Page 32

I do one last check on Carter’s bandages, then look into his hazy blue eyes. “How are you doing?”

“I feel like I got blown up, Doc,” he replies.

“Technically, you did. Though all you bastards are lucky, and apparently have nine lives, so you’ll be fine.”

He huffs, but we both know it’s the truth. Some second-degree burns along his right shoulder and arm, but nothing like he would have sustained had he not been pulled out of the way. He also fractured his wrist, whether from falling after being hit in the head by the collapsing ceiling, or from pieces of the ceiling landing on him, I’m not sure. The most concerning injury was the head wound he sustained from the falling debris, but after cleaning it up, we’ve determined it’s not as bad as it looked—head wounds always bleed like a bitch.

“I’ll give you something for the pain, then let you rest.”

“Roman?”

I grimace. “Soren said he’s waiting out in the hall. Want me to get him?”

“Please.” He tries to shift on the bed and ends up wincing. “I need to see him.”

“Don’t fucking move,” I order. Reaching off to the side, I grab the syringe with the pain meds and push it through his IV. “I’ll let him in, but you’re to rest, understand? Your job isn’t to comfort him—he has enough lovers for that. I’m leaving Kail in here to monitor you for a bit. Try not to strain yourself. Your concussion is mild, but your entire body’s been through a traumatic event.”

I get a lazy smile. “I’ll be on my best behavior, Doc.”

Rolling my eyes—as if I’ll believe that —I step back from the bed and remove my gloves. “Sure you will.”

Looking over my shoulder at Soren, I ask, “You already give them the spiel?”

He nods. “I don’t know how much attention Roman paid after I outlined his injuries, but I did my job.”

“Good.” My attention shifts to the woman who’s been observing us and offering not-so-quiet tips. “How about you escort our guest to the sitting room, or a room where there aren't people, and I’ll join you after I finish here.”

“Yes, sir ,” Soren teases, an amused smile on his lips.

I refrain from rolling my eyes, because I don’t feel like being reprimanded in front of a guest. “It should only be a few minutes, Dr. Ranlen. I want to make sure Carter is settled before leaving him.”

“Take your time, I have nowhere else to be,” she assures. If that’s supposed to be comforting, it’s not. At all.

Soren opens the office door and gestures for Dr. Ranlen to exit first, and we follow close behind. While he leads her down the hall and out of my wing of the house, I turn to the people waiting outside the office.

Roman, of course, is leaning against the wall, his dark hair going every which way, with a distressed look on his pale face. His eyes are bloodshot, and the poor boy looks like he’s aged several years in just a day. I’m not surprised to see Jude standing beside him, the taller man offering support to his lover. I am, however, shocked to see Emilio Martelli waiting with them. I thought for sure, after the last time he was here, that he’d steer clear of this office.

Though the way he glares at me says he still remembers how I didn’t hesitate to kick him out of the room when he got overly annoying. I note the way he’s holding Roman’s hand, wondering if he volunteered to be here, or allowed himself to get dragged along. Not that it matters. No one aside from Roman is going in to see Carter right now.

“He’s awake, though I don’t know for how much longer. I gave him some meds to help with the pain. You can see him, but only you, and so long as you don’t stress him out. Kail will be staying to monitor him, and you know he doesn’t have any issues with kicking you out.”

Roman rolls his eyes. “I’ll be on my best behavior. Let me see my dad.”

“I want you to get some rest after this, understand?” I look to Jude and Emilio. “You need rest as much as he does. I will drug you if I have to.”

Roman huffs, but Jude says, “I’ll make sure he goes up to bed when we’re finished here. Thank you, Doc.”

I choose to believe him, for now, and turn back around to head into the office. Kail has settled behind my desk, leaned back in the chair, his phone in hand. I don’t buy his nonchalant act for a second. He’s my Head Medical Assistant for a reason, so I know he’ll keep a close eye on Roman and Carter.

“Need anything before I leave?” I ask him.

He shakes his head, his attention still on his phone. “Nope. I’ll call you if I need to, but I highly doubt I will. Donovan will be here in a few hours to take over, and Rose will grab the morning shift.” He looks up from his phone then. “Go, relax, have a drink or two. We got this.”

I huff a laugh. We both know, as much as I want—need—a drink of something right now, that won’t happen until all this shit is over, and the Family doesn’t need me on standby.

“Let me know when you leave for the day.”

“Sure,” Kail replies, focusing his attention back on his phone.

I huff at him, but he’s been with me long enough to not pay attention to me, or what he calls my dramatics . I don’t know where I’d be without him, honestly.

