Hell (Black Heart Romance)

So does the wound on my leg. I should get it checked out and probably get a shot before my lungs stop working or whatever is supposed to happen. I didn’t want to delve too deep into what the internet had to say because sometimes they like to sneak gross medical pictures in articles, and I hate those.

One problem: I don’t have insurance. Not like a single shot should cost all that much, but who knows? And it’s not like anybody will give me a straight answer if I ask before they stick me. Dammit, this isn’t my fault. I didn’t do anything to hurt myself. I tried to stop before the damn nail stuck me.

Lucian should pay for it. He has that doctor of his. She seemed legit enough. I wonder if she could help. Either way, this should be up to him since he’s the one who hurt me.

I only have Alexei’s number in my phone, though. So he’ll have to put us in touch—no, better yet, he can pass the message on to Lucian. I don’t want to hear his voice. It’s not like I want to hear Alexei’s, either, but either I deal with him or possibly get sick. I might have ten grand in the bank, but that doesn’t mean I want to blow all of it on medical bills. “Alexei, it’s Rowan. Can you do me a favor?”

He grunts. “Why would I do that?”

“Because I need a favor, and you’re the only way for me to get in touch with your boss. I have to go to the doctor to get a tetanus shot after getting stuck with a nail at the cabin last night, and I’m not paying for it.” Sure, that sounds strong and decisive.

He’s quiet for a few seconds, and I’m afraid I crossed a line I didn’t know existed. “Fine.” And that’s it. Call over. What am I supposed to do with that? It’s not my fault Lucian didn’t want me to have his number. It’s okay for him to shove a plug up my ass, but god forbid I call him on the phone.

Maybe ten seconds pass before my phone rings. “Rowan. What is this about needing a doctor?”

The sound of Lucian’s voice makes my heart race, and not in a good way. I feel a little sick, overwhelmed, jittery. “Like I told Alexei, I need a tetanus shot after getting hurt. I have no idea the last time I had one. Probably when I was little.” All that fake strength I had with Alexei is gone. What is it about this man?

“Of course. You need attention. I should’ve thought about it last night.” He sounds snappy, almost angry. At himself or at me? “I’ll have Rick drive me over—”

“No. I don’t want to see you. I’m not kidding. But I think you should have to pay for it.”

“Right. It’s only fair.” It doesn’t sound like he thinks it’s all that fair. “I’ll send Alexei.” Why do I feel like he’s punishing me? He’s got to know I wouldn’t want to hang out with Alexei, either. I doubt he will take no for an answer, though, so I don’t bother fighting. What matters is getting to the doctor.

I end the call before he can pull me into a conversation I don’t feel like having. What if he shows up anyway, even when I told him not to? What will I do? I’ll have to figure it out, I guess. I don’t owe him anything. He’s not in control. I should be able to tell him to go fuck himself if he can’t take no for an answer.

How much more could he do to me? Maybe I shouldn’t think too much about that.

I’m watching from the window as a familiar black car rolls up to the curb in front of the building. Is he in there? I can’t believe I’m holding my breath, but I am. I don’t even know for sure whether I want Lucian to be in the car or not. No, I don’t want to see him. But… I sort of do. I know that now. I can talk about closure all I want, but the bottom line is, I don’t like the thought of never being with him again.

It’s Alexei who steps out of the car and opens the back door. Nobody comes out. He’s waiting for me. The text he sends a second later confirms it. I’m here. Let’s go. Pleasant, as always.

I take my time, though. Just because he snaps his fingers doesn’t mean I have to come running. I brush my hair, put on a little lip gloss, then slide into a pair of flats before grabbing my purse and heading for the door. Alexei scowls at me when I reach him. “Took you long enough.” He waits until I’m in the back seat before slamming the door.