The Heart's Match

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Damien

2 Months Later, Fall 2016, End of The Warrior's Gamble (Book 2)

My fingers and lips itch for a cigarette as I stand outside of the hospital room. Inside, Tristan Donnelly lays unconscious. His new bride, Caitlin, is speaking to him like he's awake. She has a small, sad smile on her face and is gripping his hand. She brings his hand to her stomach, and it takes no rocket scientist to realize why.

He's been here for days now. After the raid, we were almost done, almost home free, then he got shot. Even after we raced him to the hospital, he'd lost a lot of blood. The doctors assured everyone he would live – but that he might not wake up anytime soon.

Caitlin kept the faith.

That's what I liked about her.

I don't make a habit of liking people. It brings up all kinds of things that I'm not a fan of. I like my family, if that. I like my friends, if that. I find myself liking the Donnellys, despite myself. I don't like people much. That's just not my nature. Yet, Tristan has become a friend the last few months. He's nuts, like me. Which I appreciate. Sean and Ronan, I like them too. Even Cal. Then there's Nessa.

My little hellcat.

I smirk to myself at the latest memory of her. The way she glares at me. It's almost cute. If I had the capability of finding another living creature cute, I suppose that's what I'd call her.

I knew instantly that Tristan was in love with Caitlin Fallon. His demeanor towards me took a 180 when Ivan and Kevan struck up a deal for me to marry her. From that point forward, I watched each of their interactions and I just knew.

There was no way I was ever going to marry the girl.

I'm incapable of being someone's husband. It was laughable. I would get out of it one way or another. The fact that Tristan Donnelly was in love with her only benefited me, really.

Still, it gave me a small twinge of satisfaction to help them along in that poker game that I threw.

I like Caitlin. There was something about her that was refreshing. I could see why Nessa was good friends with her, why Tristan loved her. I was sure she'd make a good partner to someone – just not me. It was no great loss to pretend to lose her to Tristan. Did I enjoy seeing them happy? I guess so. That was unlike me. I'm not sure what the hell was wrong with me lately.

I clear my throat and knock on the door, coming back to the present.

Caitlin looks up at me, a sad smile on her face.

I put a hand on her shoulder. I have no idea if it's a comfort to her or not, it's just something people do, I've noticed. Caitlin seems to appreciate it because she leans into me slightly.

"How are you holding up, dorogoy?" I ask.

Caitlin replies with a teasing smile, "I don't think my husband would appreciate you using your little pet name on me."

I laugh and sit down in the seat next to her, "I don't care."

I stare at Tristan Donnelly. One of the craziest guys I know. He's also one of the strongest. I've watched him beat men to a bloody pulp. It's uncomfortable seeing him passed out and vulnerable, knowing that he might be gone. I don't like the way it makes me feel. Caitlin breathes heavily next to me, like she's fighting against tears. I try to think of something to say. Anything. The only thing I come up with is, "He is my favorite Irishman."