“I think they’re only bruised. There’s no way to be certain without an X-ray that you haven’t cracked them, but there’s no malformations to the chest wall and you’re breathing okay.”
“Maybe he should get an X-ray then?” Flynn asked.
“They can’t do anything anyway,” Knight protested. “Ribs just have to heal slowly. Right?”
I hesitated, but he was right. There wasn’t much to do for cracked ribs but ice them, manage your pain, and rest. “Yeah, he’s right. Get an ice pack from the freezer for me, Flynn?”
My brother nodded and went into the kitchen. I cupped Knight’s jaw—the non-bruised part—while he was gone.
“Tell me if there’s anything else? Pain in your lower back?”
“No.”
I shifted my hands to palpate his lower stomach. “How about here? I want to ensure there’s no internal bleeding.”
“Uh, no. But your hands may send my blood rushing other places you’d rather it not while Flynn is nearby.”
It took me a minute to catch his meaning. A sudden wave of anger crashed over me.
“Hilarious. I’m trying to make sure you’re not seriously injured!”
Knight caught my hands as I pulled away. “Hey, hey, Angel. I’m okay. I’m fine.”
“You’renot,” I said, my eyes too hot. I blinked hard. “Stop pretending you’re okay and let me assess you properly. Otherwise, I’m gonna let Flynn drag you to the hospital.”
“Okay. I’m sorry.” He cupped my face. “What else do you need to know, Doc? I’m your willing patient.”
Flynn returned with an ice pack, handing it to me. “I think I’ll leave Knight in your capable hands,Angel.”
“Shit,” Knight said quietly, which summed it up.
I opened my mouth, but Flynn chuckled before I could think of how to put our situationship into words.
“You don’t owe me an explanation,” he said. “You’re both consenting adults.”
I wet my lips. “It’s nothing serious.”
He glanced between us, looking skeptical. “Well, serious or not, you’re both important to me. Take care with each other.”
“I will,” Knight said. “Sorry I didn’t tell you.”
“Yeah,” I echoed. “We just…”
Flynn squeezed my shoulder. “No worries. I get how it is. You’re figuring things out. Although…” He shook his head. “You know that I’d understand, Knight. I fell for my boss’s brother.”
“I know,” Knight said quietly. “I would have told you as soon as—” He cut his eyes to me, and it was clear I was the reason he hadn’t mentioned anything.
I’d like to say that I wouldn’t have minded, but I kind ofwould have. Flynn worried enough about me, and I didn’t want him making more of our relationship than it could be.
“It’s just a bit of casual fun, Flynn,” I said. “It’s not the same as you and Bailey.”
“Maybe not,” Flynn said. “If so, that’s too bad. I think you’d make a great couple.”
“Thanks, man,” Knight said.
“But I think it goes without saying that if you hurt him, all this”—Flynn gestured to Knight’s battered body—“will be the least of your problems.”
“Got it,” Knight said.
