Page 97 of Mouse Trapped

“Mr Deville filled me in on some of what happened to Ms Smith. The first aid you gave her certainly saved her life.”

It takes a second to realise Mr Deville is the man known to me as Devil. “It wasn’t me, it was the medic who was with us.”

He brushes my comment away. “I understand you gave blood to her. Just wanted to say, it wouldn’t hurt for you to have a blood test, check your red cell count. In that situation, it’s hard to tell how much you gave.”

“I’m okay,” I tell him with a slight shudder. Not going to have another needle poked in me again. “I’m fit and healthy, my body will heal itself.”

His eyes must confirm what I’m saying, and after a swift perusal, he nods. “Take care of yourself. If you start feeling weak or dizzy…”

“I’ll seek help.”

Another rise and dip of his chin. “I’m not stupid, I just heal people. Don’t get involved in politics or what’s right or wrong. Don’t want to know what happened, but that girl there, she didn’t deserve to be shot. I’m not going to make things worse for her.”

Reading between the lines, he knows something is wrong, but isn’t going to report it.

“Thanks.” It’s a lame expression of my gratitude, but sometimes too many words are worse. I can’t confirm he’s right to be suspicious, and denying it could lead me to saying too much.

“Ms Smith’s going to take a while to recover her strength and the use of her leg.”

“Prepared for that.”

Another glance at me, then at his charge lying sleeping in the bed, then he’s gone.

Mariana sleeps the rest of the night. Eventually my tired body shuts down, and I doze myself.

Early the next morning, I have a visitor. Leaving Mariana’s door ajar, I go out into the corridor.

“Blade.” I raise my chin.

“Thought you’d be lost without this.” He grins broadly as he hands my laptop over.

It’s like getting back my lost child. I take it, thanking him profusely. “How’s she doing?”

“Been sleeping a lot.”

“Not unexpected. Not after what she’s been through. Rest is what she needs. And plenty of pain meds. Don’t let her try to be brave, Brother.” His brows knit together. “Anything you need, Mouse. Anything, okay? I like her.”

Today I don’t feel like hitting him, but welcome his approval. She’s going to be living with me on the compound and will need the support of my brothers. Which reminds me, I need to have a conversation with Peg.

“How’s Drew doing?” I’ve been so tied up with worry about Mariana, I haven’t given much thought to the boy, but then I knew he was safe and being well looked after.

“Upset Mariana’s hurt. Wants to see her. But Drummer’s persuaded him to be patient. Wouldn’t do him any good to see her until she’s awake.”

Chapter 36

Mariana

A nurse fussing around wakes me up. I open my eyes to see I’m still attached to a monitor, but the drip has been removed. Tse is sitting by my side, studying something on his laptop.

The nurse finishes what she was doing, and quietly leaves.

“Tse?”

His face when he smiles is gorgeous. Putting aside his laptop, he pulls his chair closer, taking hold of my hand. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been hit by a train?”

“Doc says everything looks good. They were worried about infection, but your temperature’s normal.”