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“Try it,” he warned.

While he often issued the same challenge to me, there was nothing playful about it this time. I knew if anyone attempted to make him to leave, it would not end well.

That being said, the nurse he was threatening had been an asshole from the time his shift had started, so he was kind of asking for it.

Reliving everything as I talked to the specialist wasn’t easy. I didn’t want to go through it without Jake if he got himself kicked out of the hospital.

“Baby, it’s good news,” I tried. “The doctor says I should be better within the week with no lasting damage.”

“‘Cause you didn’t fuckin’ fight back. That’s the only reason there’s no lastin’ fuckin’ damage! Sweets, he could’ve…” His strained voice broke, tortured. “He could’ve—”

“He didn’t.”

“But—”

“It sucked for you to hear.” I grabbed his hand so he’d look down at me. “Imagine how I’m feeling talking about it. Now either shut up or leave. Please.”

“Fuck. You’re right. Shit, I’m sorry.” He lifted my hand to kiss my palm.

“This was an extremely difficult situation,” the doctor started, her eyes narrowing on the asshole nurse. “For youboth. You deserve some patience and compassion.”

Ohhhhhh. Someone’s in trouble.

*******

After meeting with the specialist, I was able to convince Jake to bring me to visit James.

By bring, I mean, he literally carried me.

James was still pretty out of it, but was happy to see me. We only stayed a few minutes, but it was long enough for me to see he was alright and for him to see the same was true for me.

As we were leaving the room, Jake looked back to James. “I owe you.”

James shook his head. “Just keep her happy.”

When we returned to my hospital room, Kase was waiting. His back was to us as he looked out the window. Turning stiffly, his expression was grim as he looked me over. “You okay, Pipe?”

I nodded, my throat having started to burn.

Kase stepped away from the window and headed towards the hall, setting something on the table by the bed as he went. When he reached the door, he paused to look back at Jake and me. “I’m so sorry.”

Before anyone else could speak, he left like the room was on fire.

I looked at Jake, my face asking the question my throat was too sore to.

Jake set me gently on the bed before stretching out next to me. “I wanted to go to you. I knew somethin’ was off. Kase held me back ‘cause he thought you just needed time. He feels like it’s his fault things got so far, and he’s not listenin’ to reason. He even put in his two weeks’ notice.”

I shook my head, cringing at the pain.

Jake pulled me to him and tucked my head into his neck. Reaching over to grab what Kase had set down, he slid my engagement ring back on my finger. He kissed my palm before placing my hand on his chest and covering it with his own.

“How?” I whispered.

“Kase. Don’t know how long he spent out there searchin’, but I know it was a long time.”

“Good friend.”

“The best.”