Page 130 of Forbidden Romeo

“We’ll figure it out, okay?” Jack says firmly. “One thing at a time.”

One thing at a time. Like getting to safety, figuring out why those “black coats” were after us, surviving the next fight, and convincing Padraic to leave us alone. Hell, why not throw in figuring out how my brother knew I was even here?

Dr. Lous takes off her gloves and leans back, “The antibiotics I’m going to give you will only last a few days. You need more; you’re going to have to come back.”

“Thank you,” I reply. At least “dying from a bullet wound” can be struck off my to-do list.

Jack glances over to the doctor. “Would you prefer cash or credit?”

Dr. Lous narrows her eyes at him, “How much are you offering?”

“Connor said he’d pay you half a million?” He looks down at me and offers me a gentle smile. “I’ll double it.”

“Jack!” I say in shock.

“You can retire twice over and never look back. But we were never here; you don’t know where Aimee Maguire is, who she’s with, or that she was shot. When her sister calls you again, you tell her that the police suspect that she’s still in New York, but you’re too busy to keep looking into it.”

Dr. Lous purses her lips and stands up, “I’m not leaving New York, and my wife would never believe I came by that kind of money legally. You’ll pay for the care and the resources I just used so we can keep our books balanced.”

Jack nods, “And what about what you saw here today?”

Dr. Lous shrugs and heads toward the door. “Just another day in the office.”

I watch her leave in pure amazement, not knowing if it’s her loyalty or her tenacity that impresses me more.

“Oh, and Dr. Maguire?” she says, looking back over her shoulder. “You’re fired.”

I deflate a little as the door slams behind her. Well, it’s not like I didn’t expect this to happen, but it still stings that the only normal part of my life is now gone.

“Hey,” Jack says quietly, returning to my side. “We can get you another job.”

I shake my head, “It’s okay, really. It’s not like I’m able to help anyone right now.”

“I mean it. I know how important this is for you.”

“Let’s just get out of here.”

Jack wordlessly helps me up and out of the gurney. My legs shake a little to begin with, but I can stand up on my own now the pain has subsided. I know the anesthetic will wear off soon, but right now, the numbness is blissful.

“Jack?” I say as we approach the doors. “Can I ask a favor?”

“Anything,Chroí.”

“Can we get milkshakes on our way home?”

***

An hour later, we pull into Jack’s garage. We never discussed going back to his penthouse instead of the Duffy mansion, but I get the feeling that neither of us has the energy to deal with Padraic today.

Despite the milkshakes, exhaustion hits me like a bus the minute the engine is cut, and I realize I’m going to have to walk again.

“Let’s go to bed,” Jack says with a sigh. I see the tiredness setting on his own shoulders, but he rallies himself to get out of the car and come to open the door for me.

He takes one look at me and begins to slide his arms under my legs.

“What are you doing?” I say in alarm.

He ignores me, moving my arms to hold onto his neck, and lifts me out of my seat. Pressed against his firm chest, I allow myself a moment to relax in his arms before beginning my protests again. On principle.

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