Page 34 of Betrothed
When I finally managed to pull my phone from my pocket, I came close to dropping it on the floor. My companion’s reflexes were quick, catching the iPhone before it crashed and burned. “I’m fine.”
“You won’t be able to make a call.”
Blinking twice, I was finally able to drive the fog away long enough to notice there was zero reception inside the thick concrete block surrounding the stairs. “You’re right.”
“Of course I’m right, like I am that you need medical attention.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re hardheaded.”
Were we really having this conversation? I grinned and took a step back. Unfortunately, I didn’t calculate how much blood I’d lost. Vivian was forced to catch me so I didn’t tumble down the stairs.
“Damn it,” she hissed. “This is the last thing I need at the end of my shift. Let me take a look.”
“I told you… I’m fine.” The pain was almost blinding.
“Oh, for the love of God. I’m a doctor. Do you want to bleed out in between the second and third floors?”
I continued to listen for sounds, uncertain there weren’t more of the assholes waiting in the shadows. “Just a scratch.”
“You were shot by some asshole dressed in all black, yet you’re determined to keep that macho thing you have going on.”
“I don’t have a macho thing and I wasn’t shot.”
“What happened to the other guy?”
“You mean the one you managed to knock unconscious?”
Her mouth twisted, but the fire in her eyes was one of many attributes that had lingered with me. “I did what I had to do to protect myself.”
“I can see that. Admirable if not stupid. But don’t worry, he won’t bother us again.”
“You killed him. Didn’t you?” She was shocked.
“I did what I had to do to protect myself.”
“Men are all alike.” Huffing, she shook her head. The hint of fear I’d seen earlier had disappeared, clear annoyance at having her routine interrupted replacing everything else.
A doctor. That I hadn’t expected. I thought about the options. “I’ve been shot, beaten to within an inch of my life, knifed in several places, including my kidney and smashed with a hammer on two occasions, so I think I can handle a knife wound.”
“Then suit yourself, but I’m going home.” She pushed me away, immediately reaching for the door.
I snapped my hand around her forearm, realizing I had blood on my fingers. “You’re not going anywhere.”
“What do you mean? If you’re worried I’ll call the police, I…”
“You will. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a woman who took an oath to save lives. However, I can’t allow you to do that.” A prisoner I didn’t need, but I couldn’t think of a more appetizing one.
“So what then? We’re going to stay here? Eventually, someone will come down that corridor and find that man.” Her eyes opened wide. “Oh, my God. There were two others. What happened? Are they searching for us?”
“I assure you while both men appeared as inept as I’ve seen in assassins, even they would have figured out where we’ve gone by now.”
“You murdered them too. Oh, my God.”
“No, Vivian. I merely made it so they’ll need physical therapy for the rest of their lives. To answer your direct question. At this point, you need to come with me. And we very much need to get out of here.”
“What? No way. Not a chance. We aren’t going anywhere. You can go wherever the hell you want.” She did her best to free herself from my grasp, her gaze falling to my bloody shirt. “Shit. Shit… You’re losing too much blood. Damn it. Why won’t you allow me to help you?”
