Page 49 of Jameson: Mayhem Makers

“No, no hospitals. We don’t do hospitals.”

“Okay, well, we have to do something,” she said, exasperated. “You’ve been shot. Twice.”

“Take my belt off and secure it around my leg above the wound.”

Lucia did as I said, then asked, “Now what?”

“We have a doctor. I just have to get to my dad,” I replied with a grunt of pain.

“Okay, I’ll take you there.”

I shook my head. “No. This is the perfect opportunity for you to leave. I’ll tell them your dad’s men took you and left me for dead. You can take one of their cars and get the hell out of here.”

“I doubt you can drive, Jameson.” Her eyes searched mine. “I’m not leaving you like this.”

My chest tightened, filling with warmth. I reached up and cupped her face, caressing her cheek with my thumb. “Fine. We’ll come up with a plan on the way.”

Lucia drove my Tahoe to the clubhouse, where my dad and Raleigh were waiting outside. They quickly came to the passenger side and helped me out. “How bad is it?” my dad asked.

Wincing as I stepped out, I replied, “I’m fine. Missed the major arteries.”

Lucia came around to meet us. “He’s lost a good amount of blood. Passed out for a couple of minutes on the way here.”

My dad nodded as he draped my uninjured arm around his shoulders. “Let’s get him inside. Our guy is waiting.”

Raleigh followed. “Why are you the one who always gets shot?” he teased.

“Shut up, Raleigh,” my dad snapped.

“Because I’m always taking the risk,” I replied, looking over my shoulder to make sure Lucia followed us.

She gave me a small smile, but I could tell she was worried.

I started to feel lightheaded again. “We’re not trading her, Dad. I’ll figure something else out.”

“We’ll talk about it once you’re patched up,” my dad responded, his brow furrowed.

I forced us to stop. “I’m serious, Dad. If anyone touches her, I will end them,” I said, fighting to stay awake. “Let her and her friend go. I wouldn’t have made it here without her.”

My dad nodded, glancing at Lucia. “Okay, son. They’re free to go.”

A smile curved my lips as I blacked out again.

When I woke up, I heard a heart monitor beeping. “Hey, you’re awake.”

I slowly opened my eyes to see Lucia sitting by my side. Then I noticed she was holding my hand. “Hey,” I rasped.

“You sound thirsty. Do you want some water?” she asked, letting go of my hand to grab the bottle of water on the cart.

I took a drink, then asked, “What are you still doing here?”

She chuckled. “Rude.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you’re here, but I would’ve thought you’d be gone by now. My dad said you and Elise were free to go.”

She smiled warmly, taking my hand in both of hers. “I know. But I couldn’t leave without making sure you were okay.”

My stomach got all knotted up. “But why? I kidnapped you.”

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