Page 79 of Taming Hawke

The nurse quickly turns and pours some water into a glass on the bedside table, placing a straw in it. “Here, honey, just small sips.”

She pushes the straw against my lips, and I open my mouth and slowly suck some in. I begin to cough, and slouch when pain shoots through my side.

Hawke is over to me in seconds, and pushes my hair off my face. His look of concern has my heart so full of love for him, and I smile. “Here,” he says taking the water out of the nurse’s hands. “I’ll do it.”

I smile warmly at him, and croak out, “Thank you.”

He replies with a smile, and places the straw in front of me again. “Here, do you want more?” I lean a little forward and sip on the straw again, enjoying the coolness that travels down my throat. It feels like it’s on fire.

“Thank you,” I repeat, and my voice comes out all scratchy.

The nurse continues to check my pupils and blood pressure, then explains that everything is looking great. Hawke straightens and folds his arms, looking as if he’s going to hit something.

“Are you okay?” I clear my throat, trying to get it to sound normal. I reach my hand out to him, and he instantly takes it.

The nurse interrupts. “I’m going to page Dr. Salvator, to let him know you’re awake. We’re so glad you woke up, honey,” Nurse Betty says. Well, that’s what her badge says anyway.

“Thank you,” I reply and watch her head out the door.

My eyes land on my mom, and she comes running over to my bed, crying. “Oh, thank God.” She hugs me and I cradle her head, letting her tears fall. “We thought we lost you. We thought….”

“It’s okay, Mom,” I whisper.

My dad joins her, and leans down and kisses me on my cheek before cupping it in his warm, familiar hand. “You’re fine now, baby girl. Your mom and I will take care of you. We’re gonna fly you back down with us to Tennessee where you belong.”

My eyes widen and I instantly snap my head over to where Hawke is standing. His jaw is clenched, I can see he’s holding back. I look back at my father and smile. “There’s no need, Dad, I’ll be fine here with Hawke.”

My dad looks over at Hawke, then back at me. “You can’t be serious about that man over there,” he states pointing his finger at Hawke. “He’s the reason you’re in this bed. Now, you’re gonna come home with us, where we can take care of you. It’s about time you left New York and came home. There’s nothing for you here.”

“But Dad,” I cry. “I love him.”

He shakes his head. “He’s a thug, sweetheart, you deserve better.” My dad narrows his eyes at Hawke.

I glance back at Hawke, surprised he’s not telling my father to shut the hell up. He just keeps his gaze focused on me. I look back to my parents. “I want to be alone, please.”

My dad nods at me and straightens. “All right, sweetie,” my mom says in agreeance. “We’ll just be outside if you need us.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I don’t miss the pissed-off look she gives my father as they walk away.

Once they’ve gone Jasmine quickly runs up and hugs me. “Ah, ow.”

“Oh shit, sorry, Lu.” Her eyes are filled with tears, her face showing how scared she was for me. Quill walks in and smiles at me when he reaches Jasmine.

“How’s… how’s the baby?” I ask, fear running through me as I look at her now flattened stomach. Then my eyes lift to hers, and all I see is happiness there.

“We had a boy,” she says excitedly, and I watch as Quill steps closer and rests his hand on her shoulder.

“A boy?” I repeat excitedly. I cover my mouth with my hand, shocked that she’s already had the baby. The memory of her telling me this news comes back to me, and I whisper, “Jack.”

“Yes, that’s right, Lu, we called him Jack.”

“After your father….”

“Yes, that’s right. You mean you heard me?”

I raise my hand to my temple, feeling a little dizzy all of a sudden.

Jasmine quickly jumps up off the bed, and Hawke moves her aside to lean over me. “Luisa, you okay? Talk to me, baby.”

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