I exhale for what feels like the first time in hours, relief flooding through me.
“Thank you,” I croak.
She nods, her eyes turning sympathetic.
“We’ll be moving her up to the ICU for recovery. You can see her soon. But first, I’ll need you to fill out some paperwork to get her officially checked in.”
I follow her as she turns and walks away.
We stop on the next floor, heading to the reception desk. “Okay, we need her full name. You said it was Izzy?”
“Yeah.” My throat is raw. “Isolde,” I pause, feeling the weight of it, “Delaney.” Fuck. I hate using that name, but I have no choice if they’re going to do their jobs properly.
Her lips part, expression twisting. “As in Lucas Delaney’s wife?”
I growl low, a threat curling in my chest. “Call him, and it’ll be the last thing you ever do.”
She falters, looking like she wants to argue, but something in my expression silences her. She nods quickly.
“Who are you to Isolde?” she asks me—personal or professional curiosity, I’m not sure.
“She’s my—" I choke back a sob. "She’s my best friend.”
Over her shoulder, I spot Izzy’s bed being wheeled down the hall toward one of the rooms. I move to follow, but the nurse steps in my path again. She’s got balls, I’ll give her that.
“I’ll let you know when you can go in. Please wait here.”
I force myself to hold back, to not take this frustration out on her. She’s doing her job. Barely. I drop into a nearby chair just as Dante and Papa walk in, Doc trailing behind.
He doesn’t waste time, heading straight for the doctors. I watch him speak with them; watch the way his body tenses.
I’m on my feet before he even turns around. “What is it?”
Doc raises a hand, trying to calm me. “Take a beat. I’ll explain.”
“Tell me now,” I growl. “Or so help me God—”
He sighs, rubbing a hand down his jaw. “They found signs of sexual assault. They’ll need her permission to do a rape kit when she wakes up.”
My jaw clenches so hard I feel something crack. I already know who did it.
“Do it now,” I snap.
Doc shakes his head. “We can’t. Not without her consent. Their rules.”
I want to punch a hole in the wall. Scream.
Rules. Always fucking rules—when the monsters who did this play by none.
28
I’ll Find You In Every Lifetime
Papa says that you’re busy and that’s why you’re not replying. Apparently, you’re doing important work there. He said that one day I’ll be important too. —Mi manchi, Izzy
Izzy
IloveitwhenEnzo sneaks over to cuddle. These are my favorite nights. The ones where I feel safe, protected from the world. No one can hurt me when he’s here.
