and I can’t save him.” My hands shake so hard I can barely record Frank’s vitals.

Max strokes my back and talks in a low, encouraging voice. “You’re giving him a chance he never would have had. He’s lucky you are here.”

The ambulance arrives a few minutes later. I brief the paramedic, Ray, while his EMTs strap Frank to the stretcher and rush him out to the ambulance.

“You did a really great job of stabilizing him,” Ray says. “You should think about taking that next step and qualifying as a paramedic. We need good people. People who can think on their feet and can handle a job where you never know what’s coming next.”

I am barely listening. I can’t get the visual image of the “Daddy” penned on Frank’s wrist out of my mind. “He’s not going to make it, is he?”

Ray’s eyes soften. “That’s not our call. We do the best we can and then we move on. You did everything I would have done and then some. Rest easy.” He slams the door and the ambulance disappears down the street.

Max strokes his hand down my hair. His gentle touch undoes me. Tears trickle down my cheeks and the tail end of my adrenaline rush sends a shudder through my body. Max pulls me into his arms and I sob into his chest.

“It’s okay,” he whispers. “I won’t let you go.”

***

When I open my eyes, it is still dark. My clock reads three a.m. A soft breeze blows through my window, and my curtains flap gently against the glass. I am warm and relaxed, and I am not alone.

A strong arm is wrapped around me, nestled between my br**sts. A hard body is curled up against my back, holding me safe. I catch the scent of leather and soap and the faintest hint of citrusy cologne.

Max.

He breaths the slow, regular rhythm of sleep and yet his arm is locked tight around me. Not that I want to leave. Even though we are still in our clothes, I am almost giddy with the pleasure of being enveloped by his body.

“Go back to sleep, baby,” he murmurs. “I’ve got you.”

So he does. He’s had me since I cried in his arms. He took care of everything. Amanda is safe at her home and I am safe at mine.

“I thought you were asleep.”

He kisses my neck. “Not with your sweet body tucked up against me.”

“You don’t have to stay,” I whisper. “I’m okay now. It’s late—”

“You’re hurting. I’m staying. Now go to sleep.” He tightens his grip and pulls me closer to his chest. My body quivers at the sensation of his arm locked around me and the press of his belt buckle against my spine.

As if I could sleep with Max in my bed. “I thought you were angry with me.”

“I could never be angry with you.” He brushes my hair over my shoulder and peppers my neck with tiny kisses. “However, I am frustrated by your continual disregard for your own safety. Unreliable prepaid phone. Walking alone at night. Going to one of the most dangerous fight clubs in the city—”

I turn slightly and look back over my shoulder. “Is it that dangerous? For spectators I mean. I didn’t see any fighting happening outside the ring.”

Max sighs. “More goes on at the Geek Club than just fighting. I want you to promise you will never go there again.” There is an unmistakable edge to his voice, bordering on fear.

Well, that’s a no-brainer. I don’t want to watch the mindless destruction of good printers again. “Okay. I promise never to go again.”

Max grunts and rolls onto his back, pulling me with him. He arranges me against his body with my head on his shoulder, and my body plastered against his side. One arm snakes around my waist and the other rests on my hip. “Time to sleep.”

“Don’t want to sleep.” I rest my hand on his chest and slide it over his T-shirt. My fingers encounter something soft—a bandage. I bolt upright. “I forgot. You were hurt. Let me take a look.”

“I’m okay. I just need to rest and I need you to rest beside me.” He tugs my arm, but I shake him away.

“I have medical supplies in the kitchen. I’ll—”

He yanks my supporting arm and I fall down onto his chest. “I’m okay, baby. Relax.”

“Max, please.”

“Baby. Last time. Relax. Feeling you beside me is worth a hundred bandages.”

I exhale my annoyance and snuggle into his chest. My body softens against him and he gives my head a chaste kiss. Not really what I want, but he’s made it clear this is all I’m going to get.

A cuddle.

I’ve never dated a man who liked to cuddle, but I like it.

A lot.

***

Sorry I had to leave so early. Had to let maintenance crew into Redemption. Will be here all day.

Thank u 4 staying with me

Pleasure

I liked Max in my bed

I liked Makayla in my arms

I called the hospital. Frank is unconscious, but they think he’s going 2 b ok

Because of you

I didn’t do anything

Because of you

**blushes**

Dinner tonight?

Yes

My place?

Yes

Seven?

Yes

Lewis pick you up?

Yes

Agreeable today

Yes

Max likes yes

I know **winks**