Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

“If anything gets worse, let me know.”

“Yes, dear.”

Her eyes narrow. “Don’t make me abuse an injured person.”

I snicker and groan. “I regret that decision.”

“I’m not calling off work for nothing. You ready to be poked, prodded, and deprived of sleep?”

“Sounds like a good time.”

“It’s the only thing saving you from me lighting into your ass, so I’d enjoy it if I were you.” Her eyes burn with intensity.

“You look beautiful when you’re angry.”

“If you want to land back in the hospital keep that up. Don’t make the mistake of thinking I’ve forgiven you.”

“I never knew you were so vicious,” I say, enjoying the new side of her.

I’m not happy it’s directed at me but seeing it means she might be able to handle this life. The thought jars me. Did I decide I was staying? The time away gave me a chance to miss the brothers and work through my crowded head space. What I needed was a change. The new food truck will allow for that.

The club I knew is gone. There’s a new way of doing things, which is changing everything. If I can get through this transitional period, it might be everything I need. I study Xia from the corner of my eyes. Her back is straight, and her face is troubled. I want to talk her down, but my head feels like it’s in a vice.

I close my eyes and ride the pain, finding a place I can go in my head where I can manage the pain.

***

The pile of DVDs with hot pink cases, bright colors, and women who are clearly from the 80’s frightened me.

“What’s this?”

“My caregiver fee. We watch what I want. You’re going to be sleeping off and on anyway. If I have to stay up and check you every hour, I’m going to be happy doing it.”

She stares me down, and I clamp my mouth shut. A wise man knows when to retreat.

“Now put your feet up and try to relax while we take a trip down memory lane. Back in the 80’s. A simpler time when earrings were big, clothes were bright, and love was lost and found in one-hundred and sixty minutes.”

I watch her thaw slightly as she wedges herself into the corner of the couch when the movie begins. I drift in and out consciousness among first dates, frilly prom dresses, and underwear being show in a bathroom. Her gentle touch and soft voice went a long way toward soothing irritated nerves as she checked my eyes with a flashlight.

“You’re the prettiest nurse I’ve ever had,” I slur.

She gives a half laugh. “Even half-asleep you can’t turn it off.”

“Is true.” My tongue feels thick and clumsy.

She pats my cheek. “Rest now. You’re going to need it tomorrow.” I try to remember what’s planned for tomorrow, but the darkness takes me once again.

***

“Are you sure you’re up for this?”

I shrug. “Does it matter? We need to head back to work tomorrow, and the week after that is the start of Truck Wars.”

“I don’t want you to push yourself unnecessarily.”

“I’d rather get it over with, Xi. Having it hanging over my head is far worse.” We’re seated beside one another at the kitchen island. “Go ahead with all your questions.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Her voice is soft and full of hurt.