Page 29 of Street

“I can walk,” Rosa insisted, pushing at Street’s chest. “I feel funny being carried like I’m an invalid. My hands just got messed up.”

Street set his independent Little on her feet and demanded, “Show me.”

When she held out her palm, he couldn’t hide his wince of sympathy. “How many pipes did you cut?”

“We got both bathrooms done,” she said proudly.

“Wow. That’s a lot. No wonder Fury wants you to be his assistant. Come on. Let’s see what Razor can do to help those heal.”

“Do you have to return to the warehouse?” she asked.

“I’m on my lunch break. I can flex my hours and work a bit later one evening if I need to make up time.” He saw her face sag with sadness that she was affecting his schedule. He rubbed her back to reassure her. “Everything will be fine. Come on. Razor is expecting us.”

Rosa scanned the area as they approached the front entrance. Vex walked out with a bandaged forearm. He held the door for Street and Rosa. Street couldn’t help but jab at him a bit. “Did you get the trophy for most injured Devil Daddy?”

“That doesn’t exist. Don’t suggest that to Razor. He’d definitely give me a three-foot tall statuette,” Vex said with a scowl before concentrating on Rosa. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I did something stupid,” she said. Street could tell she remembered Vex from a few days ago, by the way she directly met his gaze. Rosa must have already figured out that Vex was prickly but good at the core.

“Welcome to the club. Good luck. Razor has the good suckers hidden in his office. Make sure he gives you one,” Vex suggested.

“Thanks!” she said, smiling.

“When you’re finished chatting, I’m waiting.”

The low voice behind her made Rosa whirl around. She caught her heel on the doorjamb and reached out to grab Street’s T-shirt to steady herself. “Ouch! Damn it!” She bit her lip to stop other curse words from escaping.

“Sorry, Dinorosa. Let’s get you inside to see if Razor can help,” Street suggested, placing his hand under her elbow to guide her inside.

“I apologize. I have a potty mouth when I’m in a bad situation,” Rosa explained.

“Understandable when you’re in pain,” Street assured her. “Razor, you remember Rosa.”

“Of course. I’m sorry you’ve injured yourself. Come back to an exam room and let’s see how I can help.”

Rosa allowed Street to steer her past the guys in the waiting room and into a small chamber. “This really is a medical office, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Rosa. The Devil Daddies insist on wounding themselves constantly. I also treat anyone who works here and needs care,” Razor told her.

She’d never had health coverage anywhere she’d worked. That thought reminded her she was completely broke. “I should go. I’ll just wash these and let them heal.”

“You don’t need insurance or money for treatment. Street has you on his list of dependents. Your care is free,” Razor said.

“Oh, I don’t want to be a bother. Or risk Street’s job.”

“You are not a bother, Little girl. To anyone. Razor enjoys feeling needed. If he only had Vex to patch up, he’d be bored,” Street said, trying humor to reassure her but pissed that she’d worry about asking for help. Meeting her family wouldn’t be a good idea. Street wouldn’t be able to control his anger.

“Absolutely.” Razor nodded, backing him up.

“But your boss…”

Street interrupted her. “Rosa, nothing will happen to my job. Sit up here on the table and Razor will see to your injuries.” Street patted the padded top.

She let Street help her take a seat on the crinkly paper. Funny how that sound reassured her that this was an actual doctor’s office. Rosa held her palm out. “This is the bad one.”

“You were cutting pipe without gloves?” Razor asked, turning her hand in different ways to assess the damage.

“Yes. Fury gave me some, but they were slowing me down because they were too big. I took them off so I could grip the cutter better,” she said.