Page 59 of Hearts Storm

As he moves his finger from side to side, Reyna’s eyes track it perfectly.

“Good,” Dave says, giving her a warm smile. “Any dizziness? Nausea?”

“Just a little headache,” she admits, voice soft.

My stomach knots. She shouldn’t be hurting. Shouldn’t have been in danger in the first place. I should’ve put her on a different team, or better yet, kept her at the station doing paperwork where she’d be safe.

“I’m going to check the bump on your head now,” Dave says, his fingers moving to the back of her skull.

Before I can stop myself, I lunge. “I’ll do that.”

Dave blinks up at me, confusion written all over his face. “Cap?”

Quickly releasing his wrist, I clear my throat. “Shit. Sorry.”

Brex snorts, a knowing smirk playing at his lips as I shoot him a glare that could melt steel.

Dave stands, taking a couple of steps back. “No worries. She’s all yours.”

I move to stand behind her, fingers trembling slightly as I carefully part her damp hair, searching for the injury. When I find the small, tender bump at the back of her skull, a protective growl rumbles in my chest.

“It’s not too bad,” I barely manage to say, voice gruff. “No bleeding.”

“I told you, I’m fine,” Reyna huffs, but I catch the slight wince when my fingers brush over the spot.

“You could have a concussion,” I tell her, reluctantly stepping back to give Dave space to continue.

“Let’s check your range of motion.”

As Dave guides her through the ROM test, I can’t tear my eyes away as I remember what Lizzy said to me earlier on the phone.

“Don’t let the past rule your feelings. For once, just trust what your heart is telling you.”

But how can I not be afraid? She almost died today. If Brex hadn’t been quick enough...

“Captain?” Dave’s voice pulls me from my dark thoughts. “She’s showing no signs of concussion. I’d recommend rest and monitoring. Other than that, she should be just fine.”

Relief floods through me, so intense it makes my knees weak.

“Good.” I scrub a hand over my face. “That’s good.”

Giving me a curious look, Dave packs up his equipment as he speaks to Reyna. “If you experience any dizziness, nausea, or vision changes, let someone know immediately. Otherwise, take it easy for the next twenty-four hours.”

“I will,” she says, offering him a grateful smile. “Thanks, Dave.”

Brex is still leaning against my desk, watching the exchange with an infuriating smirk.

“You should go rest,” I say, trying my damnedest to keep my tone professional despite the way my heart is thundering in my ears.

“I’m fine, really.” Reyna stands, wincing slightly.

Before I can stop myself, I’m at her side.

She quickly takes a step back. “I’m a big girl, Captain. Trust me. I’ve been through much worse.”

I almost don’t catch the last part she mumbles over the sharp sting of rejection. What the hell does that mean, she’s been through much worse?

“Logan’s right,” Brex chimes in, pushing off the desk. “You should take it easy for a bit. Plenty of people to cover for you if anything comes up.”