Page 17 of The Riders’ Reign

A single touch from her would take away more pain than all the medication in the world.

But I can’t marry her, for numerous reasons. Number one, it wouldn’t be fair on her to be tied to an old fucker like me. Number two, she’s already involved with Ace and Rook, and quite possibly Ghost. And number three, I don’t even know if she’d want me that way after how many times I’ve pushed her away.

The nurse makes space, and Vani moves closer. Her smile is wan, and there’s worry, but also hope in her eyes.

“Can I get you anything, Dad?”

Despite my worries about her rejection, the first words out of my mouth are, “Camile. I want her here.”

Vani glances away, her expression clouding. “She was here, but she left.”

“Why?” My tone is sharp.

“We… err… got into a bit of a scrap.” Her cheeks flush and she looks down at the floor, biting her lower lip.

I can barely believe what I’m hearing. Despite the nurse’s warning, I manage to sit up a little. I’m still in a huge amount of pain, but this latest revelation is distracting me from it. Vani’s choice of words rings in my head.

“A scrap? Not an argument?”

Vani’s chin wobbles. “She started it! She pulled my hair, so I… I might have slapped her.”

She slapped her? Okay, so I taught Vani to be tough, to stand her ground and fight her corner, but Camile is her friend, and a girl who has been through hell.

“What the actual fuck, Ivani?” I glance at the remaining nurse. “Can we have a moment?”

She purses her lips, but after checking my monitors and vitals, nods. “Keep it brief and don’t get worked up. You ought to take it very easy. Press the buzzer if you need me. I am only in the hallway right outside.”

Once she’s left and we have privacy, I fix Vani with the sort of stare that used to have grown men quaking.

“She started it!” she repeats. “You are the one who taught me to always be strong and stand up for myself.”

I ball my hands into fists and fight to keep my voice level. “You are a grown woman, and you sound like a petulant child. Plus, when have you been the kind of girl to slap your friends?”

She twists her lips. “I didn’t think you’d appreciate it if I punched her.”

My jaw drops at the thought. “No, I would not have. But I also don’t appreciate you making her feel as though she had to leave. Fuck. She must be worried. She’s been through hell, Vani.”

This burst of activity suddenly leaves me drained, and I sink back into the hospital bed.

Vani squeezes my hand. “I’m sorry, Dad. I didn’t mean to stress you out even more. You should rest.”

Her gaze darts worriedly from me to the door. I can tell she doesn’t want to leave me, but she’s not sure what to do or say.

I give her an out.

“I need some rest,” I tell her with a sigh. “Why don’t you grab a coffee or something?”

She smiles, the expression tight. “Okay. I won’t be long.”

All I can manage is a nod, and my eyes slip shut.

Her hold on my hand vanishes and the door swings open and shut, leaving me alone with just the beeping machines.

The pain is back again, aggressive and bright. I can’t get comfortable. As I shift my position, something rustles near my head. Moving cautiously, I feel around my pillow. Slipping my fingers beneath it, I touch a piece of paper. Curious, I draw it out. It’s folded in half. I frown. A note.

I unfold it and my eyes skim over the words. My heart swells in my chest. It’s from Camile.

Jack, get better, be strong. I love you, Camile.