Page 64 of Sworn to Protect

“Ms. Gillman, there’s no active internal bleeding,” the general physician says. “The bruising should heal on its own over the next few weeks.”

Relief flashes across her face, but it doesn’t erase the worry.

“They’re moving him to the surgical floor now.” The orthopedic surgeon adds. “You can see him before he goes into surgery.”

“Thank you.” Mackenzie’s voice is barely audible.

The general physician turns to me. “You’re lucky your boyfriend’s a surgeon. His quick thinking helped save Liam’s leg.”

Silence.

I feel her stare before I see it. Wide eyes. Unreadable expression.

I didn’t correct the boyfriend assumption. That’s not what sends ice down my spine. It’s the fact that she knows now.She knows.

And says nothing.

We walk toward pre-op, the unspoken words stretching tautbetween us. This is a battlefield I’ve never trained for. One where love and betrayal are at war, and I don’t know which side will win.

Liam is groggy when we reach him. Mackenzie presses a trembling kiss to his forehead, whispering reassurances even as her hands shake.

“They’ll fix you up soon, okay?”

He gives her a sluggish nod as the meds drag him under. A few moments later, they wheel him away. And we’re back in the waiting room.

Then she turns to me.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were a surgeon?”

Her voice isn’t angry. It isn’t cold. It’s calm. Too calm. Like a moment before a storm unleashes.

I open my mouth, but her phone rings.

“Mom,” she mouths, lifting it to her ear. She listens for a moment, rubbing a hand over her face.

By the time she hangs up, she sighs.

“Everything okay?”

“She picked up Nick from school.” She leans the back of her head against the wall. “She wants to come, but I don’t want him staying with Jordan. Stan may be doing better, but he’s in no condition to watch a five-year-old.”

“I can go get him. I hate leaving you alone, but if it helps…”

She hesitates, then nods. “Yeah. I’d feel better knowing he’s with you.”

Then Jill bursts into the room, rushing toward Mackenzie. They hug, and I take it as my cue to leave. But Mackenzie’s gaze finds mine over Jill’s shoulder. Her eyes hold so many questions, yet also regret.

I’d like to think she’s regretting that I have to go.

When she steps away, she turns to me again. “Thanks, Nate. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I pull her into a hug, holding on just a little too long. I can’t lose her. Not over this.

She looks up at me with teary eyes. “It makes me sick. Physically sick.”

“I know. Me too.”

We’ll talk later. I just hope she still looks at me the same way when we do.

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