Final Hours Read Online Free PDF

now, so I will have time enough to rest while Mac hunts down Guy. I want to
see that you are sent home first.” He reached for her, and flinched when he
raised his right arm. “Damn it.”
    “Kane.” Gently, she lowered his arm, held on to his wrist to
keep him from using it again. “You’re bleeding.” He glanced down, cursed again
at the blood staining his shirt. “Come on—you’re headed for a soft bed.”
    “You need to return—”
    “I can wait.” She focused on his wrist. “I don’t have anyone
to miss me, either.”
    Warm fingers cupped her chin, applied pressure until she met
his eyes. She wanted to cry at the kindness, the understanding she saw there.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were an orphan?”
    “The pity response. I didn’t want you to—” Elizabeth closed
her eyes briefly, forcing back the tears that threatened. “I didn’t want you to
look at me that way.”
    “Elizabeth.” His hand slid up to cradle her cheek. “I will
never look at you with anything less than awe. You have no idea, do you, how
strong you are under that beautiful façade.” She swallowed. “If I may, I would
humbly ask another favor of you.”
    “Okay,” she whispered, surprised any sound made it through
her tight throat.
    “Would you sit with me a while? I will rest easier, knowing
you are safe.”
    “Of course.” What he didn’t say screamed through her mind. Guy
could come back at any time—and he would not be happy to see her. “As long as
you actually do the resting part.”
    Kane kissed her again, this time on her cheek. “Deal.” He
touched her locket. “Family memento?”
    “My mom’s.” She found herself reaching up for it again, and
dropped her hand. “I don’t even like gold, or hearts, but I can’t seem to put
it aside.”
    “It was a part of her.” His fingers brushed her cheek.
“Holding on to our past is not always a negative thing.”
    He led her down the hall, his hand warm on hers. She never
wanted to let go.
    When they walked into Medical, techs swarmed around Kane,
pushing her aside until she stood alone. She found an empty chair and lowered
herself to it, every inch aching and exhausted.
    “Hey.” Mac stood next to her, a sweater in his hand. “You
look worn thin, sweetheart. Why don’t I find you a bed?”
    “Thank you.” She took the sweater and slipped it on. The decadently
soft cashmere warmed her chilled skin almost immediately. “I promised Kane I’d
sit with him, once he finally gave up and actually got into a bed.”
    “Then I’ll find you a soft, squishy chair to curl up in. Up
you get.” He lifted her to her feet, tucked one hand in the crook of his arm.
“Are you hungry? Can I get you anything to eat or drink?”
    “Maybe some water. Would it be possible to get some paper
and a pencil? Scratch paper would be fine,” she said. “But if you can’t, it’s
not a—”
    “Paper and pencil. I believe I can scrounge some up for
you.” Mac led her to the door on the other side of the room, and into what
looked like a hospital.
    “Mac—what are you doing here?” A woman in blue nurse’s
scrubs stepped out from behind a waist high desk. “Oh—is this her? The one who
brought Kane back? He’s waiting for you, last room on the left. No,” she
grabbed Mac’s free arm, halting him. “You’re not invited.”
    “But I’m—”
    “Whatever you’re fetching for her can be left at the desk.
I’ll make sure she gets it. You know the rules, Mac. Now shoo.”
    “Fine.” He turned to Elizabeth. “You need anything,
sweetheart, send me a message through the dragon lady.”
    “Funny.” The nurse waved her hands at him, fighting a smile.
“Go—I know you’re on shift. Don’t get on Dr. K’s hit list over something like
this. I’ll take good care of Kane’s woman.”
    Elizabeth blushed. “I’m not—”
    “Right. You can sort it out later. He won’t sleep until he
sees you.” She took Elizabeth by the arm and all but marched her down to