Page 405 of Savage Bosses

His mother slowly lifted her head. “Tati… hasn’t seen you like this,” she whispered.

Bryce let out a sigh of relief. “Good. That’s good. My phone. I need to check it. I’m sure she’s called.”

“Your phone was left in Italy, son. It was lost.”

Damn. He could buy another one. “Mom, let me use your phone to call Tati. I need to let her know I’m okay.”

“She doesn’t know you’re like this, son. She doesn’t know you’re home.”

“It’s good that you didn’t tell her. But I still need to call her. It’s been days since I’ve spoken to her. She’s probably losing her mind.”

“Son…”

“Mom, I just need your phone.”

“Wait, son, just listen. You… you’ve been out of it for longer than a few days. You were out during the entire private flight home. And during the surgeries also. The doctors gave you meds to keep you out. They thought it was best so that you wouldn’t move…”

“Mom,” Bryceson whispered, feeling like something was wrong.

His mother continued telling him about the surgeries he’d endured, along with the three dental implants he’d had. He didn’t remember any of it. And right now, he only had one question.

“Mom, is Tati okay?”

His mother blinked back tears. “Right now, you should worry about yourself.”

“Mother!” He yelled, then winced.

“Be still,” his mother said, concern etched into the lines of her face. She looked exhausted. Had she been by his side during this entire time? “Be still, son. Rest. Please. And then we’ll talk about Tati.”

He didn’t want to rest. He wanted to talk. But the pain was becoming unbearable again. He closed his eyes, trying to block it out.

“Are you in pain?” his mom asked. “Geesh. It’s almost time for your meds. Wait one second, son. Nurse!” his mother called out.

Bryceson forced his eyes open. They had a nurse in their home? A middle-aged woman with long blonde hair rushed into the room.

“Yes, Mrs. Cattaneo?” the blonde said.

“It’s time for his pain meds,” his mother instructed.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. He has one more hour before he can take more pain medication.”

“But he’s hurting now,” his mother insisted.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. But the doctor…”

“Screw the doctor. My son is in pain now!” his mother yelled, which was so unlike her.

“It’s okay, mom,” Bryceson croaked as another wave of tears fell from his mother’s eyes. “I can wait,” he told her. “I’m… tired.”

If his mother replied, he didn’t hear it. The darkness returned him to a place where there was no pain. And he welcomed the reprieve. That routine continued for the next few days. He’d awaken when the pain pulled him from the abyss. He’d find his mother or grandmother by his side, watching over him.

The nurse would give him meds. He’d ask about Tati, only to be told that he needed to focus on his own health and that he’d be starting rehab soon. Apparently, he had to learn to walk again or some shit. After arguing about wanting to call Tati, he’d fall back to sleep, only to repeat that routine when he awakened.

No one would tell him anything about his girlfriend, nor would they allow him to call her or any of his friends for that matter. He was given one task by his mother and medical team: get better.

Not even his dad was allowed in his room or the gym, where he’d begun enduring a grueling rehab routine once he was well enough. After one of his workouts, the nurse’s phone rang. It was a ringtone to a song Tati liked. That caused him to snap at his mother.

"Tell me where she is," Bryceson demanded, gritting his teeth against the pain. "Does she know I'm hurt?"

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