“Hi,” I uttered with a forced smile. “I’m Cara, Rafe’s sister.”
“Uh-huh. Dario filled me in on everyone who lives around here,” he nodded with a smile that didn’t seem genuine.
“Um…okay. Good.”
I didn’t know why I was being so weird. There was just something about Micah that had me feeling uneasy, and it was a long time since I allowed myself to ignore a feeling like that. It usually signalled danger.
“And here’s the patient,” Micah announced as he turned to Rafe dramatically and waved a hand at him like Dio and I didn’t know he was there already. “Now Rafe, how about you let me help you get changed, then we can get you into bed. We could try the shower if you’re up to it, or I can wash you down before we get you into pyjamas.”
Uh-oh. I looked to Dio and saw the concern I felt, written all over his face. Micah needed to retreat and fast. Rafe was not going to respond well to that patronising tone.
“Get out!” Rafe barked before I could even utter a syllable to calm the situation.
“Rafe…” Dio tried, but was talked over.
“Get him the fuck out, Dar, before I do it!” Rafe raged.
“It’s fine. I’ve dealt with my share of reluctant patients. I’m sure Rafe and I can learn to get along,” Micah said, like he had a death wish.
Rafe started to stand and I squeaked in panic as I shot across the room to stop him from getting any further. I sat beside him and placed my hand heavily on his thigh to still him.
“I’m not sure you’re going to be a great fit in this case,” Dio told Micah hesitantly.
“That’s ridiculous. He only just walked into the room. I didn’t even get the chance to…”
Rafe tensed, and I knew he was about to get to his feet and get this guy out, no matter how much it would hurt and strain him. He wasn’t going to put up with the condescension. He was too proud for that.
“You need to go, right now!” I bit out, cutting off whatever Micah was about to say. “We’re sorry to have wasted your time, and I can assure you that you’ll be compensated, but my brother is not comfortable with your approach and you’re stressing him out right now. You need to leave.”
Micah looked disgruntled as he moved his glare from me to Dio. “Is she even old enough to make decisions? She looks like a kid. I hope you don’t think she’ll have anywhere near the knowledge or strength to support a man fresh out of a coma,” he scoffed, glancing back to me with a look of disgust.
“That’s it!” Rafe easily pushed against my hand to rise to his feet, his words ground out through his tense jaw.
“Yeah, I agree. I think I understand now why this guy was available at such short notice,” Dio explained. “Get your shit fast, kid. Better let me show you the door before Rafe shows you the window.”
Micah looked around nervously, swallowing heavily when he saw the huge windows that looked far down to the street below. I was just relieved when he shoved a water bottle, notepad, and cell phone into a backpack and cuddled it to his front. When Dio opened the door, Micah couldn’t race through it fast enough. Rafe remained on his feet, his fists clenched at his sides, his whole body taut with tension until Dio closed the door behind him.
“Rafe?” I got to my feet and grabbed one of his fisted hands between both of mine.
“I hate this!” he gasped.
“I know. You want to be magically healed, but it won’t happen. You have to be patient, and willing to give a little.”
“I’m not having any other strangers in here! The doctor can come once a day to check what needs checking for now, but that’s it. I don’t need help.”
“We’ll work it out. Terza and I can take your vitals. Cal too, if you’ll let him? Maybe the guys can help you get around for a while too. I’m trying to work with you, Rafe, but you can’t push yourself. You have to at very least let your family help you, right?” I pushed.
“Fine, but no more nurses. Who the fuck was that little prick anyway?” Rafe hissed.
“I don’t know. He gave me a bad vibe too, if I’m honest, but he’s gone now. You should sit back down.”
“What was Dar even thinking? The last thing you need is strange males around the house after what you’ve been through!” Rafe went on. I was just relieved when he dropped down to the bed again, sitting on the edge.
“I’m fine. No one would let anything happen to me in this house. I know that,” I assured him.
He was still worked up and angry, but I didn’t know what else to say to soothe him. Instead I fell back on the bed and sighed deeply. As I hoped he would, Rafe lay back too, right beside me, and we both just rested there, staring at the ceiling and the elaborate light fitting.
“I’m sorry I’m being a grumpy bastard,Tesorino,” Rafe uttered after several moments.
