Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36026 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36026 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“She probably has a concussion and a few bruises. Another neighbor called the cops and ambulance. If they suggest she go to the hospital, I’ll follow her and keep you in the loop.” I take my first full breath since Bellamy called.
“Son of a bitch, anything else?”
“Not that I know of right now. She did a bang-up job on Brian, though. He looks like he went twelve rounds with Mike Tyson.” The elevator dings, opening to the garage level.
“I’m on my way. Let me know if they transport her, and don’t let her tell them no.” I make a mental note to call Mallory and keep her apprised of the situation.
“No problem. See you shortly.” I hang up. No other pleasantries need to be spoken.
“What the fuck? Is everything okay?” Ezra asks first. Parker looks at me, nodding.
“Not sure,” I reply.
“Let’s go. I’m driving. We’ll do whatever we need and rally the women. I’ll call Nessa as soon as we know what we’re dealing with.” Him driving is for the best. I’m so pissed off, I’d probably run every red light and graze a pedestrian in order to drive on the damn sidewalk to get to Danica.
SIXTEEN
Danica
“I’m fine,” I tell Theo for the tenth time since being admitted into the hospital. Yep, I hit Brian so bad with the back of my head I gave myself a concussion. Shit didn’t stop there either. I no sooner lost the light when he decided to pull me by my ponytail, attempting to drag me further away from my door, when Bellamy appeared. I’m not sure what would have happened had he not come. I’d like to think Brian wouldn’t have taken things too far, but you just never know.
“Danica, you’re not. You have a concussion, and they want you to stay the night. In fact, they pretty much said you’d be going against medical advice. You’re staying, end of story.” I’d roll my eyes if my head weren’t pounding. Instead, I gingerly lay my head back, avoiding another conversation I’m sure to lose because Theo, the caveman, called in Mallory.
“He’s right, Dani. Please, this once, listen to someone and stop being headstrong. In this instance, it might save your life.” I hear the emotion clogging her voice, and I know better than anyone how strong she is. This must really be upsetting her.
“Fine, I’ll stay, but stop hovering. Both of you.” Theo doesn’t listen. He moves my fingers away from the intravenous line I was fiddling with. Apparently, Theo Goldman knows everyone in New York. Lucky for me, I’m getting the royal treatment. Not so lucky for me, I’m being catered to like the Queen of England. Overkill, to say the least.
“Thank you. Now, I’m going to head out. There are a few people who are busting at the seams trying to get in here, but this big guy is holding them off.” Mallory comes closer. My eyes open and blink the tears away. My best friend looks like she’s aged ten years in the span of twenty-four hours.
“You’re welcome. I’m okay. I’ll call later, and I’m sure Theo will text you with any updates.” She cups my cheek, kisses my forehead.
“He better, and you better listen, or else.” I attempt to laugh. The throbbing in my head doesn’t let me, though.
“I will, promise.” I nod, give her a weak smile, and then she’s heading out the door. Theo takes a seat beside my bed, hand entwined with mine, squeezing it lightly. The door closes softly behind Mallory. My eyes stay open even though Vanessa and Dr Smith told me earlier that sleep is the best thing for me. It’s really hard to shut down my brain. I shouldn’t be worried about work, school, or the thought of returning to my apartment when I’m released from the hospital.
“Theo.” I turn my head to look at him. His attention is already locked on me, gaze never wavering.
“Fairy,” he replies, a tired smirk on his face. Theo was at the hospital before I was, holding my hand as they off-loaded me from the ambulance, staying put the whole time until it was time for an MRI. Still, he was adamant about waiting right outside the door. A string Vanessa, Parker’s wife, pulled, or it could be the last name or the wing that was named after Four Brothers with the hefty donation they gifted the hospital. Anyways, she stayed with me the entire time, talking me through the process. I wasn’t nervous, more annoyed that I was meeting important people in Theo’s life while looking like I’d been run over a time or two, put in a situation that had I been on my A-game, I probably could have avoided.
“You don’t have to stay. I’ve pulled you away from work. Your friends are out there in the waiting room, and I’ll be sleeping. Go, spend time with them.” I’m attempting to let him off the hook. Seriously, my whole life is a basket case. I’ve yet to tell him the reason why I’m twenty-five and working two jobs, living in an apartment building with a skeeze ball of a landlord, and why I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to needing a helping hand.