His dark eyes focus on mine. “I don’t want to leave you.”

“I’m fine. Some of them have basically camped out for days waiting to get a glimpse of you.”

He grips my hand tight. “You are my focus right now.”

“One of them helped me out there. A woman named Becky. She gave me a bottle of water.” I lick my dry lips. “She’s your biggest fan.”

For a moment, he hesitates.

“Josh. I’ll be fine. I’m not going anywhere. Can you do it? Please? For me? I don’t want anyone else collapsing.”

He nods slowly. “For you. I’d do anything right now if it made things right between us. I fucking love you.”

“I love you, too. Fighting with you sucks.”

Josh stands, raising his free hand to my cheek and grazing his knuckles down it. “When I get back, we’ll talk. Are you sure I’ll be safe?”

I shrug. “I have no idea.”

“I’d better kiss you goodbye then.”

His kiss is soft and gentle, and when I close my eyes, all I feel is his love.

The thought of not belonging here still circles me like a vulture, but when he just shows me he loves me, the barrier between us crumbles.

“I won’t be long. Make sure you have something to drink.”

“Yes, boss.”

His grin makes me laugh. “That’s right. I am. So stay here and do as you’re told.”

“Oooh I hope you know what it does to me when you’re being all dominant.” I laugh harder as his eyes widen. “It’s a joke. You know I’m in charge.”

He shakes his head. “I should have known that was too good to be true. Be back soon.”

I do as I’m told and take a sip of water before settling down on the pillows.

Closing my eyes, I enjoy the cool air flowing over me. Sleep pulls at me, and even though I don’t want to, I slide into its grip.

“Delaney?”

I open my eyes to see Becky approaching the bed. She’s as white as a sheet, and her mouth is hanging open.

“You really are his girlfriend.”

“I thought you might like to see her,” Josh says as he follows her into the room.

“Yes. Thank you.”

He walks to me, leans over and kisses the top of my head. “I told Becky how grateful I am that she helped you. I’m not sure she really believed it.”

Becky sits on the side of the bed. “I thought that was a story to get past the guard. What an asshole, not letting you in.”

“Reece got rid of him. I was ready to kill him, but Reece spoke to the big boss at the security company and had that guard moved on.”

“Do you mean he lost his job?” I ask.