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Michael tensed at lanced up at him as he crossed his arms over his chest

Yeah, he wasn’t leaving anytime soon

“I could leave,” Emery offered

Vaughn gave her a slight shake of his head and then turned to the nurse “Mabel, is it?” He flashed her a rare but beautiful smile “Surely you won’t deny them their chance to visit? Their best friend was shot, and they’re scared They need some reassurance”

Mabel exhaled heavily under his potent stare “Fine They can stay But keep it down Ms McGuire needs her rest”

Cooper clapped Vaughn on the back and then leaned over to give his wife a quick kiss His eyes came to me “I’ll see you soon, Wonder Woman”

I rolled my eyes but nodded

Vaughn surprisedover to the bed to press a kiss to my forehead “Glad you’re okay I don’t knohat she’d do without you” He nodded at Bailey

I gave him a fond smile of thanks

Once the men—with the exception of Michael, of course—had departed, the girls pulled up seats around my bed Once they had reassurances from me that I was okay, they chatted about the events of the last twenty-four hours Their voices washed overallsleep

Whispers filtered intoainst the light

My vision cleared and I took in the hospital roo that Freddie Jackson had shot me

Last tiirls and Michael had been in the room with me

Noas surrounded

I guess Mabel had lost her battle against the force of the McGuires