Page 41 of Hidden

What was I supposed to say? “I-I-I—”

Then a brunette nurse stood at the door, a faux apology written in her expression as she glanced between Julian and Damen. It didn’t escape my notice that she didn’t look at Bryce or me at all. And from the sudden tenseness in Julian’s arm, he picked up on it this time as well.

“Sorry, sirs.” Her voice was deceptively cheery.

Dread rushed through me at her tone—tonight would be especially bad with the gossip. This time, I’d had three men in my room.

“Visiting hours are over,” she said. “Miss Brosnan needs her rest. If you could just—”

“You’ve made a mistake. My name isn’t Bianca Brosnan.” My skin felt strange, the world hazy. But I forced myself to my feet, and brushed my gown with shaking hands. “My name is Bianca Dubois.” I barely spared a glance at Bryce, but it was enough to notice him jerk upright at my words. “My husband was delayed. But now that he is here, you’ll see that he wants me released from this establishment immediately.”

Chapter Eight

Bianca

Rain

The nurse finally looked at me, shock written across her face. “Excuse me?”

Despite the thundering of my heart, I tried to fake my confidence.

“I’m leaving.” I crossed my arms. “Bring me my discharge paperwork.”

Her gaze drifted to Bryce, who had moved to stand behind me. “What?”

“You heard what she said,” Bryce said, his voice calm. “And make it quick. We’d like to make it home before it gets too late.”

She appeared to be stunned, and her gaze shot to the others. But when no one else interjected, she glanced at us again.

“I don’t know,” she squeaked, backing out of the room slowly. “Give me a moment.” And with that, she scurried off.

I turned to Bryce. “Do you think it worked?”

“She’s gone to get someone higher up, I imagine,” Julian said, stepping to my other side and wrapping his arm over my shoulders. “I’m proud of you.” He pulled me from Bryce, leading me back to the bed. “Now sit before you collapse.”

“I was so nervous.” I admitted, obeying.

“They’re going to ask where you’re being discharged to,” Julian stated, handing me the last hamburger from Bryce’s offering.

“She doesn’t have to answer.” Damen said, moving to my other side. “It’s not any of their business.”

“But if she has nothing to hide, she will.” Julian said.

“We’re going to my condo, of course.” Bryce hovered near, arms crossed as he watched the three of us curiously. “Where else would she go?”

I glanced at him, a chill running down my spine. We were going to live together, alone? Could I do this?

“You live an hour from the college. The commute must be exhausting for you.” Damen’s voice was tight. “Why don’t you move in with me, I have plenty of room.”

“Move into that run-down shack?” Bryce said, incredulous. “Why in the world would I—” His statement ended in a yelp as Damen kicked him. “You!”

Before another word was said, Dr. Reed hurried into the room. “What in the world is going on here?”

“Hello, Mother. We’re ready to leave, if you could…” Julian said.

“If I couldwhat?” She shuffled a stack of papers against her chest, glancing between the group of us. Finally, her eyes settled on me. “Bianca, what is this I hear that—”

“I want to be with my wife,” Bryce interjected. “I’ve come to take her with me.”