“Sorry to interrupt,” April said, not sorry at all.
I went straight to my boy, where he all but threw himself into my hold before I could take a seat on the bed next to him.
“We weren’t-“
“Done? Yes, you are. My client, who is a victim of human trafficking, has nothing else he needs to answer. If so, don't hesitate to contact his lawyer to get the answers.”
“But-“
“Allister will be here to keep the patient as calm as possible while he stays in this hospital. If not, I’ll request transport to a different one.”
The doctor didn’t say another word, only turned tail and left, leaving the nurse with us.
“Please page me if his pain gets bad. I did give him an extra dose minutes ago, even though he said the pain was fine. I’ll be back with some orange sherbet in a few.”
“I shouldn’t have allowed them to talk to him without me in here.” April huffed, sitting at the end of the bed. “How are you doing, sugar?”
Dakota basically crawled into my lap, well more like across it, and clung to my front once more. His tears soaked through my shirt, and I hugged him. I rocked and told him how proud of him I was.
Minutes ticked by before his tears slowed, and he was able to breathe a bit better. At about that time, Nurse Janet was back with a small plastic container of the requested ice cream and a spoon.
Wisely, she handed it to me before speaking. “If he can walk to that chair,” she pointed out, “I’ll be happy to bring him as much of this ice cream he wants.”
“Ice cream is the key to any man’s heart,” April said, trying to lighten the mood. It didn’t work well.
Another few minutes, Dakota did pull back, giving me room to move. I helped him to the chair, keeping my hand on his arm as he moved the few steps. He waited for me to sit before gently sitting on my lap, curling into my chest.
April also made her leave, promising she’d be back tomorrow. I don’t think either of us paid her much mind as Dakota slowly ate the ice cream, pressed into my hold like I was his lifesaver.
“You…” his voice was rough, and he had to clear his throat before trying again. “He said you were…dead.”
“No. Very much alive, boy.”
He nodded. “I’m glad.”
Pressing a kiss to his head, I then laid my cheek on top, soaking up his presence.
"You…don’t leave me with that…doctor. Please, Sir.”
“I won’t.” I’d do anything he asked.
“He…tried to…” he sighed. “Hurts to talk a lot.”
“Then don’t talk. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Promise?”
“I’ll be here by your side until you are sick and tired of me. You’ll want to push me in front of a moving car.”
Dakota looked up at me, not impressed with my line of thinking. But instead of saying whateverwas going through his head, he just leaned against me and seemed to melt into me.
“How about I tell you how much I always wanted a cat.”
So, that’s what I did. Not that I exactly wanted one, but I told him how I had one growing up that liked to attack my toes, no matter what time of day it was. A few times, Dakota’s body jerked in quiet laughter.
I knew if this boy in my arms wanted a meowing beast that tried to kill me in my sleep, I’d get him one.
Chapter 35
