Hero: Healing a Warrior, Book 2: The Guardian Series, Book 2

By Maggie C. Brynnon

Thomas Vega was too stubborn for his own good. After learning about India's admirer, he silently vowed never to speak to her again.

But things aren’t always what they appear.

India is not sure how she’s going to move on with her life after her brutal attack. She just knows that she has to try. Lying in the hospital once again she notes Thomas' pointed absence. She’s just about ready to give up on him when he makes an appearance.

India unleashes her wrath and after learning the truth, he apologizes profusely.

Will she forgive him? Should she forgive him?

And more importantly, how will the presence of this new man in India’s life affect her and Thomas' blooming relationship?

This book is Part Two of “Hero: Healing a Warrior, The Guardian Series”

(A BWWM Interracial Military Romance)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rapps
• Release date: Nov 20, 2015

Book preview

17

Chapter 1

INDIA SETTLED INTO her hospital bed. The pain medication had eased her discomfort a little.

Night had fallen, and she was again alone with her thoughts.

She was happy about having seen Myles.

But could she dare hope that things would really be better between them now? Could she take him at his word this time?

She had to admit that she was happy at the prospect of having him around again. Even if it was mostly because she was scared to go back to the house alone. But also because he was her brother, and she loved him. No matter what.

When push came to shove, when it really mattered, she could count on him.

Unlike some other people...

She thought about Thomas and frowned. She couldn’t believe she still hadn’t heard from him. That he had just disappeared into thin air. She let out a long sigh and slowly shook her head. Whatever it was that was up with him, she decided, she was not going to stress over it. She had enough stress in her life, and she certainly wasn’t going to make it worse.

He must’ve been only out for one thing.

Was her judgment really that poor?

Or... was he just that good of an actor?

Just then a short, plump nurse entered her room. How are you feeling? she asked, not looking up from India’s chart.

India grimaced. A little better.

Can you move OK? the nurse asked.

Somewhat. India slowly shifted in her bed. 

Don’t force it too much just yet. You’re still healing. You have to let your body recover. You’ll get there in time. But if you push too hard, you’ll only re-injure yourself, the nurse suggested.

India nodded. She surely didn’t want to re-injure herself. But, on the other hand, she really wanted to be out of the hospital already.

How’s your pain? the nurse continued.

Okay.

On a scale of one to ten?

India shrugged. About a four.

The nurse nodded. That’s pretty damn good, all things considered. You should be okay for now. No need for more pain medicine. But I’ll check again in the morning.  We don’t want you too drugged up now’ do we?

Speak for yourself, lady, she thought to herself.

Another staff member entered the room with a small dinner tray in her hands. The first nurse was scribbling some notes down in her little pad and didn’t seem to hear the attendant come in.

India was never too keen on the hospital food. Her dinner tonight was some sliced beef, or at least she thought it was beef, drenched in a weird-looking gravy. Next to the mystery meat was a lump of mushy, lumpy potatoes that looked like they came from a cardboard box. Also on the tray were some sad-looking string beans.

And then there was the neon green Jell-O.

What kind of juice would you like? the nurse asked India.

She shrugged. Apple.

The tired nurse finally turned toward the cafeteria attendant. Oh hey, Frida. I didn’t know you were working today. I thought you were off.

Jean, why would you think that? I’m never off, Frida answered, laughing.

Frida laid India’s food tray down on the table next to her bed. India looked the tray over, grimaced, and then she went straight for the neon-colored Jell-O.

Frida tapped Jean on the shoulder, and she stopped scribbling. I saw your boyfriend was here yesterday, she said.

India’s ears perked up. Finally, she thought. Some entertainment.

Nurse Jean turned toward Frida in surprise. Who?

That ultra fine specimen. Sergeant Vega.

He was here? At the hospital? Gurrrl, why don’t you come and get me?

I tried to look for you, but you weren’t around. I thought maybe you had finally bagged him, and he was coming here for a midday tryst.

Jean rolled her eyes. Girl, I wish. Stop teasing.

India nearly choked on her neon-colored Jell-O.

Had Thomas been here? At the hospital? Why hadn’t she seen him?

The two women continued chattering on.

He had a bouquet of flowers and everything. But he wasn’t here that long. And come to think of it, he looked pissed when he left. He stormed out of the door and everything. What did you do to piss him off? Frida teased.

That’s curious, said Jean. Does he have any family admitted to the hospital?

I don’t know, I didn’t ask. But I thought he had no family to speak of.

That’s what I figured, too. That man needs him a good wife. Jean slapped Frida playfully. Well, page me next time. Don’t try and keep that handsomeness all to yourself.