“I care about my family and my own life.” I fought the wave of nausea and the black that hovered. I would not allow myself to pass out. “But that wasn’t what was running through my mind while I hauled Daniel through that jungle.” I reached over and grabbed hold of her arm a little more roughly than I intended to. “Please stop moving for a moment.” I blinked back the black spots.
“Oh,” her face fell when she finally tuned in to my hurting state, “I’m sorry.” She sat next to me with a sigh.
“And I’m sorry I scared you. I acted on instinct. I know you understand that, being the daughter of a general.” My mouth was like sandpaper. “Just like I know you’re not mad at me. You’re worried about me.”
“Maybe,” she huffed, and more tears leaked out.
“Look,” I buzzed the nurse so I could get the hell out of here, “our mission got railroaded, and Daniel was in worse shape than me.” Her face made me try harder. “Daniel’s been like a father to me since I joined. I don’t get to share this side of my life with my dad, so to have Daniel be that for me is pretty important.” I clicked the button again, feeling worse as the seconds ticked by. “I ignored my leg and my ribs and whatever else and did what I needed to do to get us the hell out of there.”
She started to cry, and I had to believe it was out of relief more than anything else.
“Sloane,” I rubbed her leg, “you gave me a reason to come home, a reason to care and not be reckless. I came home because of you.”
“You almost died, John.”
“But I didn’t.” I kissed her hand. “I didn’t die,” I repeated to reassure her.
The door swung open, and the nurse walked in, but I glared at Mark, who stood behind her. He’d caught the door with his foot and flashed me a wicked smile.
Oh, shit, here we go.
“Good morning, Mr. Black.” The nurse started to change out my IV bag. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“I’m good. When can I go home?”
She laughed, and Mark moved into the room, looking around like he was admiring the decor.
The room was yellow, with muted salmon-colored furniture. There was nothing to look at.
“You’re here until Sunday, Mr. Black,” the nurse informed me, “and after that, you’re on bedrest for another thirteen days.”
Mark slowly turned and joined Sloane.
“I feel fine,” I muttered.
“John,” Sloane warned, knowing that was a lie. “He’s in pain, and he looked like he might be sick a few moments ago.”
“I see.” The nurse shot me a disapproving look. “I’ll get you something for that and the pain.”
I wanted to argue, but the nurse left, and Sloane rushed to join her, I was sure to embellish more on my condition.
Mark’s shit-eating grin loomed over me.
“What?” I closed my eyes as another dizzy spell took over.
“Mm, nothing.” He started to lift the side of the blanket, and my eyes flew open. “I heard you have a hose stuck in your twig.”
“So help me God, Lopez,” I growled.
“Someone’s fussy?” He laughed. “Does it sting when you pee?”
“Die.”
“Nah, I’m good.” He sank into the chair in the corner of the room and checked the time. “Ten minutes until they serve you lunch.”
“Knock, knock.” Savannah popped her head in the door holding a bag. “Okay to come in?”
“Sure.” I shook my head, hating all the attention. I just wanted to either get the hell out of here or sleep.
“Mia pulled some strings with a friend, and we thought you might like some food from home.” She started to pull out some containers. “Soup, rolls, tea, just a few things to make your stay a little nicer.”
“Thanks, Savi.” The idea of food made my stomach roll, but the offer was very kind. “How’s Daniel?”
“He’s fine. He’ll be a while recovering, perhaps a little longer than you, but I’ll let Cole fill you in on the rest.” She reached behind her and smacked Mark, who was already into the rolls.
Sloane came in and sat on the edge of the bed, still looking a million miles away.
“Okay, Mr. Black, I have some anti-nausea and pain meds.” The nurse stopped when she took in my company. “One of you needs to go. Only two guests at a time. I’m sorry.”
“That one.” I pointed at Mark, who was stuffing his mouth with a second roll.