Page 167 of Cavern of Silence

"Then maybe you should leave it to her."

He stops. "You're right. But get over yourself. You're going to be fine. Get the X-ray, figure out what the fuck is wrong, and do your therapy. Enough of this crippled-old-man talk. Your twenty-four hours of moping are over. Your ribs will heal and so will your hand. You're used to working out, so put the energy into some therapy. And you're lucky, because an amazing therapist is right in this house. If you don't like the new look you've got going on with your back, then take the plunge and ink it up. You're long overdue on some tats anyway."

Ryker purses his lips. "Gee, Hunter, got anything else you want to say?"

"Yeah. I can't believe you killed Mr. Muscle with your bare hands. Respect." Hunter looks at me. "Sorry, Julieta, but I hated that guy."

"No offense taken."

"Anyway, you get major props for that one. Julieta, slide over for a minute."

"Why?" I ask.

"Just humor me."

I slide to the other side of the bed, holding the blankets to my chest.

Hunter rises then slaps Ryker across the face.

"What the fuck, Hunter," I yell.

Ryker's eyes turn dark. "Are you looking to get beat?"

Hunter snorts. "If I have to slap your sorry ass every day, I will. Get up, get your X-ray, and put your therapy plan in place to heal." He steps toward the door and turns. "Julieta, can you show Vanessa how you make your cream and chive eggs? There's something you did, and we can't seem to replicate it."

"Ummm...sure."

"Awesome. Thanks. And you two need to shower. It smells like raunchy sex in here." He winks and steps out of the room.

Ryker and I both gape at the closed door for a moment. Suddenly, Ryker begins to laugh then I do, too. It builds until we have tears coming out of our eyes.

I rise and hold my hand out.

"Where are we going?" he asks.

"You heard him. Time for a shower."

We get ready and go downstairs. Everyone is in the kitchen, drinking coffee and eating breakfast.

Millie runs up and hugs me. She looks at Ryker. "Some of your blue turned yellow."

He snorts. "It'll be normal soon, sweetie."

"Did you do that with a crayon?"

"No. Are you going swimming today?"

"Not until later. Zoe and I are going to finish my song."

"When you finish, will you sing it for me?"

"Okay." She beams and grabs Zoe's hand. "Let's go finish."

Hunter plops a travel mug down in front of us and crosses his arms.

"We only get one?" I ask.

"Thought you guys were into sharing?"