Yes, Soren is amazing, and has more medical training than both Kail and Rose, but Kail was my first for a reason. He’s smart, quick-witted, and doesn’t put up with my shit. I’d trust him with my Daddy’s life, and that should say everything it needs to.

I’m grateful he’s still here after all these years, especially since Rose is needed more at the clinic now, thanks to all this shit, and Donovan is unable to miss class—if we want him to become an actual licensed surgeon, he can’t be on-call like the rest of us.

Casting a glance over at Roman and Carter, I find Roman sitting at the bedside, holding Carter’s uncasted hand, quietly crying as he does so. My heart goes out to the young Boss. So much has happened in such a short period of time, and I know Roman well enough to guess at the pressure and high standards he’s held himself to this entire time.

“I’ll come back and check on you a little later,” I softly tell Carter, who responds with an absent nod, and I leave him and Roman to it, knowing Kail will get me if needed.

Outside the office, Jude and Emilio are still holding vigil, so I say, “He’ll probably be a while. Kail will keep an eye on him, if you two want to go rest.”

I carefully eye Jude, and the way he’s leaning on his left leg, even while he's against the wall. I don’t comment, but I make a mental note to schedule an appointment with both him and Jayden. The last thing we need is for him to fuck up all the progress he’s made with his leg and recovery because he pushed himself too hard.

“What are you doing with my doctor?” Emilio asks with a scowl.

I smile. “Just a friendly chat. We had a meeting scheduled already, but this is much better than something so formal. Don’t worry, she’ll still be in one piece when I’m finished.”

“That doesn’t bring me comfort.”

I shrug. “That’s a personal problem then.”

I don’t bother sticking around for whatever insults he has to throw my way, and walk away at his indignant huff. If I were anyone else, I’d worry about a knife in the back, but I’ll take my chances. After all, Tennant trained me, so a baby Boss doesn’t scare me.

I find Daddy and Dr. Ranlen in the informal sitting room, a tray of food, tea, and coffee on the table between them. Taking a seat on the sofa next to Daddy, I sigh and lean into him, not caring if it looks unprofessional, as I need his strength for a moment.

“Where’s James?” I ask Daddy as he hands me half a sandwich. I’d much prefer the coffee he’s doctored for me, but I know I’ll never get it if I don’t eat something.

“With his brothers. Joel had a meeting with Sinclair today, remember?”

“Right. Any idea how it went?”

Daddy shrugs. “He advised both Joel and Ten to lay low. Though he was able to get the charges on them both dismissed, he doesn’t want to take any chances. With the search at the Martellis’, he suggested they both limit their time spent here, in case someone gets the bright idea to serve a warrant and tries to start something.”

I snort. Yeah, sure. Tennant will just…not be here, should his family need him. While it's true he could stay at the condo in the city, the time the main Family has spent there has lessened recently—only Cristian and Tennant really still go there for use of the basement office. The family has pretty much outgrown the place now, though I understand the need to keep some meetings away from the main house. Especially now that the Martellis are frequent guests.

“That was pretty much my reaction when James told me. Joel will be fine. Sinclair doesn't think anything will be put into motion anytime soon. Not only is the court system slow as fuck, but with who knows how many judges in bed with our enemies, he's going to push it as far as he can.”

I nod in agreement, knowing if anyone can somehow get the justice system to bend to his will, it's Kian Sinclair.

Once I'm finished with my food, Daddy hands me my coffee and I turn to our guest, who's sitting across from us.

“You wanted this meeting,” I tell her. “I think it's only fair, ladies first.”

That earns me an amused smile. “How generous of you.” She leans back in her seat and crosses her legs. For a moment, I wonder how someone could spend so long on their feet in heels, but dismiss the thought and focus on her words instead. “Yes, I wanted to meet with you. After the state my Boss arrived home in, not too long ago, I wanted to touch base. It seems even more prudent now, as it appears people can't seem to stop blowing our Families up.”

“If you're here to bitch about the stitch job I did on your Boss, you'll be talking to yourself. I know I'm damn good at my job.”

Dr. Ranlen raises a brow. “Did I say you weren't? It was a very good stitch job—though he did end up pulling one, but that's not your fault, or a mark against you. My concern lies in if that's the type of…play your Family indulges in, I would like to get a better handle on it, and what I can expect. The bruises around my Second’s throat tell a very interesting story.”

I shrug and drink my coffee, mulling over how to phrase things. I won't bullshit her—something tells me she won't tolerate that, but there's really not a clear way to explain Hollis or Tennant.

“I can see your point in wanting to know what to expect. I wish I could tell you.” I give a sardonic smile. “My life would be so much easier if the assholes told me how they planned to wreck each other during sex. Then I could prepare.” Daddy discreetly elbows me.

