Page 5 of Reaper's Ride
“You were sort of out of it after the accident,” she explained.
I grunted, too distracted by the tight feeling in my chest and along my ribcage. Did I crack a few ribs? Sure felt like it.
“Are you in a lot of pain? We can call the nurse and get more meds into you.”
No. I hated feeling like I couldn’t think on my own or didn’t have control. Heavy medication dulled the senses, and I didn’t plan on staying in a fucking hospital longer than necessary.
I moved and winced, sucking in a breath. Fuck. Frustrated, I yanked on the hospital gown and managed to rip it off one shoulder, tugging the fabric down until I could see my chest. Fucking hell. No wonder it felt so tender, and my lungs struggled to fill with air properly. Bruising and discoloration covered my chest. “I’m gonna kill that fucker who hit me,” I growled.
“I don’t blame you for feeling that way, but I don’t think you’re going to find out who it was unless the police catch him. It was a hit and run,” Snooki explained.
“The fuck?” I asked with more force than I intended.
She flinched. Shit.
“Sorry. I’m just pissed.” I’d find that asshole as soon as I left the hospital. If the police couldn’t help, then I’d do it on my own.
“I know. It’s okay. I would be too.” She patted my hand, and I caught her stare as it lingered on my body, tracing the indentation of my abs until it slowly dragged higher to linger on my mouth.
“Still feeling neglected?” I asked, unable to help, returning to the one thing she said that I couldn’t seem to forget.
Air hissed from her lungs. “What?”
I ticked my chin at her, careful not to move my torso since every breath I took fucking hurt. “Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean.”
Her slim shoulders lifted in a shrug. “A conversation for another time when you’re not lying in front of death’s door.”
I snorted. “I’ve been through much worse, darlin’. Trust me.”
“Well, I can’t.” She pointed at me. “We don’t know each other. Just met. Remember?”
“Yeah, I remember.” How could I forget her killer smile or sexy as fuck ass as she flirted with me in the parking lot? This woman had no idea how much she already affected me. Snooki had power over me, and she didn’t have a clue.
Why? Because she was here. She fucking showed up. Stayed. Put her finger on my artery and kept me from bleeding out on the goddamn asphalt. She remained at my side while I slept and stuck around so I knew she was there when I woke up.
Who was this angel?
That fucking fast... she becamemy obsession.
“WHY DO YOU LOOK SOgrumpy?” Snooki asked as she entered my room, visiting me for the fourth time in three days.
If I wasn’t having trouble breathing, I’d fucking walk out.
I almost forgot to answer her as I took in her tight jeans and the cropped shirt she wore that exposed her stomach. Damn. I wish more curvy women showed off their fucking assets like that. Snooki wasn’t shy about her body or wearing clothes that hugged every inch and drew my eye whenever she walked into the room. The impulse to reach for her and drag her onto the bed with me was so strong that I only resisted because of my bruised torso.
“Tired of hospital food,” I grumbled, saying the only thing I could since my thoughts centered on her rockin’ body and that sweet smile she seemed to wear just for me.
Where have you been all my life, baby?
She snickered. “Well, what are they feeding you?”
I pointed to the covered tray nearby. “Slop.”
“Pagan.” She shook her head and lifted the lid, smirking when she saw yogurt, a salad, grapefruit, and half a hamburger that I managed to choke down. They fucking burned it.
If I wanted charcoal, I’d have asked for it.
“Leafy greens, dairy, and lean meats help promote healing,” she pointed out. “It’s a sensible meal. High nutrients.”
