Page 64 of Gluttony
“How’s the patient feeling?” Doctor Grace Go rushed in, still wearing her green surgical scrubs. She had a stethoscope around her neck, and her hospital name tag pinned to her hip.
With dark hair and a kind smile, she had a way about her that put Bailey at ease, simply by setting her eyes on Bailey.
Tony and Parker came in behind her. Parker keenly watched from the side to hear what Grace had to say. That man had a mind like a sponge, always soaking up the information around him. Tony nudged Max out of the way to take the spot by her bedside. He gripped her hand and looked at her with eyes still flashing with worry. She squeezed back.
“I’m feeling quite good actually,” she replied to Grace. Now that she’d eaten. “What Parker gave to counteract the toxin seems to be working.” She wiggled her toes. “I can move them, but can’t feel much beyond my ankles. It kinda burns and prickles.”
Grace went down to the end of the bed and pulled out a pen from her pocket. She took Bailey’s heel and poked the nib around the pad of her foot.
Little burning sparks of fire shot through her.
“Ow,” Bailey said, jolting. “That hurts.”
Grace smiled. “Good. The feeling is coming back. Won’t be long now and you should make a full recovery.”
The doctor shooed Tony to the side and continued with a basic examination of Bailey. If she wasn’t so ready to get out of her disgusting attire, she’d find it humorous to see the three brooding men watching as though it were a life or death situation. Lined up in a row, all had their arms folded, eying her intently, jaws twitching.
Grace lowered Bailey’s wrist. “Heart rate is returning to normal. Blood pressure is fine.” She shone a torch into Bailey’s eyes. “Pupils responsive.”
Then she touched Bailey gently on the shoulder and looked deep into her eyes. “How are you feeling?”
Grace looked at Bailey. Reallylookedat her. Something in her tone sent a rush of hormones swimming around Bailey’s body. Her eyes teared up, but she pushed them down. She wasn’t one to cry in front of other people.
“I’m fine. Looking forward to a hot shower.”
“Well, you’ll need help with that. At least for tonight.” She glanced over at Tony. “You can take her upstairs now, if you like.”
Bailey stiffened. “I can’t go home?”
“You’re coming to mine,” Tony insisted.
Grace agreed. “I think it’s best that Tony stays with you, at least until you’re capable of walking on your own. And he will need to monitor you to ensure there are no adverse effects of the antitoxin.”
“How long will that be for?”
“The treatment seems to be working fine, so overnight.” She glanced at Parker. “Filtering Tony’s blood worked.”
His response was an arrogant cock of the eyebrow, as if to say,Of course.Did you expect any less?
Grace smirked. “As long as you’re feeling fine, there’s nothing to worry about. You had a big scare, so get some rest.” She scrunched up her nose and laughed. “Maybe two showers.”
Tony didn’t wait any longer, he scooped Bailey into his arms. She supposed there was no arguing with him, so laced her fingers around his neck. Having a big, strong, actual real life hero carry her wasn’t something she could complain about. She didn’t want to.
“We’ll finish our conversation later,” Parker insisted.
Tony ignored his brother’s statement and carried Bailey out of the room. Two steps out, they almost collided with Misha and Lilo in the hallway. Misha had a stack of folded clothes resting on her pregnant belly, while Lilo held another plate of sandwiches.
“Whoops!” Misha exclaimed, her blond curly hair bouncing as she stepped back.
“Hi.” Lilo gave Bailey a small grin. “You look better.”
Tony growled impatiently and tried to side-step the women, but they both united and blocked him.
“Here,” Misha handed the clothes to Bailey. “You’ll need some clean clothes. I have girly bubble soap in there too. God knows the man stuff is yuk.”
“I have more sandwiches if you’re still hungry.” Lilo put that plate on top of the clothes.
Bailey balanced it all between herself and Tony.
