Page 51 of Piper's Pyro

“Mhm. But you’ve got to stop this. Someone may die if this situation isn’t abated. I certainly don’t want you to get hurt.”

Stitch started coughing, but I could tell it was to hide his amusement. I might be laying it on a bit thick.

“No.” He shook his head. “You’re lying to me. Trying to trick me. If I’m going to die, we all fucking will die!”

Great. Now what?

“You’re just scared, Forrest. And rightly so. But I wouldn’t trick you. Look at me. I’m strapped to the bed and vulnerable. You have all the power here.” Oh God, I hoped I wasn’t puffing him up too much. He could use my words against me.

“Yeah, I have all the power.” He put his hands on his hips like Superman and scanned the sterile and bland room. Sort of resembling Clark Kent—nerdy with glasses. Forrest’s light brown hair was long on top and disheveled. Judging by his strong odor and greasy locks, it had been days, or longer, since his last shower.

“I see now what a strong man you are. But I also want a man who’s compassionate and caring. Someone like me. I’m a nurse because I’m passionate about helping people.”

“I’m all that too.” He strode toward me. “You know I would never hurt anyone.”

“But look at me. Look at Doctor Hayes. He’s bleeding to death, Forrest. I, I mean,weneed to help him.”

He looked over at Stitch, whose eyes were closed and faintly moaning. Doing his best to play the part like me.

Forrest scratched his temple with the gun’s barrel. He hadn’t put his weapon down once. It was unnerving how flippant he handled it.

“Our child should know they are safe with its parents. We don’t want this situation to haunt and follow our baby around for the rest of our life.

“No, that wouldn’t be good.”

Yes, finally!

“Let’s make everything right. We can start with a clean slate, Forrest. Just think how wonderful our lives could be.”

He rushed toward me and smashed his mouth against mine. I kissed him with fervor, so he didn’t sense my repulsion. Had he not brushed his teeth today? I wanted to vomit into his mouth—he was so revolting.

Stitch coughed and hissed in pain. Bless him. His actions made Forrest rear back.

“I have a plan.” He started to untie one of my hands.

“I knew you’d think of something.”

He stopped before undoing my other hand and feet.

“What’s wrong?’

“I don’t know. I still don’t trust you.” He backed away from the bed. “I’ll take care of Doctor Hayes myself.”

Dammit!

“Okay. I trust you to do what’s best.” Son of a bitch. I’d been so close.

Forrest opened several drawers in the supply cabinet. “Shit, I’m not finding what I need. When was the last time this room was replenished?”

“It’s for overflow, so probably not in a while.”Think Piper, think.“You could call and request supplies.”

“No, they’ll send up one of your brothers.”

“So tell them to not fuck with you. That you mean business.”

He smiled. “I could do that.” This guy only wanted to be respected and the top dog. I remembered how no one had taken him seriously. I felt a little bad now because I hadn’t either.

Of course that didn’t excuse his behavior and how he shot Brady. But it did explain why he snapped.

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