Page 39 of Cruel Love

“Hello, Phoenix.” Dr. Mathias smiled. He was an old guy of average height with kind brown eyes. “Do you remember anything that happened before you woke up?”

Here we go again. At least this time, I had my memory—all of it. “I was at a hotel where Joe and my brother were. I was going to leave, and that’s where it ends. I don’t remember leaving.”

“That’s correct. You collapsed, but your brother and Joe caught you. You didn’t hit your head. When you were brought here, we discovered you had a brain aneurysm. It hadn’t ruptured, which was a very good thing. I was able to perform a noninvasive coiling procedure by making a small incision in the femoral artery in your groin.”

He asked questions to test my speech, memory, and physical movement. I was under observation, per the doc, and couldn’t leave for a day or two, and he wanted me to lie flat to keep my blood pressure under control.

When the doc left, I addressed Shane. “Keep Joe and Grandad out until tomorrow.”

“Got it. I’m sorry, I…”

I knew what my brother thought. “It’s not your fault.” But I had to deal with Grandad and Joe when I was strong enough. Not while I had to be careful about blood pressure.

Aspen tried to slip her hand from mine, but I tightened my hold. “Stay, please.” We had some things to discuss, and I wanted to keep her by my side so she couldn’t be ambushed.

“Mom, I need your help with anything Aspen needs. And don’t leave her alone.” I directed that last part to my brother because he would understand. I wasn’t sure Mom knew what Grandad had done to her relationship, and there was no way I would let him sabotage mine.

“Of course, honey.” Mom stood and kissed me on the forehead. “You get some rest. We’ll go to the waiting room, except Aspen—you stay.” A soft smile curved her lips as she looked over at her. “I’ll talk to Dr. Mathias about your recovery and come back later. The drugs the nurse gave you may make you sleepy, but the pain will ease.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Stop with the dramatics.” Cole came to my side, his arm around Riley.

I grinned, appreciating the lightness. “You both look like shit. Football and diving kicking your asses?”

Riley sucked in a breath then leaned down to kiss my cheek. “Get better. We need you.”

“So does the team. McAffrey sucks,” Cole growled, “and Coach looks like he’s going to have a stroke half the time.”

“I don’t need any company in here. Tell him I’ll be back and better than ever next season.”

Cole’s green eyes flashed with emotion. “Get your head out of your ass with the fights, dude. No more of those. We have plans for our futures.”

A slow stream of anger went through me at the mention of the fights because I remembered the position Grandad had put me in. “I’m done with that.” It was football for me. I wanted to give Aspen and our baby a better life, one where she didn’t have to worry about finances or waitressing or if her dad’s job was threatened by some asshole old man.

The fights were nothing but a risk. I had to be smarter and get a handle on what Grandad was doing to my family before he took everything away in the name of my brother and me toeing the line, which was utter bullshit in the first place. Mom would lose it if—when—she found out.

“Get better.” Damon and Sky were next, and I thanked them for being there.

The worry reflected in their eyes disturbed me. My predicament was taking its toll on everyone I loved. Guilt was written all over Shane’s drawn features.

“I’m not mad at you, but I’m not ready to deal with Joe yet. And Grandad… he’s a problem. We need to handle him, just not today.”

“Yeah, he’s out of control.” Shane glanced at Aspen. “I’m going to take care of talking to your teachers and Coach and give them an update on everything.” He patted my shoulder then left the room.

Once everyone was gone, I turned enough that I could easily see Aspen.

Tears filled her eyes then spilled over, running down her cheeks. “You scared me.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t answer all your calls and texts.” Her voice cracked, and she had to take a calming breath. “There are things we need to talk about that I have to tell you. Just… when you’re better.”

“Stay here. I need to know you’re safe. And we do have a lot to talk about. I don’t want my grandfather anywhere near you, and I’m sorry for what happened when he walked in on us. I’ll handle him. Please trust me.”

I could feel the drugs taking effect, and my eyelids grew heavy. I fought it for as long as I could. My biggest fear was that she would be gone when I woke up.

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