High Stakes (The Kingdom Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

It just seemed like a ‘Trouble’ moment. I told you to stay put, you ignored me.”
    “I needed to pee.”
    “Do you still need to pee?”
    “Yes … No,” I say indecisively. “I’m so tired. I need to sleep.”
    “Okay. Sleep, Stunner. I’ll be right here,” he murmurs softly. He takes my hand in his, and in turn kisses the tips of each of my fingers.
    I sleep. In fact, I think I pretty much sleep like the dead, and when I wake, it is dark outside. Denham is still by my side. He’s asleep, and his head is resting on the edge of the bed. His hand rests on my thigh, I presume to make sure I don’t try to escape. I run my fingers gently through his hair, and rest my hand on the back of his head. He looks so peaceful when he’s sleeping.
    “You know it’s weird to watch people when they sleep?” he mumbles, and I laugh softly.
    “You watch me.”
    “I do not!”
    “Do to!”
    “Yeah, you’re right, I do,” he says while lifting his head from the bed and smiling at me. “You’re just as beautiful when you’re asleep as when you’re awake … I guess that makes us both weirdos, huh? A perfect match.”
    He stands up, shaking out his legs and stretching his arms above his head. His tee rises just enough to let me see a little of that delicious ‘V’ that I love and I can’t help but look.
    “Not until you’re better,” he says.
    “What?”
    “You’re looking at me like you want to eat me, Arianna. And you’re not physically capable right now, so think about something else,” he orders.
    “You’re bossy,” I grumble, fidgeting in the bed and rearranging the covers.
    “Yes, I know … How are you feeling?” he asks.
    I think about it for a second. “Actually, I feel great in comparison to earlier. My head doesn’t throb nearly as much and my body doesn’t feel as numb.”
    “Good, if you keep feeling better, then I can take you home tomorrow.”
    “Tomorrow? I want to go now …”
    “Stop being a diva … Tomorrow.”
    I let out a dramatic huff, which has Denham smirking to himself while he writes something on the chart at the bottom of my bed.
    “What are you doing?” I question. “I’m sure that’s only for the doctors and nurses to use.”
    “Never you mind,” he says tapping the end of his nose with his finger. “Don’t worry, I’m not messing with the meds or anything,” he chuckles.
    I shake my head at him and laugh. When I look around the room, I notice the flowers. Two huge bouquets, one white, lilies and orchids, and one pink with a rose and other pretty flowers scattered through it. “Who sent flowers? I haven’t even been in here a day …”
    “Beth sent the white bouquet, there’s a card there too. I’m guessing the other one is from your mom.”
    “My mom? She knows I’m here?” Oh god, that must have been awful for her to find out I was in the hospital. “Did you speak with her?”
    “Yes, I thought I had better call her to let her know what had happened. Her and Brent are out of town for a few days so she said she’d send some flowers and she wants to speak with you as soon as you’re up to taking calls.”
    “Thank you,” I say appreciatively.
    “Of course, Ari.” he says, frowning as if I’m crazy for thinking he wouldn’t do all of those things. “Lottie has been calling me off the hook to find out how you are, so as soon as you’re up to it you need to call her too.”
    “Okay,” I say, lost in thought of the people nearest and dearest to me having to worry about me yet again.
    “Hey.” Denham’s soft gravelly voice soothes me. “It’s okay, you’re going to be fine and you’ll be home in no time.” He pulls me gently into his chest and runs his thumb back and forth across my shoulder.
    “Denham,” I say.
    “Yes, Stunner?”
    “Now I do really need to pee.”
    He laughs before pressing the call bell without even arguing with me.
    The female nurse from earlier comes and helps me to the bathroom, and then I get back into