Page 38 of Cruel Love

“That won’t happen. Besides”—she snorted—"it’s not like we haven’t survived with very little money before. Don’t let Mr. Bennett control you. Talk to Phoenix. And we will help with the baby in any way we can. Don’t let any of that sway your decision.”

“Okay.” I tapped my foot on the crappy rug I’d bought to make my room feel homier. “It’s crazy, though, right?”

“The worst. Wait till your father hears about it.”

I sniffed, unable to stop the stupid flow of tears. This was such a clusterfuck.

“Honey, I have to ask… are you positive that Phoenix isn’t involved in this? Is it because you love him that you don’t see things clearly?”

“No.” Love him? “I’m positive that those things his grandfather said were a lie, and Phoenix doesn’t know anything about it.” I sucked in a breath, hiccupping. “I just don’t know what to say to Phoenix. He still doesn’t have his memory back, and there’s a chance he never will.”

A loud knock sounded at my door. Then a deep voice yelled my name.

“Mom, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you later.”

I disconnected before she could say anything and yanked open the door, ready to let the old geezer have a piece of my mind.

But it was Damon, not Mr. Bennett. He rushed in, grabbed my purse, and threw my shoes on the floor near my feet.

“Come on. We’ve got to go.”

I toed on my shoes, frowning at him. “Where? And why?”

“Phoenix collapsed yesterday. There’s a blood clot in his brain, and they rushed him into surgery.”

“Oh God.” I dropped to my knees, and all the air left my lungs.

Damon cursed under his breath then helped me up. “I’m sorry, Aspen. He’s out of surgery. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just thought you would want to know and be with him, even though he isn’t awake yet.”

My hands shook as I grabbed my keys. “Will you take me there?” The thought of losing him—not that he was ever mine—was more than I could handle.

His grandfather was undoubtedly going to be there, but I didn’t care. I would go and be by his side, which was all the answer that man needed.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

PHOENIX

Fuck me… why does my head feel like someone took a bat to it? Bright light exploded, amplifying the pain when I opened my eyes. There were too many noises, and each one felt like an ice pick to my brain. Soft murmurs floated about the room behind the too-loud beep of a monitor, and I felt someone holding both of my hands. It was a repeat of what had happened after the accident, and a sense of out-of-control panic filled me.

Breathing through the pain, I waited until some of it faded enough to try to speak without risking throwing up everywhere. But in spite of how much it sucked to be back in the hospital, something good came of it. I remember everything.

“Lights.” My throat was raw as hell.

“Phoenix?” Mom’s soft voice was filled with so much worry.

Someone dimmed the lights, and I attempted to open my eyes again. It was more tolerable. The pain was still there but not excruciating. I took a minute to breathe and let everyone in the room sharpen into focus. Mom was on one side with Aspen on the other, and both held on to me like I was their lifeline.

I relaxed, seeing my brother, cousins, Riley, and Sky, but no Joe or Grandad. I would have to deal with that situation, but first… “Head hurts.”

“I’ll get something for your IV, honey,” Mom said. “Just a minute.”

She released my hand, probably to get the doc. I was surprised to have so many people in the room with me, but Mom had pull. We must have been in the hospital where she worked. Aspen’s hand tightened, and I bore the agony of turning so I could see her. Her lower lip quivered, and her eyes were red and puffy.

I was so goddammed glad she was there. After hearing Joe—my dad—out then remembering what Grandad had said about Aspen… there were too many similarities. I only hoped Grandad hadn’t gotten to her yet. But he must not have since she was there with me.

“What’s going on?” My voice was rough. They’d probably put a tube down my throat again. “Why do you all look like I’m dying?” Am I dying?

Mom came back in before they could answer, with the doctor and a nurse in tow. She handed me a cup with ice chips. “This is Dr. Mathias. He performed your procedure, Phoenix.” She took my hand in hers again as the nurse moved behind her to access my IV and push meds into the line with a syringe. I willed them to work faster.

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