Page 85 of Accepting Fate

That makes me wonder where her shirt went, and I can only imagine the worst, judging by the rest of her body. Isabella’s legs are stretched out in front of her. She’s wearing athletic shorts that look like they have been sitting in dirt for days. Her legs are covered in small, tiny scratches.

From what I can tell, without touching her, her leg is definitely broken. It looks like a compound fracture to her tibia. The broken bone is bulging against the skin of her calf.

My heart breaks at the sight of her sitting here. Any other person would be screaming in pain if they had the injuries she does. But she just sits here silently, so whatever she has been through must be worse than all of this pain.

I take a quick peek over my shoulder to check on Harper and notice a man standing in the doorway, watching her. In any other situation, I would have panicked. But I have Noah and an incapacitated, but still strong as hell, Grayson here with me.

I know exactly who he is. This mysterious looking man is Wesley, the oldest Hayes brother. He doesn’t pay me any attention. His focus is locked in on Harper as she stitches up Grayson’s head. His hair is shaggy like Grayson’s but a little wavy. His facial hair is trimmed, and his eyes are the classic Hayes blue.

Grayson was right. Wesley doesn’t have any tattoos, from what I can see. He is wearing a short-sleeved tan shirt and I don’t see a single drop of ink on him.

I don’t know why but something about him scares me a little bit. But also intrigues me. He looks like a lion stalking his prey and is about to pounce at any moment. Which is terrifying because his sights are locked on my best friend.

I must be staring too long because his head snaps at me. Wesley’s mouth is pulled in a tight line, and I immediately look away, embarrassed I was caught staring at him.

Isabella is still staring at her lap.

Speaking softly not to spook her, I introduce myself. “Hi. I’m Logan. Grayson said you needed some help. Is it okay if I take a look?”

Her eyes slowly lift to mine. She takes a second but then she nods and gives me a small smile. But it’s gone too quickly when her eyes dart to Noah and Landon nearby.

I stand and walk a few steps over to Noah and whisper, “Hey, is there any way you guys could move to the living room for a little bit?”

He nods and motions for Landon to follow him to the living room.

I gather the supplies Harper dumped on the table and sit back in front of Isabella.

“Better?”

She meets my gaze again and nods.

“I’m going to ask you a few questions and if you don’t feel comfortable answering, just tell me no. Okay?”

She nods her headyes.

“Okay, so I can see your hand and leg are broken. Is there anything else broken or hurts really bad?”

“No,” she says, so softly I barely hear her.

“Good. Would it be okay if I checked your head, back, and neck to make sure they are okay?”

Isabella frantically shakes her head no.

“Okay. We don’t have to. Is it okay if I put a splint on your leg and hand? It will be painful but when you’re comfortable, we will get you to the hospital and they can get you some medicine to help.”

“Okay.”

I talk her through the process of setting her hand and leg. I show her all the tools and bandages as I go to ensure she won’t get scared by anything unexpected. I pause at one point to grab a wet paper towel from the kitchen to wipe off some of the dirt on her hands and legs.

I take a second to squeeze the toenails and fingernails of her broken extremities. The color immediately returns, and I’m hit with a sense of relief that I can take my time.

When I’m done, I can tell she's in pain. Tears start cascading rapidly down her face, and I want to pull her into a hug but don’t want to scare her.

“Can I sit next to you, Isabella?”

She nods frantically and the minute I sit down next to her and lean back against the island, her body falls sideways into my lap. Her body shakes as she sobs. Tentatively, I place my hand on her back and when she doesn’t freak out, I rub small circles and tell her on repeat that she is safe.

I feel eyes on me and look up to see all four Hayes men and Harper staring at us. Grayson is still in his spot on the couch and has a white bandage wrapped around his head.

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