Tangled by Temptation (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 7)

“I see that here. Good. I won’t disturb him. Belle, why don’t we go out in the hall and I’ll give you an update on his condition.”

“I’ll stay with Juan. I’m still on break,” Shane said. “I’m sure Amber and Corey want to hear what Doc has to say, too. You can fill me in later.”

Belle leaned over and kissed him. “Thank you.”

Out in the hall, they found Gretchen and Ethel talking to Jason. He was standing guard at Cindy’s room, which was next to Juan’s. The two sweet women rushed to her side.

“How are you holding up, dear?” Gretchen asked Belle.

“I’ll know how to answer you after Doc tells me Juan is going to be okay.”

Doc smiled. “He is going to be fine, Belle, thanks to your quick thinking. Are you okay with me talking about Juan’s treatment in front of everyone.”

“Screw HIPAA rules, Doc. These are my friends and family. They can hear everything.”

“Excellent. Juan’s vitals are stable. He’s responding to the antivenom perfectly. The swelling in his arm hasn’t increased and I expect it to begin to go down in the next few days. His lungs are clear. His heart is strong. We’re going to keep a close eye on him, though I’m very confident that he’s going to be back to dragon hunting very soon.”

Belle had been holding back her tears for so long, but hearing Doc’s words caused them to fall from her eyes.

Corey hugged Belle, and she leaned into his strength.

Amber’s voice shook. “Thank God.”

Ethel and Gretchen were wiping their eyes.

Doc smiled. “I want to keep our little hero here for a few days.”

Trollinger came out of her room with Paris. They both walked over to her, with Jason close behind.

Cindy walked right in front of Belle.

Corey pulled her in tighter, taking a step back from the woman.

A frown appeared on Cindy’s face for a split second but disappeared when she turned her attention back to Belle. “How’s your little boy doing?”

“Doc assures me he’s going to be okay.”

“That’s great news. I told Paris to stop checking in on me. I’m not sick. She needs to spend all her time with Juan.” Cindy held up her pack of cigarettes. “Time for a smoke break. It always clears my head. Belle, I’ll check in on your boy tonight. You look like you could use some rest.”

“That’s okay. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Neither am I.” Corey’s stare on Cindy didn’t waiver.

“Seems I need to get more pillows and blankets.” Paris grinned. “I’ll be back in a flash.” She left.

“Well, time for my evening break.” Cindy turned to Jason. “You coming, Mr. Bodyguard?”

The sheriff didn’t smile. “Yes.”

Trollinger and Jason went to the end of the hallway that led outside.

Belle turned to Amber. “You should go home, Sis. I’m sure the boys are anxious, especially Jake. I always tuck them in. I just can’t tonight.”

“I’ll do it, Belle. Don’t worry. If you need me, no matter what time, call me. Promise.”

“I promise.”

“You have our numbers, Belle.” Gretchen smiled. “We’re here for you, too.