Page 12 of Enzo
Doc quirks a brow. “Did I stutter? I can’t be here every day—not that I’d want to be anyway—but you also can’t be on your own right now.”
I scowl. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
Doc’s cognac-colored eyes darken and he stands up straighter. “Oh, so you can get up and walk on your own? Your pain levels are manageable without meds? You’ll start therapy, and you’ve accepted your new pace of life?”
I swallow, hating how his words chip at parts of me that are already so frayed.
When I have nothing to say, he continues his tirade. “That’s what I thought. You’re staying here until you’re fully recovered… that means mentally and emotionally stable as well. Kail is going to be your full-time nurse. I need someone I can trust, not only to help me with the medical stuff, but considering he handles Roman and Tennant, he can handle your grumpy ass too.”
Doc sighs, his features softening a bit as he gentles his tone. “I know this is hard, and it’s going to take time for you to get used to everything and process this life-changing event. But it’s only been a week, Enzo. You have time for all that. Right now, I just need you to heal and let us do our thing to help get you to a more stable place.
“Kail being here is non-negotiable. He’s my assistant, and I can do whatever I want with him under those terms. He’s not a babysitter, he’s a helper, and damn good at his job. If I find out you’re not listening to his advice or accepting his help, I will go straight to Cristian.”
A sick, twisted knot forms in my chest at his threat. I know he’s serious. I also know the Boss will kick my ass if he thinks I’m not taking care of myself. The last thing I want is to disappoint him, not after everything he’s done for me over the years.
“Mi comporterò bene, lo prometto.”
“Good,” Doc replies. He checks his watch. “I have a meeting soon, so I’m leaving you in Kail’s capable hands. Behave.” Looking to Kail, he says, “Call if you need anything, and don’t be afraid to put him in his place.”
Kail gives a sweet smile. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. Go. We’ll see you later.”
Doc leaves with a dramatic huff and I look at my boyfriend. “You sure you’re okay being my nurse? I can’t imagine how difficult this has all been for you.”
Kail looks down at our joined hands before meeting my gaze. “I love you, Enzo. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Maybeit makes me a little bit of a control freak, but as good as I know the clinic nurses are, I didn’t become Doc’s first assistant for nothing. I may not always be able to separate my feelings for you with the clinical eye someone else would, but that sure as fuck won’t stop me from making sure you’re getting the help you need. Hell, our relationship just means I caremoreabout your well-being and will do everything in my power to make sure you’re okay.
“Don’t worry about me. You know Doc and Rose will kick my ass if they think I’m not taking care of myself. But I need to do this, for you, and for my own peace of mind.”
“Only if you’re really sure…”
He cups my cheek with his free hand. “I am. It’s you and me against the world, baby. Between the two of us, we can conquer anything.”
I smile a little at how utterly sappy and adorable he is. “I love you, darlin’.”
Kail leans in and kisses me, so soft and gentle, as if he’s afraid I’ll break. “Love you too.”
“I’m not fragile.”
“I know. But excuse me for wanting to be sweet. I just won’t kiss you next time.”
“That’s unfair!”
Kail raises a brow. “You wanna try me?”
Sighing, I pout, but I know he’s serious. The problem with having a boyfriend who has to deal with a brat as a boss? He doesn’t take any of my shit.
“Fine. You can mother hen me to your heart’s content.”
He snorts. “Thank you.” The next kiss he gives me is longer, deeper, and makes me moan. Kail pulls away, a small smirk on his lips that he’s earned. The man knows what he does to me.
“Now, I’m sure you want to get cleaned up. Jayden said he wants to show you how to maneuver around on the crutchesbefore we get you into the shower, but I’m not complaining about giving you a sponge bath.”
“I am.”
Kail pats my shoulder, as if in consolation, before getting up to get things ready for the stupid sponge bath.
I’d argue more, but I know better. Doc has us all trained to not give his staff too much grief. The last thing I need is a fucking lecture about treating his nurses like people and following their lead when it comes to medical stuff—again. It’s not a mistake most people make twice, but I don’t know anyone who works for the Family who hasn’t been on the other end of a pissed off Doc.
Thankfully, there was already a bathroom off this sitting room, so it’s easy for Kail to prep everything for the freaking sponge bath. It also makes getting up and hobbling along to the restroom—with assistance of course—more convenient. Though Doc set up a portable toilet, which I’ve been forced to use a few times when I couldn’t make my body go any further.
