Roman - Lane Hart Page 0,27
doctor looks to me and says, “That was just my impression, but hopefully Charlotte can spread more light on the subject?”
“Ah, yeah,” I agree. “I’ll go talk to her and report back,” I tell Paul.
He gives a nod but doesn’t say another word. His face is just blank, like he’s trying to figure out how his future with Tessa went from bright and happy to this…not being able to see her or talk to her while she recovers from the worst possible terror imaginable.
Back in Tessa’s room, I freeze in the doorway when I realize the doctor wasn’t exaggerating. The mountain of various colored blankets layered on her is so high that I can barely see Tessa’s head sticking out of the top.
“That’s quite a collection of covers you’ve got there,” I say to try and lighten the mood.
“They wouldn’t bring me anymore,” she tells me softly. “Said they had to save some for the other patients.”
“I think you have plenty, don’t you?” I ask. When she doesn’t respond, I tell her, “So, um, Paul and Steven are both here.”
“I still can’t see him, Charlotte!” she gasps. “Please don’t make me!”
“I’m not,” I quickly assert. “No one is going to make you do anything, okay? He’s just worried about you and wants to know how you’re doing. The doctor said you told him the wedding is off.”
“It is,” she agrees.
“You’re sure? We could probably postpone for a few weeks or months, just tell the caterers and florists to all hold off…”
“I’m cancelling, not postponing,” Tessa informs me. “Will you…could you let Paul know?”
“You want me to tell your fiancé that the wedding is off?”
“Please?”
“Of course. Sure,” I say. “It’s just…he’s going to be devastated.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“This is a huge decision and you’ve been through hell. How about you just sleep on it tonight; and if you are still sure in the morning, I’ll tell him then?”
“Fine,” she agrees with a sigh. “But I’m not going to change my mind.”
My throat burns and tears fill my eyes at hearing how adamant she is about calling off the wedding. Yes, I was jealous that she was getting her happily ever after, but I still wanted Tessa and Paul to have forever together. They love each other and should get to spend their lives growing old together. Now, I just hate that Tessa may be throwing her relationship away all because of what those assholes did to her. It’s not fair. It should’ve been me they kidnapped and hurt. I don’t have a husband anymore. My life is already ruined while Tessa’s was just about to start…
“Can I get you anything? Something to eat maybe?” I offer, not sure what else to do or say.
“The nurse is bringing me a sandwich, but I’m not really hungry.”
“You should try to eat something to get your energy up. The doctor said you were dehydrated.”
“Not anymore,” she says, holding up her arm with the IV in it. “I feel like a bloated balloon with all this stuff pumping into me.”
“Well, let me know if you need anything,” I tell her. “And if it’s okay with you, I would like to stay here with you tonight.”
“Please,” she says softly. “I don’t want to be alone,” she adds, her voice cracking.
“Of course,” I agree. “When the nurse comes back, I’ll slip out just to go give everyone an update and tell them to go home.”
“Everyone?” she asks.
“Ah, yeah, Paul and his brother, along with that guy, Roman, and the other Savage Kings.”
“Oh.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to see him before he leaves?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I don’t.”
“Okay,” I reply, wishing I knew how to help both of them get through this. Unfortunately, it’s out of my hands.
A few minutes later, when the nurse comes in with a tray of food and starts checking Tessa’s vitals, I tell her I’ll be right back and leave the room, only to nearly run into Paul in the hallway.
“How is she doing? Did she ask for me?” he questions me in a rush while trying to get a peek into her room through the small window on the door.
“She’s going to try and eat a little bit but doesn’t want any visitors tonight,” I tell him. “You should go back to the beach house and get some sleep. It’s been a stressful day.”
“I don’t want to leave her,” he says, reaching up to tug on the top of his brown hair.
“I know you don’t, but there’s no reason for you to