Page 27 of Protected from Torment

But I’m not fine.

I’m scared. I’m hurting. I miss my dog. And I wish Tyler were here.

Somehow sensing my thoughts, Griffin says, “I’m sure Tyler will be here soon. Last I heard, he left Albany just past five. With the rush-hour traffic, it might take a little longer than normal, but⁠—”

“Melissa.”

At the sound of Tyler’s voice, my head jerks up.

Relief floods through me at the sight of him.

My vision blurs as I meet his worried gaze.

“Melissa,” he repeats as he enters the room. “Are you okay? I’m sorry it took so long to get here.”

Emotion wells up inside me, so intense and overwhelming, I don’t trust myself to speak without crying.

I can’t explain it. I’m just so glad he’s here.

Tyler hurries to my bed. Then he stops, looking at everything. As he takes it all in, his expression grows darker. A muscle twitches in his jaw. His fists clench at his sides. When his gaze lands on my broken wrist, and then the bruise on my forehead, fire ignites in his eyes.

Taking a deep breath, he lets it out slowly. “Ah, Mel.”

“I’m okay,” I tell him. But it would be more convincing if my voice wasn’t shaking.

“How is she?” Tyler asks Griffin. “Has the doctor been in recently? When’s the last time I nurse checked on her?”

“The doctor came by about an hour and a half ago,” Griffin replies. “He said everything looks good. Stable. A nurse stopped in around five to take vitals.” He glances at his watch. “They should be coming around with dinner soon.”

Tyler nods. “I guess that’s okay. Although I’d like to speak with the doctor myself. Do you know if he called in a neuro consult? An orthopedist?”

“Not while I was here,” Griffin answers. “But I know the doctor said something about the fracture being a clean one. No surgery needed.”

“What about her concussion? Have you noticed anything concerning?” Tyler leans in to look at my chart. “Traumatic brain injuries are nothing to mess around with.”

Griffin raises an eyebrow at Tyler. “I know they are, Ty. And I’ve been keeping a close eye on her. Just like I promised.”

After a beat, Tyler gives his friend a sheepish look. “Shit. Of course you do.” Then he grasps Griffin’s hand and gives him one of those one-armed hug slash handshakes I used to see Vince and his friends do. “Thanks for coming on such short notice. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s no problem.” Griffin lifts his chin. “It was my pleasure.” Then he glances at me before turning back to Tyler. “You know, since you’re here, I think I’ll step out for a minute. See about grabbing some coffee, if you’re okay without me. Call the animal hospital to check on Oscar again.”

“Of course,” Tyler replies. “Take as long as you need.”

Griffin heads for the door, but before he leaves, he turns back to catch my eye. “I’ll find someone who can give me an update on Oscar. I promise.”

I nod at him. “Thanks.”

As soon as Griffin’s gone, Tyler focuses his attention on me. “Mel.” His mouth draws down. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” I reply. My chin wobbles. “Thanks for coming. I wasn’t sure⁠—”

Stop. Don’t let him know what an insecure mess you are.

“Of course I’d come.” He gently brushes his fingers across the bruise on my forehead. “I said I would.”

Tingles of heat emerge where he touches me.

As I look into his eyes, my breath catches.