I don’t…cope well when that happens. It’s why Wylder gets so frustrated when I find a new obsession. It takes over my life, and god help anyone who tries to step between me and what it is I want.
This is the first time it’s happened with a person, but the principle is the same. I want Ansel.
Very, very much.
And no one is taking him from me. Not even a fucking doctor.
Dr. Ramsey’s lips purse. “Really. It’ll be easier if?—”
“Assess and treat him,” Dalton orders. “Now. We don’t like to be kept waiting. You know this.”
He exhales in frustration and drops to his knees to start his exam. “I should quit. You’re all getting worse with age. And my knees can’t take the up and down like this anymore.”
“You won’t quit. We pay you too well,” Wylder says wearily.
My eyes meet Dalton’s, and he offers me a tentative smile.
My ire at Dalton ebbs slightly. He’s trying to help. To make up for what he did.
I’m still gonna punch him. I won’t use the knuckle dusters though. Bare fists only.
That seems fair.
Ansel comes to while being examined, answering the questions the doctor asks.
“Shock and mild concussion,” Dr. Ramsey announces after a thorough check. As thorough as he can be with Ansel in my lap. “I’ll give you a list of things to watch for.”
As he speaks, Wylder takes notes on his phone.
“You’ll check on him though?” I ask Dr. Ramsey.
“Of course I will. You’ll just need to let me know where he’s staying. But I doubt you’ll let me near him right now, so I’m giving you instructions.”
“You’ve got that right,” I say. “If you touch him, I’ll be serving you your termination papers.”
Ramsey just sighs. “You’ve threatened me with termination papers before, and it’s never happened. Because most doctors can’t stand working with emotional men like you.”
“We aren’t emotional,” I say, and then sniff. Maybe I am. I’m pissed. Angry, even.
Ansel is hurt.
A fucking concussion. Caused by my brother, no less.
“We won’t be serving any termination papers.” Wylder interjects and then helps Dr. Ramsey to his feet. “You’re welcome to head back to the house now. We can manage from here.”
Ramsey nods, and when he leaves, Ansel opens his eyes. He squints in the light. “Um, why am I on your lap?”
His voice is heavy and thick. Probably from crying, from the fear.
It makes my anger flare once more.
“Because this is where I need you to be right now.”
His eyes sweep over my brothers. Apart from Wylder, none of them are attempting to conceal their curiosity. “Who are they? Are we in danger?”
“No, butterfly.” I sigh and gesture at the room. “Ansel, meet my family, the Buckinghams. You might also know us as The Firm.”
11
