Page 133 of Almost Rotten

He’s in immense pain.

“Nicole’s here,” I tell him. “Along with the photographer.”

He nods once in understanding.

“I’m going to hug you now,” I warn. We have an audience. They’ll expect it. “I’ll be careful.”

I unpeel myself from Atty’s embrace, then gingerly wrap my arms around Ty, only brushing the fabric of his suit jacket.

Despite my care, Ty stiffens and quietly groans. Then, in a move I know has to hurt something fierce, he wraps his arms around me and holds me tight.

I don’t dare pull back or try to wiggle out of his hold. I don’t want to hurt him further.

“You’re taking him to the hospital?” I ask my brother, turning my head to search Atty’s gaze.

He assesses me closely, eyes scrutinizing Ty’s prolonged embrace. With a scowl, he sighs. “Yeah. I’m taking him.”

Good. Knowing Ty, he’s downplayed the extent of his injuries more than a little. He needs real medical care.

Despite his discomfort, Ty shifts so his right arm is draped around my shoulders,

I don’t fight him, afraid I’ll hurt him further or cause a scene, but I do issue a low warning. “Don’t.”

He ignores my plea.

“I want Sawyer to take me,” he announces.

Huffing, I duck out of his hold.

He lunges slightly, his instincts kicking in, but quickly locks up again, grimacing.

“I can’t take you to the hospital. I have plans tonight,” I tell him coolly.

His already stony face goes harder. “With him?”

“With who?” Atty lifts his head and scans the people around us.

With a sigh, I stretch my neck from side to side and blatantly ignore the question. “Let me know what they say at the hospital. And please be honest with your coaches.”

Ty glares at me, though the look has nothing to do with my orders.

“Tough loss tonight, Tremblay,” Nicole says from behind me.

Sucking in a breath, I turn, noting that the photographer followed her over. And, I realize, so did Mercer.

Shit.

“Believe me, I’m feeling it,” Ty offers in a surprisingly light tone.

She gives him a genuine smile. “You’re okay, though? Everything checked out?”

It’s as if the opportunity has just dropped into my lap, so I eagerly take it. “He’s okay, but he’s going to be sore for a while. He’s actually heading to the hospital now for a thorough evaluation.”

Ty’s eyes flick to me, dark and angry, then back to Nicole. “Yeah. Sawyer offered to take me.”

“Ah.” Nicole swoons. “There’s nothing quite like young love.”

Panic flares in my chest, warming my neck and making my cheeks burn. If she continues that train of thought, if she mentions our alleged marriage in front of my brother, this charade will come crumbling down.