results are good and you pass our basic checks in the morning, you’ll be released. For the next few days, I’d like you to minimize how much you walk, so you will be provided with a wheelchair. Overall, you’re doing very well. Infection was a significant concern, and while it’s still a possibility, you haven’t shown any signs of infection. Yet. I’ve added a note to your medical file that it might be worthwhile to investigate if being a hybrid offers you heightened healing or some form of regeneration.”
I assumed I packed some form of regeneration, especially when I considered how often I tasted blood when shifting forms too much. “Is that even possible?”
“It is. It’s a rather prized ability among hybrids, and in the East and West, it’s considered a precursor to shapeshifting, as shapeshifting is essentially a form of trauma the body needs to heal.”
Crap. That hadn’t been in any of the books I’d read. “So that’s a good thing?”
“For you, yes. Mr. Moretti, I will add the note to her file, but I expect it will get back to the other party, which will make her bounty value increase. I can’t prevent that, but I can make notes in the file that make it appear her health is more fragile than it is to help deter anyone who might have access to those records.”
“I appreciate that.”
“And we appreciate your general contributions and goading of your competition to provide supplies for the hospitals here. You’re not going to be friends with Mr. Mansfield, however.”
Sandro flashed my doctor a startlingly wolfish grin. “I approached him before I approached you. I pitched it as expressing how much I value my new lady, something he respects. And yes, I called her my lady, as he dislikes the term courtesan, especially when he knows the courtesan isn’t being shared. I’m a jealous man, and he knows this. It’s all about how it’s framed. I framed my proposal as gratitude for Jade’s life, and that I wanted to show that gratitude to the hospitals in general for her care. He approved it, although we did discuss the matter for quite a while. I’ve got his signature on her provisional uncontested courtesan contract now, so it abides by all of Asylum’s general rules and regulations in addition to following the Federal regulations.”
“Impressive. Mr. Mansfield does generally prefer the standard courtesan contracts compared to the uncontested contracts. They’re complicated.” Dr. Thresher checked the IV stand, retrieved my clipboard, and made a notation. “I’ll make certain to note your pleasant relationship, as that is something Mr. Mansfield takes seriously.”
Interesting. While I had my thoughts about Asylum’s creator, I hadn’t thought he disliked the courtesan system; he’d opened Asylum for them. I missed something, but I couldn’t tell what. “He’s hot when wet.”
I blinked, wondering where the hell that statement had come from and why it had decided to fly right out of my mouth.
Sandro smirked.
The surgeon raised a brow. “Is he, now?”
As I’d already dug my own grave, why not jump into it? With a little work, I could bury myself. “He was wearing a white shirt in the rain, and that is definitely a good look on him.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Jade,” Sandro promised. “I’ll have to test my various white shirts to see which ones you like best.”
Some games I enjoyed playing, and trying to imagine Sandro in various wet white shirts would hold my attention for at least a few hours. “Please hold that thought until after I have left the hospital. In the meantime, I don’t suppose you have a book I could read, do you?”
If I had to stare at the wall with nothing to do for hours, I would lose my mind.
Sandro glanced at Dr. Thresher.
“I’ll let the nurse’s station know you’re bringing a book for her; by the time you’ve retrieved one, visitor’s hours will have ended.”
“Thank you, Dr. Thresher. Try to stay patient, Jade. I’ve a small library in my residence, so you can enjoy yourself with books while you heal. I’ll take care of the rest of the details.” Sandro nodded to the nurse. “Ma’am.”
She smiled.
“I’ll be back in the morning, Jade,” he promised, before he left me alone with the doctor and nurse.
The pair regarded me with a disturbing amount of interest.
“What?” I asked, unable to keep the suspicion out of my voice.
“How did someone like you get the attention of someone like him?” the nurse blurted.
As I felt the same damned way, I replied,