Page 9 of Ignited Heat

"He's very powerful and resourceful. He could get off or send someone after me. I don't want to go back to the restaurant."

"You don't have to. Whatever you decide, I'll back you up."

I'm glad my mother is here and I'm finally able to get a little rest when suddenly my room is invaded by the entire Lee family. My mother is the first one to object.

"Carlos! You and your big mouth." My mother says. “Cassie needs quiet right now.”

"I'm sorry, mama, but I couldn't keep something like this from the family."

My father walks up to my bed, and he looks pale. He checks me up and down to see the damage. I flinch at this scrutiny.

"I'll kill him."

"No, Papa."

"Why didn't you tell us he was hurting you? Is that why you had Harris’s security guys running around behind you? Where were they tonight?"

"He hid in the car. Waited until Tuck left."

"He assaulted her a few weeks back, but your sons did not banish this man from the game," Mama says.

My dad looks towards Brandon, knowing he's the one who let Marcos keep playing. Dad's fists open and close like he wants to hit someone but is trying to talk himself out of it. He takes one step towards my brother, and Brandon jumps.

"Papa, I thought Jason Harris was taking care of it."

"Your sister, your responsibility. I thought I taught you better than this!"

"I know, I'm sorry."

Then all hell breaks loose and all my family is tossing accusations and insults all over the place. I sigh and look at my mother. She's as resigned as I am, but I've made another decision and none of them is going to like it.

"Enough," Mama yells. "We're in a hospital, and your sister needs her rest."

Seeing the seriousness in my mother's face, my father relents. He takes my hand gently and looks me in the eyes.

"Get some rest, sweetheart. You won't have to deal with that man ever again."

My body trembles at the mere mention of Marcos Solis, but I just nod and squeeze my father's hand to tell him I'm doing okay. I'm not really doing okay, but I want everyone to think that I am so that they'll give me some time to think, to plan.

"Thank you, Papa."

"Let's go, boys."

My seven brothers wave to me and file out of the room silently. I think Brandon's business is over, and he's not going to like that. Will they blame me? They make a lot of money from those card games they play in the back of the restaurant.

"Do you want me to leave, too?" Mama asks.

"No, mama. Stay, please."

"I'll read you from my book."

I finally fall asleep with the soft cadence of my mother's voice making me feel safe.

I've been in the hospital for two days now. The pain is bearable, but I'm desperate to get out of here. I haven't heard from Jason since that night, but I know he's been keeping tabs on me. My constant companions are Mama and Carlos, and they keep making plans for when I'm going home. The doctor comes in as usual and I'm suddenly hopeful that I'll get discharged.

"Good news, Miss Dalton. You're well enough that I can finally release you. The nurse is writing up instructions on medications, and she'll also give you referrals for physical therapy for your arm once it's healed. And she’s lining you up with a counselor. Do you have any questions?"

"Not right now. Thank you, doctor."

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