Page 110 of Brutal Legacy

Elio paused then leaned in.

I pressed my lips to his ear. “I’ve never kissed anyone but you.”

The confession was the last thing I said before the world drifted away.

31

GEORGIA

When I woke up, the world lurched so violently, I didn’t know how I managed to make it to the bathroom to throw up. Several disgusting and wrenching minutes later, I collapsed onto the floor and groaned.

What the hell?

I hadn’t ever been this hungover. I wasn’t a big drinker, and for a long time I’d been on so many antidepressants, I’d never bothered with more than a glass of wine here and there.

Now, I was paying for the fact that I had basically zero tolerance. I’d been damn lucky to survive a whole bottle of wine.

“Mrs. Santori, allow me,” a female voice spoke from the doorway.

I rolled over to see Captain Toni, fresh-faced and full of health. She had a medical bag in her hand.

She helped me up off the floor and back to bed.

“You don’t need to take care of me. I’m fine. It’s my own fault.”

“Feeling like shit, is still feeling like shit, regardless of whose fault it is, if you’ll pardon my language.”

I laughed. I couldn’t help it. The phrasing was so unexpected from Captain Toni.

I lay down and watched her unzip her bag.

“You got some aspirin in there?”

“Not quite,” she said and pulled on some latex gloves, snapping them for good measure. Then she took out an IV with a long tube and needle.

“What the hell?” I reared back.

She reached for my arm regardless, her touch firm and nonnegotiable.

“Fluids, painkillers, and saline. You’ll feel better in no time.”

I watched as she swabbed my arm and then slid the needle in. She had a surprisingly gentle touch.

“I’ve been administering emergency medical aid for decades. Don’t worry.”

“Oh, I’m not, I just feel really bougie to be getting a drip for a hangover. Is this a rich people thing?”

“Pretty much,” Toni admitted. “Colonel Santori ordered it.”

“Colonel?” I repeated. “You served with Elio. I thought you didn’t use titles in civilian life.”

“It’s hard to remember when it comes to the boss,” she admitted. “If you could keep my slipup to yourself.”

“Of course. Anyway, it’s not like I talk to my husband much.”

Toni shrugged. “He doesn’t talk to anyone much. But you are the first and only woman to visit this residence.”

“You’re here.”

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