Page 110 of Savage Promises

“How did the girl trip you?” I ask, fixing the blanket to keep her warm.

“I didn’t do anything, Lennox. I swear.”

“Okay, sweetheart,” I murmur, smoothing her hair back. My heart aches to see her like this, a far cry from the confident athlete she used to be.

I turn to the nurse. “Why hasn’t she been taken to surgery yet? She’s in pain!”

The nurse shifts uncomfortably. “We’re arranging for a transfer.”

“A transfer?” My voice rises to a biting pitch.

“I’ll let the admin in charge talk to you.” The nurse rushes off.

They’re overworked and underpaid, so I stifle any more bitterness toward her.

A moment later, an administrator in a cheap pants suit steps in. “Are you Neve’s guardian?”

“She’s eighteen.” I cross my arms.

“Neve is still in high school and requires a guardian.”

“I’m her sister. I was told my father couldn’t be reached.” I exhale. “So, I’m here. Talk to me. Why is she not being treated? The coach told me she was being prepped for surgery.”

The admin shoves her hands into polyester pockets. “Ms. Donnelly...”

“Mrs. Quinlan,” I correct her with a touch of hope that she recognizes the name and understands who she’s dealing with.

“Mrs. Quinlan, your sister is uninsured. Without coverage or a significant down payment, we can’t proceed. We’re moving her to City Hospital. They’ll reevaluate her and—”

“City Hospital?” I cry out.

I can’t believe my father knocked Neve off his insurance policy when she turned eighteen. He probably figured it would be up to Shane to pick up the coverage. Rage simmers in my veins at how irresponsible he’s been, but there’s little good that will do me right now.

“Ouch, Lennox,” my sister whines in pain. “It hurts.”

“You’re not moving my sister. I’ll take care of the bill.” Even as I say it, I wonder what I’m doing.

The money I received as a payout for Club Echelon is in a new account, and I recall something about a thirty-day hold to lock in a good interest rate. The other account Shane set up for me is for Luxe’s operating expenses.

“It will take time to draw up a full cash estimate,” she says, and more demurely adds, “We can’t guarantee that once we open her up there won’t be additional charges—”

“Just fix her,” I snap.

The sleek black credit card Shane gave me months ago shines in my wallet. I swore I’d never use it unless absolutely necessary. I guess I’ve reached that place.

I hesitate for half a second, then hand it over, figuring I can cover this with my Echelon payout as soon as the hold is lifted. By the time Shane sees the charge, it will be paid off.

Forgiveness vs. Permission.

“Take this. Charge whatever you need. Just get my sister into surgeryright now. Here. She’s not going to City Hospital. In fact, I want your best orthopedic surgeon. She’s an athlete being scouted by USC and needs the best care.”

Every forceful word is a silent apology for the hell Neve has been through. I’m still angry at what she did to Shane, but she was used by my father and manipulated by an older man.

The administrator takes my card. “The nurse will be back with prep instructions.” She hurries away, her shoulders up around her ears.

“You didn’t have to be a bitch about it,” Neve huffs, her face red with pain.

Sighing, I sit down next to my sister and ignore the tantrum. “Your volleyball career is not over. You’re going to be fine,” I whisper, brushing a tear from her cheek.

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