Dear Ex Wife Please take me back (Athena and Alex) novel Chapter 193

ATHENA

“I'm pretty sure your lives have been boring without me!” Sloane says, making me laugh.

“Your brain must be perfectly fine, seeing how you're spewing nonsense after just opening your eyes.” Alex says, trying not to sound bothered by I know better.

I can see how relieved he is. I am, too. I mean, she took a damn bullet for me. I'm forever in debted to this woman.

“Sloane…” I swallow the lump in my throat. Not knowing what to say.

When Isabelle texted me that she had woken up, adrenaline pumped my system so hard I rushed forward without thinking about what I would say to her.

“Who are you?” She eyes me, slightly narrowing her eyes.

Of course, she forgot me. I mean I..

“Girl! You look like a wet cat in the rain!” She laughs. “Stop giving me that look and give me a hug!”

My eyes water as relief floods my system.

“Sloane, if you make my girl cry, I'll make you pay for it!” Alex warns, making Sloane brush him off.

“You love me too much to hurt me! Now move aside, I want to hug my favorite sister!” She says before turning to face me.

I launch myself forward, wrapping my arms around her carefully, terrified of hurting her but too overwhelmed to hold back. She feels warm. Real.

Alive.

“You scared the shit out of me,” I whisper into her hair, my throat thick with emotion. “You stupid, brave woman.”

She squeezes me back, her body still frail but her grip strong. “Takes more than a bullet to get rid of me.”

“I thought you-” My voice breaks. I don’t finish the sentence. I can’t.

“I know,” she says softly, pulling back just enough to look at me. “But I’m still here. And I’m not going anywhere.”

I swipe at my eyes quickly, trying to pretend the tears didn’t spill over.

“Damn, I missed your dramatic ass.”

“Missed me? Please. You probably got used to being the prettiest one in the room.”

“Oh, shut up.”

Sloane grins wide, weak but bright, and I realize then that even months of silence haven’t dimmed her fire. She’s still Sloane. Sharp-tongued. Fearless. It's impossible not to love her.

Ian steps forward, pulling her into a warm embrace before crashing his lips on hers.

Alex clears his throat.

“Alright, that’s enough. She just woke up. Don’t exhaust her.”

Sloane glares at him. “Oh please, like hugging him is what’s going to kill me. Sit your overprotective ass down, Alex.”

Ian chuckles softly, pulling back but still holding her hand like he’ll never let go again.

“You look good,” she tells him, her voice quieter now, eyes flicking down. “You didn’t fall apart while I was gone, huh?”

“I even died a little,” he chuckles.

“I'll need the details!” She laughs thinking it's a joke, but we all know once we give her a recap of the past months, she will cry her eyes out.

Sloane is strong but extremely fragile. That's why I'd rather we don't tell her anything just yet.

She smiles faintly, then looks at the rest of us. “How long was I out?”

“Four months,” Ian answers gently. “They said you might never wake up. But I knew you would. You’re too stubborn.”

“Damn right,” she mutters.

They share a look. One of fire and passion

Ian’s thumb brushes the back of her hand like he’s memorizing the texture of her skin all over again. While Sloane melts under that touch, her lashes fluttering just slightly as if it’s the only thing anchoring her to this world.

“Ian…” she whispers, and for the first time, there’s vulnerability in her voice.

His eyes glisten.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

Alex shifts beside me, exhaling slowly as if the scene is something he had forgotten about.

“When did you two even start dating?” Alex asks, his protective tone high up.

“I'm an adult, Alex!” Sloane deflects.

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