Ivy stood at the door. She slowly closed it behind her and she took small steps towards Noah's bed. Noah woke from his shock at seeing Ivy standing before him. His arms moved before his mouth as he pulled her into his chest and sat back on the bed with her in his lap. This was his favourite position it made his erratic heart settle when she was this close.

He scanned her for injuries. She was as pale as porcelain and her lips were as red as a rose. It naturally suited her but now it reminded him of the blood she had lost for him, to save him and to shield him from his enemies. He never wanted her to enter his dark world but now it seemed inevitable.

​​

Ivy cradled herself against Noah's warmth his arms her safe heaven. When she woke up alone in an empty white hospital room she was scared and thought the worst had happened. She thought of losing him, it made her shiver in fear. The cold thought drifting through her mind and over her body.

Earlier in the room next to Noah's she had looked down at her body. Her arm was in a sling and she was bandaged to her shoulder. Oh, I was shot, she just remembered. Where was everyone? Why was she alone?

She sat up and yanked the IV drip from her arm and disconnected the clamp on her finger. The beeping beside her bed became erratic at that moment. She heard the door swing open with a bang and the sound of rushing feet, she looked up and saw a familiar figure rush in.

"Don't do that if you died in my care Noah would kill my career and then me."

Doctor Stewart put his hand on his heart and took a shaky breath as he approached Ivy, she looked like a small abandoned kitten ready to show anyone her claws then he saw recognition on her face.

"Patients should be good and stay in bed."

Doctor Stewart tutted as he approached Ivy's bed. He had wanted her to stay and rest. Between her a Noah they were both patients that would give him a headache, he couldn't wait to get them healthy and discharge them.

"I need to see Noah, I will rest when I have."

Ivy went to get up but Doctor Stewart then took out his torch and shined it in her eyes. The pupil constricts which meant her unconscious state didn't affect her brain. Therefore he would allow her to get up and walkabout.

"Just as stubborn as he is... sigh. Well, then this way."

Doctor Stewart offered his hand to Ivy and she took it and he helped her on to her feet then she let go. She was stubborn and wanted to walk in on her own to see Noah. If she went anywhere holding a man's hand it wouldn't be good for that man or her, trusted friend or not.

Doctor Stewart brought her to the next room and tilted his head showing her what way to go then he went about his rounds. He did not want to watch the two love birds reunite.

At this moment Ivy and Noah sat on the bed and had ignored the other two people in the room. He was gentle with her wounded shoulder and she enjoyed his pampering.

"So about what you guys were saying earlier, use me as bait I trust you all."

Ivy had looked at all the men's faces in the room. She did indeed trust them all with her life. If it would help Noah she wouldn't hesitate. She could see worry and fear in their eyes but she looked back at them with determination and faith. She hadn't heard there plan she had only heard Aiden suggest using her as bait. It surprised her but in the end, made sense. She would be an easy target and could get close to whoever was behind today's attack on them both.

She didn't want her loved ones in harm's way, she always wanted to protect rather than be protected.

Noah saw her unyielding countenance and determination. He was proud of his kitten, but this was a risk he wasn't prepared to make. He was known for his shrewd business sense and astute judgement. He would use other ways before ever using Ivy. He didn't want her to think he looked down on her so he didn't disagree. He put her hair behind her ear and smiled at how brave she was today.

"Let's leave that talk, for now, we are back in my territory the snake won't show himself here. Aiden, Thomas get the discharge papers started we will go home. Ask Doctor Stewart to do our check-ups at home."

"Yes sir."

Aiden left to attend to their discharges and Thomas who stood there felt awkward looking at the two lovers. He coughed.

"I'll go get your prescriptions and the car ready."

Thomas then rushed out making Ivy giggle at her awkward friend.

"Let's go home."

Ivy repeated Noah's last words she liked hearing them from the usually stoic man.

Noah indulged her and caressed her hair.

"Your birthday went a little differently than I had planned."

Ivy giggled, as long as they were safe and together she didn't mind.

"There is always next year."

She looked up at Noah hopeful for the future.

As the risk to his life wasn't settled Noah didn't promise her the next year. He would never break a promise to her.

Aiden and Thomas had returned. Ivy was helped to walk by Thomas and Aiden walked by Noah's side just encase. The boss would never be seen to be helped to walk or be carried. If he was his enemies would use it to there advantage. He also couldn't be seen helping Ivy as their relationship couldn't be exposed in public.

They made it to the car and left the hospital and no one was happier than Doctor Stewart to see them leave. But that happiness was short-lived when he received a text.

(Boss wants his and Ivy's dressing changed every day. Don't forget, the boss gets up at 6 am)