Page 79 of Shattered

“How do they rebreak when they’re bolted together?”I grumble.

“Not the big ones; some of the smaller breaks were still weak.”

“So what will this mean for me?”

“That’s what we’re going to ask Dr. Lannick. But I do know that whatever treatment you need will involve a walking aid and potentially even a wheelchair for a while to give your leg a rest.”

Before this mess, I would’ve told Ramos to go fuck himself. But now? The thought of using a walker or wheelchair is terrifying for reasons I’ve never allowed myself to admit. I’d be weak. Damaged. Pathetic.

But the reality is, I already am.

My fragile fucking ego got me here and nearly ended Lila. Now, I need to make it as right as I can. I’ll doanythingto be what she needs.

“Whatever you think is best.”

Ramos gives me a surprised half-smile. “You’ll be alright.”

Chapter 30

Lila

When I wake, I feel cold. Alone. I peel my eyes open, finding my lids heavy. I turn slightly, seeing Turner asleep in the chair beside me.

Asher’s gone.

“Turner?”

He opens his eyes and immediately leans in, entirely focused on me.

“How are you feeling?” he asks.

“Everything hurts.”

He grabs the call button attached to my pillow and clicks it.

“Where’s Asher?”

“He left,” Turner says, though his expression is all wrong. Something happened. I know Asher didn’t justleave.

“You sent him away, didn’t you?”

“He left,” Turner repeats gently.

“Liar.”

“Lila, I’m here for you. I’m not going anywhere.”

I shake my head, feeling dizzy. Angry. Why would Asher let Turner bully him out?

“He wouldn’t have left. I know you made him leave.”

“Lila-”

“No! You had no right!” Snapping at Turner takes all my energy, but it’s energy well spent.

“What happened is his fault, Lila. You nearly died. I’m trying to help you.”

“Well, you’re not helping me; you’re hurting me.”

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