"I like keeping my mind and options open. Louise Dimatto." She rose to step off the platform and offer a hand. "It's nice to meet you, Sam."
"Why don't you two go have a drink downstairs," Eve said dryly. "Get acquainted."
"Unfortunately"—Louise glanced back over her shoulder—"I can't say her rudeness is a result of her injuries. She was born that way. Obviously a genetic defect beyond the scope of medical science."
"If you can't be rude in your own bedroom, where can you?" Eve picked up the bowl again, sulked over it.
"If I could just have a private word with her?" Sam asked.
"Sure. I'll just step outside."
When they were alone, Sam walked up to the bed. "You're in considerable pain."
"I've had worse."
"Yes, I'm sure you have." He lowered himself to the side of the bed. "You don't want chemical blockers, and while I'm sure Dr. Dimatto can relieve some of the discomfort externally, I can do more. It won't happen again, Eve," he said before she could speak. "Because I'm prepared. I know you're not sure if you can trust that, but you can. I don't lie, and I wouldn't offer if I wasn't sure of your privacy."
She pushed at her ice cream with the spoon. No, he didn't lie. "Will what you can do get me on my feet faster?"
"It should, especially in conjunction with the medical."
"Okay. Let's just get it done. I've got work."
* * *
It was mortifying as neither the healer nor the medical had bothered to mention she'd have to strip down to the skin for the exam and treatment. They discussed her anatomy as if she were a science droid in a lab, so that she finally shut her eyes in defense. She jerked at the first touch of fingertips, at the spread of cool, then of warmth along the blade of her hip that had rudely met pavement, twice.
The palm of another hand pressed to her injured cheek, and she clenched her teeth. But the sting passed, and she was floating. Not like the ride on blockers that was like a giddy trip on a carousel, but like a weightless drift on a cloud.
She could hear them speaking, but their voices were insubstantial.
"She's gone under," Louise said quietly. "You're very good."
"Her hip's causing her a great deal of pain. Most people would be screaming."
"She's not most people, is she? If you'll work on that, I'll deal with the head injury. I think we can get the swelling down a bit more."
"Will I be in the way?"
Roarke. At the sound of his voice, Eve struggled to surface.
"No, shh. Lie still," he told her. "I'm right here."
Because he was, she let go again.
When next she woke, it was dark. There was a terrible moment when she thought she'd gone blind. Even as she tried to sit up, she saw a shadow move and knew it was him. "What time is it?"
"Late." He sat on the side of the bed. "You're to rest. Lights on, ten percent."
The faint glow brought her a flood of relief. Enough that she didn't snap at him when he moved closer to examine her pupils. "What's the date?"
"Depends. Is it before or after midnight?"
"Clever girl."
"I know where I am and when I am. And that we've got an anniversary coming up in a couple days. And, Carlo, I've never loved you more."
"I feel exactly the same way, Miranda." He touched his lips to her forehead, a sneaky way of checking for fever. "If you're feeling better perhaps I can let the children come in. Carlo Junior, Robbie, Anna, and little Alice are anxious to see their mum."