Page 13

I ’ve never had a book make me hungry before. As I wonder if I can con Daddy into giving me another snack, my current patient stirs, making a small groan that turns into a louder, more painful one as the noises hurt his bruised throat.

Rolling my eyes, I mark my page and close the book, setting it aside as I push away from my desk.

Soren is already at Benjamin’s bedside, urging him to lay still and keep quiet while I wash and glove up. I watch as Soren carefully allows Benjamin a few sips of water before sidling up to the bed.

“I didn’t expect to see another Martelli in my medical room, but I suppose that was wishful thinking,” I tell him. “You’re lucky Tennant knows how to control himself.”

Benjamin scowls and says hoarsely, “I think we have different definitions of control.”

I hum as I gently tilt his head back and begin palpating his throat. “I’ve known him a long time, not killing you is holding back, trust me. Please let me know if something hurts too much.”

Feeling along his swollen and bruised throat, I don’t find anything amiss, at least nothing more than you’d expect after having the life choked out of you.

“Do you know what day it is?”

“Yes,” he snarks in a weak voice. “I also know the president and my full name. Oh, and that my best friend isn’t in here, so you should probably worry that he’s plotting your demise.”

I snort. “He can try.” I look into his eyes, pleased to see normal pupil dilation, which is a big change from when he was brought in hours earlier. “I allowed him to sit with you for a bit, but he got on my nerves too much, so I had him escorted out.”

The little mafia Boss doesn’t scare me, not when the big ones don’t either. After kindly reminding Emilio that I held his best friend’s comfort and health in my hands, he finally saw things my way—after James locked him out of the room.

The expression on Benjamin’s face says he’s worried for my health, but I don’t pay it any mind. I would like to see Emilio try something; it’d be very entertaining.

“Moving on,” I say cheerfully. “You’re lucky Tennant didn’t kill you, though I’m sure you’re aware of that.”

“Doc…” Soren says in that voice—the one that promises there will be consequences, and not the fun kind.

I ignore him and continue giving Benjamin his prognosis. “Your throat is swollen, and probably will be for the next few days. I’d estimate it’ll get better in about a week, but don’t be surprised if it’s sore for a while. There’s no damage to the inside of your throat, thankfully—ask Hollis how much of a bitch torn vocal cords are to heal.

“Your asshole is swollen, but you must be the luckiest bastard in the world, as aside from being inflamed, you escaped any anal fissures. I’d still suggest taking it easy, lots of fluids and fiber to help with softer bowel movements. I’d recommend avoiding sex for a few days, ideally a week, but I know how you fuckers operate. So if you are going to have sex, either you top, or tell your partner to go easy. Because stitches inside your ass are a pain—literally.”

Neither Benjamin nor Soren seem to appreciate my sense of humor. Benjamin scowls while Soren groans and mutters under his breath in a weird mixture of Russian and Italian.

“Any questions?”

“When can Lio come back in?”

I huff and roll my eyes. “I meant medical questions, but if you don't have any then there’s no reason he can’t sit with you. I want you to try to rest a little longer before you go home—or are you staying here with Ten?” I don’t bother waiting for his reply. “Doesn’t matter. I already have a meeting scheduled with Dr. Ranlen to go over some medical history for all of you. That way we’re both prepared should any of you end up in either of our care again.”

“Isn’t medical history private?” he asks, frowning.

I give Benjamin a blank stare. “Nothing in this Family is private, especially medical stuff. We won’t be discussing details, but I need to know how to treat you assholes, and vice versa. Anyway, I’ll go get your friend if there's nothing else you need? I only kicked him out because he was getting on my nerves and I’m not one you want to disrespect.” I give him my best smile. “After all, I have the good drugs.”

Benjamin huffs and mutters, “Your funeral,” under his breath.

Instead of responding to that, I say, “I’m actually impressed. I didn’t think anyone, aside from Hollis and Cristian, could go up against Tennant and live. You might have a death wish, but I kinda like your spirit.”

“Enough, Doc,” Soren says. “How about we give him space, since we’ve pretty much done all we can.”

I shrug. “Fine, go open the door and let the feral one in.” I nod towards the water cup on the table next to the bed. “Small sips, you don’t want to aggravate your throat. We gave you painkillers, but if you’re too uncomfortable, let someone know and we’ll give you more.”

He nods and winces as the motion of moving his neck hurts. “Thank you.”

“Sure. Anytime. It’s what I’m paid for.”

There’s a commotion at the door as Soren opens it and Emilio barges his way in. I move away from the bed, removing my gloves as I go.

“We’ll be around, and someone will be posted outside the door, so don’t hesitate to call us if you need anything,” I tell them, though both boys ignore me, focusing only on each other.

Tossing my gloves, I don’t bother to wash my hands—there are plenty of bathrooms I can use quickly. I have a feeling it’s best to get out of the way for now.

Soren ushers me out of the office and closes the door behind him. In the hall, I look at James. “I need food, so we’ll be in the kitchen if you need us.”

My best friend nods. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep an ear out.”

“Thanks.”

Looping my arm through my Daddy’s, I begin walking down the hall, but as we turn the corner, I say, “Shit, I forgot my book.”