Page 108 of Tortured Tones

“Okay, I’m going to give you some medication to help. You need to take care of yourself. We’re only six weeks into the tour and have a long road ahead.”

“But I have Charlotte. I can’t be drugged to the eyeballs.”

Jade dug in her bag, pulled out a packet of tablets, and tore off two pills from the blister pack. “Take these when you get back to the room. Hannah can take care of Charlotte today. You need to rest. No exceptions.”

As Cole tucked the pills in his pocket, his hands shook. “I...I don’t like doing nothing. I need to exercise. Get fresh air. Go out. Drum.”

Jade placed her hand on Cole’s shoulder. “Cole. Just breathe. You’re going to be okay. I’m going to get some meds to help that anxiety too. We’ll talk about other options later. Some therapy, meditation, yoga, and other techniques might be viable solutions to help you relax.”

“No. I don’t need those things.”

“Yes, you do,” Jade snapped. “You’re not superman. Your schedule is demanding. It is my job to make sure you’re healthy, physically and mentally, to make it through the tour. You may have passed your medical weeks ago, but this is serious. You’re on my radar now; I’ll make sure you get better. I’ll go grab an IV bag from my supplies, some meds, and meet you in your room.”

“You’re as bad as Ava, bossing me around.” He winked at me.

“Looks like you need it.” Jade closed her bag.

I picked up the wet towels and tossed them into the laundry hamper. “Us women have to keep you in line, Cole. You wouldn’t survive without us.”

“Or survive with you.” He grinned as he packed his gym bag and zipped it up.

I held out my hand to Cole. “Are you right to walk if I help you? Or do I need to carry you?”

He gave me a you-wouldn’t-dare glare, but yes, I could and would carry him if I had to.

“I’ll walk, thanks.”

I hauled him to his feet, but he swayed and staggered as he picked up his bag.

“Let me help you.” I hooked his arm around my shoulders and headed for the door. Jade followed.

In his suite, I helped him into his room and onto the bed. As our eyes locked, I rubbed his arm. He covered my hand with his. Too much passed between us. Too much care and concern. Too much warmth. I tugged my hand free. “Can I get you anything?”

“Maybe some water.”

As I fetched him a bottle from the fridge, Jade knocked on the door. I let her in, and she hooked Cole up to an IV.

“I’ve set this to release slowly as you sleep. You’ll feel better in a couple hours. I’ll check on you later in the morning around nine. You do not leave this room. Okay?”

“Yes, doc.”

I nodded at Cole. “I’ll see you later, Mr. Tanner. Get some rest.”

Heat flared in his eyes. “I will. Thank you. For everything.”

I left Cole’s suite with Jade.

She pressed the elevator call button and turned to me. “Make sure Cole stays in today. You lock him up, restrain him, do what you have to do to keep him from going out.”

“It’s Cole. That’s easier said than done.”

“His low blood pressure is a concern. We don’t need him passing out on stage.”

“No. I’ll update my team, and we’ll keep our eyes on him and kick his ass if he puts a foot wrong.”

“Good. He needs to relax. Maybe try yoga and meditation rather than running for the next couple of weeks while I monitor him.”

“Will do.” I nodded. “But now, I’m going to try and get some more sleep.”

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