Saving Sin

Chapter 4

Waking up in the hospital bed was probably the hardest part .

My father, brothers and Mars crowding around the bed, each showing a similar sign of alarm.

I wanted to roll my eyes at their theatrics and then I remembered that I was lying in a hospital bed.

I had been shot before, but never to a point where the guys couldn't bandage me up. I looked down at Mars . He was sitting on the side of the bed, head down but hand holding mine.

"Hey you." My voice came out scratchy and parched, the way my throat felt.

Everyone's heads shot up, Mars's grip on my hand tightened and Asher stopped his conversation with Eli.

There were so many things flashing in their eyes . So many questions, so many statements. I wasted no time at all and spoke.

"I'm okay , how's my baby girl?"

I looked to Asher and he smiled giving a quick nod.

"The trooper asked about you this morning , but she's fine, a smart ass like her momma but fine."

I smiled . I was glad Kennah wasn't worried with this mess. I wanted her to remain innocent and smiling, as long as possible.

I looked at Mars again and prepared to ask the question that put me in this predicament.

"Baby who took the shot?"

My voice was steel and a much needed answer was due.

I watched as Mars hesitated to speak, and this alone made me twitch in anticipation.

"Babe, you see-"

"I took the shot. And I'd do it again for you anyday, their life compared to yours will always be minor."

My father spoke swiftly, dismissing any chances for a refute.

"He's dead?"

Mars nodded and I couldn't help the small pit in my stomach or the breath of relief that past my lips.

"So where is he now?"

Eli chuckled, "swimming with the fishies like he should have been years ago." I took in my brothers firm demeanor and nodded.

I was alive, awake and a little annoyed . I wanted so desperately to be free from this bed and squeezed tightly into the arms of Mars.

The thought of going back to bed with him had me asking

"When can I get out of here?"

Now that I was awake I wanted to get back into my routine .

Letting go of Mars's hand and slipping the blankets off I looked down at my thigh .

I gave a small groan and the men chuckled at my distress.

"I'm going to need another tattoo." Mars smiled and Asher snorted .

My father kissed my forehead and said
"Always so positive, your mother would have been so proud."

My father tried very hard to smile, but it failed to reach his eyes. I knew that he was thinking of her and if I would have died, it would have been like losing her all over again.

The wound was still fresh for all of us. My mother dying nearly three years ago, but the heartache always seemed present.

"I want to train. Be the assassin you need. I've decided I can't afford to let you fight for me while I take Kennah and hide."

Mars's eyes widened and then his eyes flashed with unwavering approval . He wanted me safe but to know that I would be using my talents again excited him .

Kissing my forehead and whispering into my ear he says

"I've missed being able to fight beside you Sin."

Don't be upset if I say I haven't , this isn't the life I want for Kenny.

I gave a half smile and looked to my brothers.

"Well don't just stand there gawking, give me my fucking hug ! I almost died ! "

My voice full of laughter and my tone far from angry, Asher laughs loudly and Eli replies "Sins back."

I accept this small truth. Kai was a good girl, Sin was who I was made to be.

"Papi, I just got shot and all I want is to curl into bed with Mars and my daughter. I'm not trying to be rude but could you get that fucking doctor in here."

My father laughs loudly before realizing that I'm serious . His laugh stops but he keeps his smile. Stepping out of the room he calls for a nurse.

"You were prettier when I was drugged up." I told her before she could manage a word .

She instantly froze, foot still out in mid step. Her eyes didn't seem angry but a little pleased.

"Welcome back Sin, I've missed you."

I giggled as Eli's girlfriend pulled me into a hug .

She was cooler than I expected her to be. I was a little worried about having another Rose in the family but Eli assured me her looks were deceiving . He had been in love with her since high school and they had been together for almost five years. It was time he popped the question.

Rikki was the perfect balance between Rose and I. She didn't have any noticeable tattoos or piercings but she did in fact have them . She was beautiful and such a riot when it came to Eli.

She was easy going but still a little edgy and her burgundy hair was a great contrast to Eli's ebony. She was a bad ass, she wanted to be included in the gang and Eli loved her all the more for it.

I pulled her closer to me, my hands tighten on her scrubs when I get the image of turtles .

Was she pregnant ? Instead of asking her I said

"Can I get out of here ? I have a man I'd like to show how much I've missed him."

She glanced over at Eli and back at me.

"Your brother has the stamina of an ox, you have an ox." She winked at me and I giggled again.

Eli coughed awkwardly and scratched his head .

"I'll get your discharge papers but from what I can tell you're free to leave. I'll get you some crutches."

She pranced up to Eli before kissing him deeply and leaving.

I looked to Mars who was watching me intently . "Gabriel come here."

He scooted his chair closer to me and I palmed his cheek lightly . "I love you, and I am so thankful for you."

His lips sealed my words almost instantly . We were in a heated session to make up for lost hours and not even my fathers cough could snap me out of it.

I felt Rikki press the clipboard into my lap and I shooed her away.

She giggled again, knowing that it would be a while before I pulled away. I felt someone grab the board and heard the scribbling of my forged signature on the line .

My crutches were placed against the door and I nipped Mars's lip when he reluctantly pulled away.

"Love you."

I said and blushed when my stomach flips, as he says

" Love you more."

I kick my legs over the side of the bed and stand. There is tough stiffness around the wound but I needed to get out of here and too my daughter .

Mars doesn't help me walk, he knows that I want feel this pain, needed to remember why I came back.

As I lean against the elevator wall I realize Quentin was really gone. Kennah would never know her father now and part of me was undeniably okay with that.

This was my life now, and there was no room for remorse.