Page 88 of Fighting for Brielle
When Anderson left the infirmary, Carson relaxed and sank into a chair next to Brielle’s bed. He lifted his shirt and saw his bruised ribs. Not broken, thank goodness. He felt strange. Like two halves of himself were melding together. Liberated, almost, though he consciously understood his imprisonment. What was happening to him? Something inside him screamed for its freedom and clawed at his gut.
He leaned back, stretched out his long legs, and closed his eyes. It was quiet in the infirmary except for the humming of the heart monitor and the soft sound of Brielle’s breathing. Within a few minutes his mind took him to a safe place. To the memory of a sweet, hometown girl. Her golden hair shone in the sun and her dark blue eyes sparkled like sapphires. Her angelic face warmed his heart. She jumped into his arms, welcoming him home as he stepped off a cargo plane. He wore military fatigues.
In his sleep he frowned. Fatigues? He didn’t remember. Was he in the military?
His heart started to pound. Another memory surfaced. His girl begging him not to go, not to leave her.
“No, please, Nash. No, don’t do this. It’s too dangerous.”
“I’ve got to, baby. It’s my duty. My responsibility.”
She pulled a ring off her finger. “I’m sorry. I can’t wait for you to put me first…”
Carson clenched his fist around an invisible ring as the memory faded into a thick mist. After that his mind went blank.
* * *
Brielle awoke a few hours later after her heart had stabilized and a bag of fluids had emptied into her veins. She felt better physically but drained and lost. What Anderson planned to do to her next couldn’t be any worse than the terrifying scenarios she’d just experienced. And what was the point? To teach her to be selfish? If Anderson hoped that pain would be a deterrent, he would be sorely disappointed. She would take the pain, even if it killed her.
Justice, I promised you I would stay alive, and I’ll do my best, but I may not survive. Please know that I’ll fight. Until my last breath. I love you.
“You’re brave.” Carson’s quiet voice cut into her thoughts. “Probably the bravest woman I’ve ever met. No wonder Chief fell in love with you.”
Brielle’s eyes swung to meet his. “Thanks, Carson, for helping me today. I owe you my life.”
He waved his hand. “Don’t mention it. Dr. Sherman is keeping you overnight. I’ve gotten permission to take you to the living quarters for single women. You’ll have a private bathroom with a shower. Clothes and personal items, too. You can’t eat with the others yet, but I’ll bring your meals to you.”
She nodded. It was more than she expected.
Chapter 22
The next morning both Carson and Dr. Sherman insisted that Brielle be allowed to eat a hearty breakfast before she released her. Anderson didn’t like it, but he agreed. He also didn’t like the fact that Dr. Sherman recommended a day of recuperation before Brielle resumed her program.
“Coddling this one is a mistake,” Anderson grumbled.
“You’re not coddling her,” Carson soothed him. “You’re turning her into your champion, your ally. You’ve seen her loyalty for yourself. You want her to be loyal toyou,Axel.”
“All right, Carson. You and Dr. Sherman win. Give her a day and then tomorrow her programming begins in earnest.”
When they were alone, Carson bent over Brielle and murmured, “You heard every word, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Brielle opened her eyes. “Again, thanks for looking out for me.”
“Don’t get used to it. The sooner Axel turns you into an ally the better for both of us.”
“Ally?”
“We’re called Axel’s Allies.”
“Original.”
“You still have a smart mouth.”
“Much to my dad’s dismay.”
“Word of advice? Don’t mention your family in here. Forget about them. When the rebellion starts, Anderson will make sure they’re eliminated right away. Especiallyyourfamily.”
Brielle rolled her head away from him. “Please leave me alone.”
