Page 101 of When Lies Unfold

When my hand settles over hers, we both jerk in surprise. Hell, I even surprised myself with that move. But I don’t withdraw it—I keep my palm coverin’ hers.

The offer climbs outta my mouth before I realize it. “You wanna hold on to me, you can.”

A beat passes, those pretty eyes searchin’ my face before she releases her hold on the counter. Turnin’ her hand over, palm side up, she threads our fingers together.

An instant later, she tightens her hold on me and her eyes pinch closed. My tone is stern as I level a hard look at the doc even though he’s not payin’ me attention. “Almost done?”

Face a mask of concentration, he murmurs, “Almost.” To her, he asks, “Do you need anything for the pain?”

“No. It’s fine.”

Damn her stubborn ass.

Doc continues. “Would you rather me use surgical glue? What would you prefer?”

“Cayenne pepper and castor oil.” She releases a slow, calculated breath before openin’ her eyes. “Please. It’ll be enough to allow it to heal properly on its own.”

He gives a curt nod before preparin’ a bandage. “I started carrying those with me ever since Mr. Hernández mentioned you using the combination to accelerate healing. It’s remarkable and so simple.” As he uncaps the cayenne pepper, concern blankets his tone. “I must say, though, you’re lucky that bullet didn’t nick an artery.”

Releasin’ my hand, she lowers her gaze to the floor like that revelation already weighs heavily on her. “I know.”

I back away and lean against the wall, waitin’ for Doc to finish up. Once he zips up his bag, he tips his head, gesturin’ like he wants to speak to me privately.

When I lower my chin in a nod, he pats Lola’s knee. “You’re all set. I’ve left some extra bandages. Remember to keep it dry if you need to shower, but I’m sure you know how to handle things from here.”

Her weary eyes lift to his. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

I exit the bathroom, and Doc trails me without a word. He stops once we step into the empty hallway.

His gray brows dive together. “I’m sure you already know she’s suffering from shock.”

“That’s not all she’s sufferin’ from.”

His gaze narrows. “What do you mean?”

Castin’ a backward glance to ensure Lola remains in the bathroom, I still lower my voice when I sum up what happened earlier.

Doc’s eyes flick to the bathroom, and he releases a sigh. “I’m assuming you noticed what those tattoos along her shoulder and arm are hiding.”

Every muscle in my body goes rigid just thinkin’ about it. “Yeah.”

He grimaces. “You know I don’t ask questions. But this is the first time”—he casts another glance toward the bathroom, where we’d left Lola—“I’ve been worried about somebody you’ve got under watch.”

I straighten, not likin’ where this is leadin’. “Just say what you gotta say, Doc.”

He holds up a hand in defense. “I’m not challenging your decision, but I’d honestly bet my life that that woman in there doesn’t pose a threat to you like you think.”

Our gazes hold for a moment. “Meanin’?”

Mouth pressed thin, he appears to search for the right words. He must fail because he simply repeats, “I just don’t believe she’s a threat to you.” His eyes rake over my face as if tryin’ to gauge somethin’. “At least not to your life or your business.”

Irritation scrapes down my spine like fuckin’ razor blades. “The fuck you mean by that?”

He shakes his head in what seems like a fatherly way—not that I ever experienced anythin’ like that firsthand.

I swear there’s a tinge of pity in his eyes. “The only danger that woman poses is to your heart.” What looks like regret and sadness wash over his features. “I just hope you realize the potential before you do something to ruin it.”

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