Chapter 23: Now You’re Mine: Chapter 23

The plane levels out at cruising altitude as I stare absently out the window. My thoughts are thousands of miles away, consumed with worry about Harper. She’s been in the hospital for two days, and I feel so helpless being unable to visit or even talk to her.

A gentle touch on my shoulder makes me flinch. I turn to find Hayden studying me with a look of concern. “You’re worrying about your friend again,” he says. It’s not a question.

I nod, a lump rising in my throat. “I know Harper has her mother, but… I want to be there for her.”

Hayden reaches for my hand, his thumb stroking my knuckles in a gentle caress. “We’ll be there soon. Everything will be all right.”

The tenderness in his voice makes my breath hitch. I search his face, looking for signs of him placating me, but there are none. His eyes only hold sincerity. “Thank you.”

He nods, continuing to stroke my hand. “I know how difficult it’s been for you these past weeks, but I never wanted to be your enemy, Callie.” His voice is quiet, but that doesn’t hide the strain underneath. “My only goal in life is to make you happy.”

I give him a wry smile. “As long as it doesn’t compromise my safety, right?”

He smiles back at me and cups my cheek. “Right.”

The space between us becomes charged with intimacy, and I resist the urge to kiss him. I lean into his palm instead, soaking in the tenderness of the moment.

We race towards home, with Hayden watching me closely. He doesn’t yank me onto his lap like last time, but I can tell he wants to. He takes my hand in his, threading our fingers, and he doesn’t let go, even when we land.

He leads me from the plane, and the winter air slices through my clothes. Sebastian waits for us next to an idling vehicle, his gaze sharp and assessing. When he takes in my hula shirt, bright orange skirt and sandals, his lips twitch. I make a face at him before burrowing further into Hayden’s coat. It was either this outfit from the tourist shop or my birthday suit.

Once Hayden and I are settled in the backseat, he turns to me. “I know you want to see Harper, but I suggest we run home and have you change into clothes that are weather-appropriate. Plus, that’ll give you a chance to eat something.”

I open my mouth to argue that I’m fine and I don’t want to take him up on his suggestion, but then he says, “I need to make sure you’re taken care of first, baby.”

Shocked into silence, I nod. Hayden never calls me baby unless he’s in a state of emotional overwhelm, and it’s never in public. The endearment echoes in my mind, a reminder of how much this man affects me.

Because I love him.

If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have forgiven him.

After a quick detour to Hayden’s penthouse, the hospital looms into view as we turn into the parking lot. Hayden helps me out of the car and places a hand on my back, guiding me inside. I inquire about Harper at the front desk and get her room number.

We step into the elevator, and the sterile hospital smell hits me, making my stomach churn. As if sensing my unease, Hayden pulls me to his side, tucking my body next to his.

“She’s fine,” he says quietly.

I nod, taking solace in his confidence. However, as we walk down the hall, my anxiety takes over, making my hands shake. When we reach Harper’s room, I pause and take a deep breath before pushing open the door.

My usually vibrant and cheerful friend lies motionless in the hospital bed with an IV line hooked up to her arm and a heart monitor beeps steadily, filling the quiet. Until she sees me.

“Calista! You’re here!”

I rush over and hug her. With a sniff, I sit on the bed. “Of course I came. How are you feeling?”

“Meh,” she says with a shrug. “Honestly, I don’t remember anything. One minute I was hauling ass across the street, and the next I’m waking up in here.”

“Where’s your mom?”

“She’ll be here first thing in the morning. I sent her home because she’s been here so much that she’s getting on the nurses’ nerves.”

I drop my voice to a whisper. “Is she getting you the good shit?” I flick my gaze to the IV.

Harper bursts out laughing. “I’ve missed you.”

“You too.”

“Hey there, Mr. Bennett,” Harper says, her voice chipper. “Thanks for bringing our girl to visit me.”

Hayden steps forward with the side of his mouth quirking up. “Of course, Miss Flynn. Calista cares about you a great deal.”

“I’m glad she’s here, but I didn’t want to interrupt your getaway.”

“Family first,” he says.

“That’s right.” Harper tilts her head and looks up at him with her gaze narrowed. “So, let’s talk about felonies, Mr. Attorney. I want to know what to do about this asshole who hit me.”

He waves a hand. “Go for it.”

I watch them chat amicably. The tension leaves my body, and I relax for the first time since I heard Harper had been hospitalized. Hayden answers all of her outrageous “how to break the law without actually breaking the law” questions without giving her any attitude. She even makes him laugh a couple of times. Seeing them together soothes my nerves and makes my heart happy.

When I yawn, Hayden ends the conversation. “I better get Calista to bed,” he says, looking at me.

“But—”

He holds up a hand. “I’ll have Sebastian bring you here first thing in the morning.”

“Promise?”

“Yes.”

I turn to Harper and give her a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“I’m like Cat Woman with nine lives.” She winks at me. “Don’t worry, I’ve still got five left.”

Hayden and I say our goodbyes and he steers me from the room, to the elevators, and then into the waiting vehicle outside. Once I’m seated, I turn to face him.

“Thank you. I would’ve gone insane worrying about her.”

“It was the right thing to do.”

I smirk at him. “After you forced me to forgive you.”

“If there’s an opportunity to get what I want, I’m not going to ignore it.”

“You really wanted my forgiveness that badly?”

He takes my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. “More than anything.”

I lift a brow in question. “I thought you said you didn’t care if I hated you?”

“The past few weeks showed me that I could lose you through hatred. I don’t want that.”

“You haven’t lost me.”

“Are you saying that I’ve won you?” He glares at me in warning. “If you say ‘almost,’ I will spank you until you change your mind.”

I grin. “If you’re willing to bring me to see my best friend, and all you asked was for me to forgive you? Then yes, you’ve won me.”

He leans forward. “Say it again.”

“You’ve won me, Hayden,” I whisper against his mouth. “Now, what are you going to do with me?”

He smiles. “Keep you. That part of my plan has never changed.”