I rip the sheet free from the bed, pulling it up around her and covering her.
“Mateo…” she whimpers. “Please…”
“It’s okay. I’ve got you…” I run my hands over her lightly, feeling for damage. Ribs.Fuck.I can’t tell how many are broken; I just pray they haven’t punctured a lung. Everything in me screams to gather her against me, but I can’t. If there’s internal damage, I’ll be killing her.
“Raoul,” I holler over my shoulder. “Get the medics, for fuck’s sakes!”
“On their way, Mateo. I called them already.”
Thank fuck!
I’m so glad at least one of us is still thinking clearly. I drop to my knees beside her again and cup her face in my hands. Tears are streaming down her cheeks as she blinks up at me.
“You’re safe, Andy. I’ve got you, baby.”
Her lips part and I can tell she’s trying to say something.
“Mark…Mateo…go. You have to…go.”
I shake my head. “I’m not going anywhere, baby. You’re safe now. Mark’s left. He’s not here, angel.” I keep her face gently cupped in my palms and dip my head till our foreheads brush. It seems to be the only part of her that isn’t broken right now. For a moment, she stares back into my eyes.
And then the light flickers out, and she’s gone.
Chapter 12
Andy Carter
Two weeks later…
I inhale sharply, and my eyes fly open.
“Where am I?” I don’t recognize my own voice as I say the words; it’s a rough rasp. I struggle to sit up, then flop back against something soft.
Oh, God. I hurt.
“Easy… Take it easy, baby.” The sound makes my heart swell. I twist my head and take in the face of the man beside me.
“Mateo,” I whisper. My mouth is dry.
“You’re okay. Everything’s okay.” He’s standing over me, arranging the pillows beneath me.
“What…?”
“You’re in hospital, Andy. You’ve been out for two weeks.”
I stare at him, half in confusion and half in horror.
“Two weeks?” I croak out. That can’t be right.
“You’ve been under deep sedation,” he goes on. “When we brought you in, there was severe brain swelling. The doctors have been bringing you in and out of consciousness since you arrived.”
“Deep sedation?” I’m started to feel like a parrot, echoing him. I know what it means. More than just a mild concussion. Mark’s beating nearly killed me. I sink back into the pillows, wincing as I move.
“I’ll get the nurse in. Your pain meds must be wearing off.” He’s reaching for a button over my head. I glance around me at the banks of equipment. The drip bag. And then anxiety surges.
“Mark—!” I begin.
“It’s under control, Andy.” Mateo’s voice is so firm it’s bordering on abrupt. “You’re staying right here until the doctor gives you the all-clear. And then you’re coming home with me.”
