Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33157 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33157 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
“Pain gettin’ bad, Apple?” That was Bullet. I turned my head -- slower this time -- to where I thought he should be. I got a blurry blob that was roughly Bullet’s size. I guess.
“Yeah. But don’t give me anything else.”
Bullet chuckled. “I take it the fruit punch in combination with the strong pills was a little much.”
I grimaced. “You’d guess right.”
“If you hadn’t done both of them, you’d have been better off.”
“You knew about that, huh.” It wasn’t a question. Which, yeah. Bullet knew everything about his patients.
“Yep. Not recommended and I’d never give you the combination on purpose, but considering what you’d been through, I thought it would knock your ass out and you’d sleep.” He grinned. “I never mix the fruit punch so strong it would hurt you if you took something else with it.”
“If I wasn’t in pain it might be kinda fun. Right now, with the fuzzy head, the pain is kind of making me sick. I don’t think I could even pick up a glass of water to take a pill right now.” My words were slightly slurred and I was sure a little stilted. “Christ,” I muttered. “It’s like there’s a disconnect between my brain and my mouth. I know what I want to say but can’t get it out.”
“I understand.” He put a bottle of water in my hand, his hand around both mine and the bottle. “I’ll help you with the water if you can swallow these. Straight Tylenol. Nothing to make you even higher. Promise.”
I grunted and opened my mouth. Bullet dropped in two tablets and helped me get the water to my lips. I took over from there until I’d swallowed the pills. When I trembled slightly, Bullet removed the water from my hand and set it on the table beside my bed.
“Thanks.” I laid back with a groan. “If this is what it feels like to be shot, I’m not recommending it.”
“I’ll make sure to pass that on to everyone in the club.”
“Good. Where’s Lemon?”
“She and Rocket are in the middle of planning someone’s death, I think.” I could hear the amusement in Bullet’s voice. I also knew he was completely serious.
“I hope it’s some asshole named Deacon,” I snarked. At least, I hope that’s the way it came out. My eyes were watering and my nose running so it was possible it looked like I was crying. Na. No way.
“Heard that one was touch and go, but no. Not Deacon.”
“Pity. Can you please tell the asshole in question to leave? I’m tired. I want to rest.”
Bullet shrugged as he turned to Deacon. “Sorry, man. You heard the lady. And she does need rest, especially since the pot’s not agreeing with her.”
Deacon looked frustrated but resigned. Yeah, I could see him more clearly than I wanted to because he was just as gorgeous as I remembered. Looked a little more battle-hardened and scary, but it was still my Deacon.
“I’ll be back, Apple. When I am, we need to talk.”
“I think all that needed to be said was said. If it wasn’t, I don’t want to hear any more. You hurt me once, Deacon. I’m not game for a second round. You win.”
He stared at me hard. I could tell he wanted to say something but wasn’t going to. Instead, he shook his head slightly. “I’m glad you’re safe, Apple. I’m sorry. For everything.” He winced and shook his head again, then left the room.
I was pretty sure a piece of my soul went with him.
Bullet crouched beside the bed, patting my hand awkwardly. “Lemon thought you might want to talk to him.”
My gaze snapped to Bullet’s. “She thought wrong. I don’t want to see him again.” I made my voice as hard as I could. I wanted this point absolutely clear. Because if Deacon got to me, asked me for forgiveness, I knew I’d be helpless against him. I’d cave like a little bitch and give him whatever the fuck he wanted.
“Not a problem, honey. Cecilia is on her way. She’s gonna stay with you while I finish up some clinic stuff. After that, we’re both gonna stay with you.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine on my own.”
“Not tonight, Apple. We’ll talk about it tomorrow, but not while you’re feeling the THC so strongly.”
Yeah. I knew this wasn’t a battle I was going to win. Bullet was a doctor. If he said I needed babysitting, someone was calling a fucking sitter. “Fine. But if your back aches tomorrow from sleeping on the couch, find someone who gives a fuck.”
“Noted.” His tone was even, but I could see his superior smirk. “I’m right in the next room if you need me. Try to get some sleep. Quickest way to get your wits back about you.”
If only.
I lay back and stared up at the ceiling. Why the fuck had Lemon sent Deacon to me? Why would she think I’d even want to see the man again? Sure, she didn’t know what had happened, but I knew my sister well enough to know she’d been given a version of events that had led me to Grim Road. Not from me, but from someone. My money was on Wylde. Hopefully, Deacon would respect my wishes and leave me the fuck alone. And maybe, I could finally move on.