I don’t know if it were his words, or simply the idea of going back home that made my chest heavy, and not in the way that was comfortable. But still, I gave him a faint nod, and then glanced around the room until my eyes landed on Myles.
He was standing near the far corner of the room. His hands were in his jeans pockets, and as he lifted his head, our gazes met, and the look on his face broke me, fuckingshatteredme.
It seemed like he was holding something in – holdinghimselftogether by some invisible thread.
“You know, Cruz almost shat his pants when he got Taron’s call earlier,” Daniel said to me, so I diverted my attention to him instead.
Cruz grunted his disapproval at Daniel’s joke, while the others all laughed.
Daniel gave me a pained smile. “I was out of my mind with worry, Carina,” he told me, then bent to kiss my forehead. “But I’m so relieved you’re okay.” He clicked his tongue. “I’m surprised I haven’t thrown a tantrum yet, despite all the stress I’ve been harboring for the last hour or so.”
I chuckled.I love you, I signed.
His eyes glimmered as he nodded at me. “And I you,pequena.” The way he said the term made me laugh a little, and as he stepped back, Cruz and the others walked over to me.
“I hope you know how strong you are, kid,” Cruz told me. “You went through the first half of this shit-storm; now you just gotta win over the other half.” He briefly placed a hand on the top of my head before stepping away.
“I was so fucking scared, babe,” Ash said as she sat next to me on the bed, then kissed me on the cheek. “You don’t ever get to do that to me again, you hear me?”
Sorry, I told her, but she shook her head.
“You don’t have to apologize; just…just be careful. I’ll come over to your place later, alright?”
Okay, I signed, then glanced at Myles again.
He was still standing near the damn corner, as if awaiting his turn or something. And I don’t know why, but that hurt me even more.
Remi and the others squeezed my hand, gave me more kisses, and promised to check in on me, and once they were done, I looked at Daniel and gestured very subtly at the PACU door.
He smirked and inclined his head, then clapped his hands with frightening enthusiasm.
“Alright, people, let’s clear the fuck out!” he hollered, and I was worried he’d get dragged out by a nurse before he could actually clear the room for me.
Avôglared at him. “I am going nowhere, thank you very much.”
Daniel raised a brow. “Oh, youare.” He looked at Cruz. “Be a dear and eliminate this fragile man from the room, please.”
I choked on a laugh, even though my head was still a mush, while the rest snickered freely.
Paul, Greg, Ash, and Dave waved at me before leaving the room, just as Cruz sighed and walked over toAvô. “Let’s go, Miguel.”
Avôtapped his cane on the white floor and shifted in the chair. “No, thank you.”
Cruz dragged a hand over his face. “Don’t force me to lift you, man, because you know I will if you continue to behave like this.”
Avô’seyes widened. “I beg yourpardon?”
“Just get your ass up andleave, Miguel,” Taron said. “Or I won’t hesitate one bit in helping Cruz on his offer.” He flashed his teeth atAvô.
“Hooligans,”Avômuttered. “Utter nuisances.”
I placed a hand over his, and when he looked at me, I signed,Please listen to Daniel. I need a moment with Myles.
Something flashed in his eyes at that, which pissed me off a little.
After the offer he’d made Myles, asking to pay him to break up with me, and Myles having refused him,Avôhonestly had no right to act this way. I did understand where he was coming from, but it still didn’t mean he could get so damn bossy whenever he wanted to.
He tapped his cane on the floor again as he glanced between Myles and I. Then, with a huff, he got to his feet and let Remi and Simran walk him out of the room.
