Smoked (The Invincibles 5)

“Of course.”

“What about physical activity?” Siren asked after the door was closed and we were alone with the doctor.

“I’d prefer to wait until after I’ve seen your test results to determine what type of physical therapy—”

“I don’t mean physical therapy. I mean sex.”

I highly doubted that under normal circumstances, a physician would blush at the mention of sex, but he and I both did with Siren’s bluntness.

“Ahem. Since you asked a direct question, I’ll do my best to answer in the same manner. As I said previously, I will not feel comfortable making a determination regarding physical activity, of any kind, until after I’ve seen the results of the scans I’ve ordered.”

“Very well, then.”

I covered my mouth with my hand to hide the smile I couldn’t keep off my face.

“If there’s nothing else, stop at the front desk and someone will get the tests scheduled along with your follow-up appointment.”

It took several minutes, but eventually, the radiology department was able to schedule Siren for two of the three tests this afternoon and the third tomorrow.

* * *

“Do you need to return to the ranch?” Siren asked after we’d left the doctor’s office.

That’s what I’d planned to do until the ramifications of her never recovering her memory hit me in the head like a steel plank. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“If you need to leave, I’ll understand. I’m sure you didn’t plan to be here more than a few hours.”

“Excuse us.” Like she had earlier, I took her hand and led her away from her nurse. However, my grasp was much gentler than hers was on mine.

“I’m staying.”

Siren turned her head away when her eyes filled with tears. “I feel like an eejit.”

I cupped her cheek with my palm. “None of this is your fault. You were shot in the line of duty.” I took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling of the corridor. “If you want to know the truth…” I stumbled on my words, trying to mask how emotionally overcome I suddenly was. I leaned down and gently rested my forehead against hers. “I didn’t think you were going to make it.” I closed my eyes, remembering how panicked I had been in the few seconds it took me to get to her. The immediate sense of loss I felt, unnerved me then and now.

She wrapped her arms around my waist and buried her face in my chest. “I wish I could remember more about you.”

And I wished the exact opposite.

* * *

While Siren was in with Dr. Mansfield, I made arrangements for us to rent a house within walking distance of the hospital. If Siren had to be here on a regular basis, driving back and forth would wear her out. I also made sure the nurse I’d hired to travel with us was able to stay on.

“I’m happy to stay on as long as I’m needed, Mr. Torcher,” said Maureen.

With the amount of money I was paying her, that didn’t come as a surprise.

* * *

I stepped outside when my cell rang with a call from Rile. “Hello, my friend. I’m sure you know why I’m calling.”

It could be one of two reasons, and I said so.

“As much as I want you to commit to becoming an Invincibles’ partner, I’m calling for an update on Siren’s condition.”

“For your knowledge or IMI’s?”

“My own.”