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I fall asleep almost instantly. I wake briefly to see Jasmine quietly bustling around the room, putting my clothes away in the closet and drawers, but I don't rouse enough to talk.

By the time she finishes, I'm fully awake, and my baby sister is waiting for me in the chair by the closet.

"Feel any better?"

I nod and roll to my side, feeling every muscle and ache. "Yeah, I am."

"Good. You've an entire florist outside waiting for you," she warns.

I love that so many care enough to send flowers but a florist? "I'll have to figure out what to do with them. Maybe donate them to a hospital or nursing home? For the patients who never receive any?"

Jasmine smiles as I swing my feet to the floor.

"What?"

"Nothing. Just that beneath all your grump, you really are a sweetheart." Her smile widens. "And I'm glad Sully sees that, too."

I wrinkle my nose. "How bad is it? The gossip about me being here?"

Jasmine laughs. "Let's just say you're already married with a dozen kids. I'm pretty sure the Boardwalk Babes are the culprits, given the casseroles and amount of food they brought over in person. You and Sully are the most romantic couple on the island at the moment, and that's saying something, given all the couples who've paired up in the last few years."

My sister's gleeful and teasing tone does nothing for my mood or the pain riddling me. I'm pretty sure I slept through my last med dose, but I needed sleep more than relief at the time. Now? I want the meds.

Jas and I make our way into the living room which is filled to the brim with flowers. The counter is covered in dishes and desserts, and there's a huge stack of cards on the coffee table.

Sully points to them when he sees me. "You've got some get-well surprises over there."

Jasmine goes to the fridge to get me a drink and snack to take the meds with while I move to the couch. I feel like a slug, and right now, I'm moving like one, too. My ribs are sore, my mouth throbs, and the headache is better but very much there.

Sully and Jasmine speak in low voices while I sift through the cards and open them. Isabel Drake and her husband sent a gift card to the spa located inside the Lachlan Hotel, and there's also a card for a dozen free self-defense classes at Safe Harbor. I know one of the Saints owns the business, but my muddy mind can't place which one. I'll have to ask Sully.

The outpouring of love and support makes me wonder why I allowed Thad to move me away from my home. Isolate me for the years we were together. He didn't ever say I couldn't visit my family. Instead, he’d make it an ordeal or start a fight, which conditioned me to not bring up the subject and isolate me even more. I see it so clearly now, though at the time? I was completely lost in what I thought was love.

I'm so touched by the concern and outpouring of gifts that I realize the need to get my hands on some thank-you cards. I might not feel up to working just yet, but I can scribble out notes. When I mention it aloud, Jasmine says she'll pick some up for me.

A broad hand appears in front of me, and I look up to see Sully holding out my medication. Without a word of complaint, which makes his eyebrows pinch over his nose in a scowl, I take the offering.

We can argue later. For now? I just want to be happy I'm still alive to receive the flowers from people who care.

Chapter 29

Sully

* * *

Two days. That's the reprieve I get before Violet storms into my bedroom just after I've emerged from a shower. I have a towel around my waist and am yanking on boxers with my back to the door when she shoves through with a bang and the female growl of a tornado.

"I can't believe you!"

I snap the boxers into place and tighten the towel before I cross my arms over my chest and turn, getting more than a small thrill when I see Violet's hot gaze admiring the view momentarily before she forces her eyes right back up to mine. I'll take the brief lapse, though, because it tells me she's not immune.

Even though WWIII is apparently about to start.

"I call Ty to check on him and find out you told him that I quit? How dare you, Sully! The man was in the hospital for trying to protect me, and you tell him he's lost one of his best bartenders?"

I brace myself for a battle I have to win. "I didn't tell him you quit. Only that you won't be working nights anymore."

"Nights are all I can work because I'm on the bus during the day!"