Page 54 of The Last Call
After she hightails her patronizing ass out of here, Nonna tsks in disapproval. “I do not like her. She does not take care of Sydney the way she should.”
“I know but we don’t have to worry. I think she’ll be better in the future.”
Or she won’t be back at all if Phillip walking in with a stack of white quilts and a tiny yellow tube of lip balm is any indication. Nonna takes both out of his hands, busying herself with tending to Syd while my captain casually tosses his head. Trying not to alert my grandmother that he needs to talk to me. That’s something’s really fucking wrong for him to have to give me an update that will take me out of this room.
“This better be fucking important.”
He blows out a deep breath. Not sure if he’s preparing me or himself. I open my mouth to tell him to hurry the fuck up. But he jumps in before I can admonish him.
“You’re going to have to calm down. The hospital administrator is on his way up here to talk to you because you’ve fired three doctors, scared the shit out of the nurses with all your yelling, and pulled your gun twice in front of witnesses.”
Damn. I do know better than to leave witnesses. “I give zero fucks about any of this.”
“I know you don’t care but they’re talking about banning you from the property if it doesn’t stop. Then you won’t be able to see her.”
This will be a god damn war zone if anyone thinks they can keep me from her. I will kill every motherfucker who tries to stop me from being with my lion. I don’t give a fuck who they are. “Okay.”
“Boss?”
His blue eyes blink several times in astonishment. I’m not usually so agreeable. Especially to unsolicited advice. Probably the first, only, and last time I’ve ever heeded his warning.
I snarl through clenched teeth. He should be happy I haven’t punched him in his. “I said okay. But don’t ever nag me again or I’ll fucking end you.”
Ignoring the threat, he glances around again to ensure no one’s nearby. “We’ve located her friend. We should have her in a few hours. Do you want me to bring her up?”
Thank fuck. “Yeah, get Nonna out of here first.” I glance at my watch. Already past seven. I’m losing fucking hours up here. “Take her home for dinner. Lydia can put her to bed. Then have Bex bring Val up.”
The second person they’ve kidnapped today. Hopefully this discussion will be just as rewarding.
Ilift my forehead from the mattress, and my gaze shoots straight to lion’s face. I must have drifted off for a second and wish I could kick my own ass for being a weak bastard. I can’t miss her waking up. I can’t miss those fierce eyes opening for me. I can’t miss her slim fingers reaching for me. I scrub down the scruff on my face. I didn’t miss a damn thing. She remains silent and still. Both qualities I fucking hate in her and for her because they definitely aren’t her.
My back and neck throb from being hunched over for so long. I massage my shoulder before checking my buzzing phone. Better be good news.
The End.
It’s better than good. Fucking fantastic. Baseball bastard’s dead. I twist the cell around and show her the text. “Look angel. You never have to worry about Ryan again. So wake up, and we’ll celebrate.”
I guess she’s not in the mood. I kiss her anyway. Warm and soft just like she should be. “If only I’d gotten to punish Mack the same way. That’s a regret I’ll always have. I’m sorry I let you down.”
She doesn’t seem mad. “Is there anyone else you want me to take care of? Any other men who hurt you? Say the word and I’ll kill them. I’ll be damn thrilled to kill anyone else you want. All you have to do is ask. Or even if you don’t, I’ll do it anyway.”
The god’s truth although my offer doesn’t faze her. She keeps snoozing. Making me wonder if she hears me. Thinks of me. Dreams of me. Damn. I just want to be in there with her. To heal her broken body and bring her back to me.
Voices argue in the hallway. Hushed and stilted but still upset. That shit better stop before they upset my lion. Suddenly the corridor is quiet except for the squeak of the door. Phillip half leads, half drags a shaking woman into the room.
“I told you we’re not going to hurt you.”
The lady ignores Phillip’s assertion and exasperation. I’m sure he’s reiterated that to her several times already but I legit understand why she doesn’t believe him. Hell I wouldn’t either if I was in her situation. Her brown wide eyes meet mine and trembling hands fly to the basketball size bump under her dress. God damn we’ve kidnapped a pregnant woman. Shit.
Since she’s almost as petite as lion, I remain seated. Attempting not to scare her any more than we already have with another big man hulking over her. I flip my palms up to confirm I mean her no harm. “He’s telling you the truth Mrs. Vernon. I just want you to talk to Sydney. Then you can go.”
Her gaze jerks to her friend laid out on the bed like a damn science experiment with all the shit in her and on her. Her shoulders droop, upset by Sydney’s condition.
“Oh no.”
Treating her with the respect she deserves, like Syd would want, I keep my voice soft and slowly motion for her to come closer. “Please just talk to her. You might help her wake up.”
Rare for me to be this polite and earnest. Must be lion rubbing off on me. My girl’s a good influence.
