Page 31 of Whiskey's Redemption

Carli

Knowing we’re both going to the same room doesn’t bode well for the dramatics I just unleashed. Stomping as fast as I can past the security guards that still protect the family, acknowledging the nurses station and knocking on the door, I wait for a response.

Hearing him stop abruptly behind me, I don’t turn toward him. “Jamieson, let’s not and say we did.”

“Carli,” he says softly, standing close.

“Please,” I beg. “I need to see Circe for a bit. Alone. Can you stay with your brother while we go for a walk?”

“Of course, but why are you pushing me off? Maybe I could help?”

I wish he could. Nothing I’m up against is going to go well. If I submit to it, losing the life I’ve built, I’ll save my sisters, but I’ll lose me. Not much of a choice, really.

“Thanks, but I’m a one-man band. My cymbals can’t be rung by anyone other than me.” Hearing someone say to come in, I stalk inside without a further thought to the man behind me.

The room that Circe and Wyatt now share is a lot different than her last. Not located far from where she was, but it’s considerably larger. Their two beds are pulled together, locked in place. The machines that kept Wyatt alive are gone, but I don’t think he’s anywhere close to leaving the hospital yet. His cheeks are still sallow, his frame is weak looking, and a motorcycle ride is nowhere in his near future. Looking at the two of them in their matching arm casts makes them a set.

Walking in, Wyatt is snacking on Jell-O.Yep, not a food group, buddy.He smiles around a mouthful of the goo. “Carli, nice to see you again.”

“You, too. How’s my girl?” I ask, knowing Circe won’t answer with her mouth full of the same concoction.

“She’s eating my supply, but she promised me something in return.”

With a nudge to his chest, Circe smiles, sets down her now empty bowl on the table and laughs. “Stop whining. You smile, and Salibrings you extra. Even you can’t eat it all, Wyatt.”

His endearing smile lights up the room. “So what brings you back, Whiskey?”

“I found this lovely lady in the elevator when I was heading out for a coffee. You’d spin back, too.” Looking over my shoulder, looking all imposing, Jamieson gives me a soft smile. “How about you girls blow this popsicle stand and get some air? It’s high time we had guy time without your meddling.”

And that’s the cue. “Come on, woman. They need a dick swinging moment. All that brotherly grunting and farting while we get sunshine.”

The look on Circe’s face suggests she’s more than happy to leave for a bit of air. Stepping to the side of her bed, I grab up one of the two wheelchairs and push it to the side, locking the wheels.

“Mind grabbing a sweater for me from the cupboard? The rest of the hospital is cold,” Circe asks.

Nodding, I grab a sweater from the closet while Circe takes a seat on the edge of the bed.

Slipping on her sweater, I help her into the chair and we start for the door. “Take your time, girls. We boys will be just fine watching porn and eating pork rinds.”

“I’m sure you’ll be itching to hear all the juicy stories about the sexy orderlies we abuse on the way through,” Circe deadpans.

“Be good, Siren.”

“Wyatt, there’s no use in attempting to be a good girl now.”

As I pull the door open, I back out with Circe. The looks from both the Crown men speaks volumes. One I hope to turn down a notch or two.

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