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“M, you still in there?” Aria called out, because they’d kept their voices whisper-quiet, and she couldn’t hear them.

Nick grabbed all the stuff and stood. “You good?” he asked on another whisper.

Viper nodded. “Go.”

“I’ll be in touch.” He pulled the curtain back for Aria but kept his back to her as he ducked out the other side.

“Your friend shy, or what?”

“Yeah. How’s Lyric? What did they say about her arm?”

“The scan showed that the piece of plate is compressing her artery. They’ll need to be very careful taking it out. Which they’re about to do once the numbing takes effect.”

“They’re not knocking her out?”

“The doctor said it wasn’t necessary. He’ll have the shard out and her stitches done in no time. Believe me, she’s tough.”

The nurse walked in behind Aria. “You’re good to go, Mr.—”

“Thank you,” he interrupted her, not wanting toexplain later that he’d checked in under yet another assumed name.

Aria raised a brow but didn’t say anything.

“Your discharge papers and prescription. You can fill it on your way out.” The nurse handed him everything. “Can I help you with your shirt?”

“I’ve got it, thanks.”

The nurse nodded and headed off to her next patient.

Viper grabbed the ripped and bloody thermal. He slid it up his bad arm over the bandages, then stuffed his head through the collar. When it came to putting his other arm in, it got awkward.

Aria stepped in and helped him. “Are you going to tell her the truth about what happened?”

He held Aria’s steady gaze. “I promised her I’d never lie to her. I’ve been as honest as I can without doing that. But there are some things she can’t know right now.”

“Because you’re protecting her?”

“Always.”

“Is that why you never acted on the attraction between you?”

“Yes. But now... She made it clear she wants to be with me despite some obstacles.”

“If she’s happy, I’m happy. If she’s not, you won’t be either. Get my drift?”

“Absolutely. Now, can we go see her?”

Aria glanced at the bandage on his head. “Are you really okay?”

“Nothing is keeping me from her.” He stood, confirmed that he had his feet under him and his head on straight, then followed Aria to the elevator.

“So, um, I’m not great with blood,” Aria reluctantlyadmitted. “Or needles. Melody probably should have come instead of me, but I’m sure you can go in and hold her hand while they do the procedure. Right?”

He stepped onto the elevator with her. “I’ll take care of her. Don’t worry.”

“Okay. Because your arm... that gave me the willies, and my stomach can’t take much more.”

Viper didn’t laugh. He sympathized. “Once you show me where she is, find a soda machine and grab a lemon-lime soda. It’ll help.”