Page 7 of Blaze

There’s nothing to be done about our current predicament, though.I have to get Vicky to the clinic, and there’s no reason whatsoever for Reagan to cut her hike short.

“Wait,” Reagan says over her shoulder after turning around to rejoin her group.“You need a car.”

“The silver Corolla we saw when we parked is Vicky’s.”

“Oh, good.See you later then.”Reagan jogs back to rejoin the group.

“I’m messing up your plans,” Vicky murmurs.

I adjust her in my arms.“No, you’re not.Reagan doesn’t need me.Her husband usually accompanies her, but he had a meeting this morning, so he sent me.It’s only because he’s overly cautious, and because she’s pregnant.She’ll be fine.Circumstances have changed.”

Vicky looks down at her bent leg.“Do you think I’m going to be okay?”

“I’m certain of it, baby.I’m going to walk as fast as I can.When we get to your car, I’ll drive you to the clinic.Kinsley, the town doctor, will clean the wound and stitch you up.”

Vicky lets out a strangely relieved exhale.“Do you think I can pay her in cash and avoid the hospital?”

I frown as I pick up the pace.“Don’t worry about the medical bill, and I doubt you’ll need to go to the hospital, but I’m not a doctor.We’ll see what she says when we get there, okay?”

My girl relaxes in my arms once again.

It’s true that she weighs very little for a grown woman, but I’m glad I haven’t skipped too many workouts lately.A mile is quite a way to carry another human being, especially at a fast clip.

I’m not at all sure Kinsley can handle this wound on her own, but that’s a guess.I don’t know how much blood Vicky has lost or if she’ll need an IV antibiotic.That could cause us to head to the city.

I didn’t overlook her odd comments about paying the doctor in cash and not wanting to go to a hospital.Now I’m worried she’s on the run from someone.That makes my spine stiffen.

Who the hell would be chasing her and why?

Chapter4

Victoria

It’s a struggle to keep my eyes open.I’m lulled by the rhythmic bounce of Blaze carrying me.He makes me feel safe, which lets me relax.When was the last time I fully relaxed?I can’t recall.

“We’re there, baby,” he says gently, jerking me out of my light sleep.“I’m going to lean you against the car so I can fish your keys out of my backpack.Do you think you can support your weight on your good leg for a moment?”

“Yes.”I’m not at all sure I can, actually, but I have to try.He’s working his ass off to help me.The least I can do is stand for a minute.

He finds my keys in seconds and unlocks the passenger door to my car.It’s not until he opens it that I realize what the inside of my vehicle looks like and wince.

Blaze hesitates, staring at the amount of things on the seat and then glancing into the back.The seat is covered with car snacks, wrappers, and empty beverage containers.Blaze finds a plastic grocery bag, stuffs it full, and reaches over to set it in the rear.

I don’t bother explaining myself as he helps me into the car.I’m sure he has a million questions, but I hope he gives me some time before asking them.I don’t feel like talking about it right now.

Being very careful with my left leg, he settles me in the seat and buckles me in.“We’ll be at the clinic in no time.”

I grit my teeth as I look down at my shin.How bad is it?Is there a chance it’s infected and I might lose my leg?

I try not to think about that possibility, but the truth is, I was lying on the ground for almost twenty hours.I don’t know what to expect.

Blaze adjusts the driver’s seat, which is difficult since there’s so much stuff behind it.But he’s too tall to fold into my car without moving the seat.

Soon we’re pulling out of the parking spot.He gently sets his hand on top of mine where I’m gripping my thigh.“You’re going to be okay, baby.”

I watch his profile.He’s so confident.His brow is furrowed, though.He’s worried.Possibly more about the state of my life than my health.And that’s a reasonable concern.I’m just as stressed.

The last thing I want to do is go to an emergency room and have to use my medical insurance.