Dr. Ranlen laughs. “So, cutting up backs is a common occurrence?”

I shrug again. “Usually, it's more of a Carter and Cristian thing, but blood play isn't out of reach for the others. Not so deep, normally. Most of the time, they can patch themselves up. It's only when they need to make a point that things can get out of hand.”

She rolls her eyes. “Oh, joy. So I can expect more stitches, and almost choking someone to death. Because I can guarantee my family will piss yours off again at some point.”

“Essentially, yes. Hollis is very…particular about who he allows to touch what's his. And he seems to have a kinship with your Boss.”

She hums. “I know what Lio is like, and what he gets from Il Padrone. Though, I think it's safe to say, he's not the one we have to worry about right now.”

“Agreed. I might not know him, but the way he…stormed off last time he was here—and the fact he stabbed Ten—tells me he won't be open to anything Hollis might offer. Doesn't mean none of your other family members aren't, though.”

She rolls her eyes. “They have a unique way of showing they care about one another. As I'm sure you can guess.”

I snort. “That's one way to put it.” Daddy places his hand on my thigh and squeezes tightly in warning. Apparently, that was a bit too sarcastic.

If the gesture bothers Dr. Ranlen, she doesn't let on. Not that I give a shit. I'm too tired to pretend right now. I need my Daddy more than I need this woman's respect.

“I can tell you, Tennant won't almost kill anyone again.” The look she gives calls bullshit, and I grin. “If he wants to kill a Martelli, there won't be any almost about it.”

“Doc…” Daddy says my name with an exasperated sigh.

I shrug at them both. “He was…in a particular mood. I've known him half my life, and I can honestly say, I've never seen him like that. Then again, he's always had Cristian by his side. He's… I can't say he's under control, but he is mostly more rational now.”

I get a look of disbelief from Dr. Ranlen, but there's nothing I can do about that. Ten has never hidden who or what he is. Just because he's able to leash his baser instincts, it doesn't mean they're not still there. If Benjamin Martelli wants to play the lamb to Tennant’s wolf, more power to him.

“As for people blowing our Families up, or shooting them,” I say pointedly. “My clinic is open to everyone working for either Family—I trust the doctors under me; they were all handpicked. The Head Nurse there is one of my personal Medical Assistants, so rest assured, it's run well. And my office here is ready for any and all emergencies that may crop up with the main Families.”

“It's a very impressive setup, especially in the limited space.”

“Cristian has promised to do some renovations and expand the office, but thank you. I've worked hard to make sure we have everything we need on hand. The less need we have for a hospital, the better.”

“I know when to admit someone is just as good as me, or close to it,” she says delicately.

I laugh. “Then you're a better person than I am. The only surgery I didn't handle myself, in recent years, was an amputation. I'm very good at my job, but I'm not a surgeon—I just play one on TV.” I smirk and Daddy sighs again. This time his warning squeeze to my leg comes with his sharp fingernails digging in.

“Not all of us are lucky enough, or have the need for a full-time medical staff,” she says.

“That should be something you take up with your Boss, then.”

She shakes her head slightly, but the smile on her lips says she finds me amusing. “I happen to enjoy my job at the hospital.”

“You mean you like instilling fear in everyone there,” I reply.

She shrugs, and it's answer enough. “I will enjoy taking advantage of your setup, though, while we're working so closely together.”

“Enjoy away, Dr. Ranlen. My staff and my office are at your disposal.”

“Sarah, please. No need to be so formal, especially when we're going to be so close.”

“Sarah, then.” If she expects my name in return, she's shit out of luck. Taking the last sip of my cooling coffee, I say, “I don't normally drink while on-call, but a new friendship deserves to be celebrated, does it not? I know where Cristian stashes the good liquor.”

“Did I say you can have a drink?” Daddy asks.

I look at him. “Please, Daddy? Just one? In the name of friendship?”

“Why should I say yes?”

“Because you love me.” I give him my best smile. “And I've been very good recently. That deserves a reward.”

“Does it?”

“Yes.” Leaning into him, I hover my lips over his. “Whatever you want from me, Daddy.”

“I'd get that anyway, Baby.” He nips at my bottom lip. “But, fine. One drink; I'll pour.”

“Yes!” I kiss him quickly, then hop up. “I'll be right back. Go ahead and ask for some better snacks, Daddy. So we can relax and get to know our new friend.”

I don't bother waiting for a reply, practically skipping out of the room on my way to Cristian's office.

While the circumstances we're meeting under are less than ideal, I'm happy to have another doctor in my corner. Especially one who understands my unique position. If we bond over how stupid our Families can be sometimes, well, who can blame us?