Page 24 of Shattered Pieces

“Son of a bitch,” I hissed, putting it back and raking a hand through my hair. This was the last thing I needed right now.

“Hunt, come snuggle,” Marco said, completely oblivious to the mental breakdown I was having, and I looked over to find him tugging Tyler onto the bed beside him. “You smell good.”

Tyler laughed, swatting Marco’s wandering hands away but letting him snuggle him, so at least he could occupy Marco while I murdered every damn nurse in this hospital.

I stepped into the hallway, looking for a nurse. Someone was giving me answers because I’d made sure all of his medical history included the fact that he was a recovering addict and he was not to be given anything. Had he asked for it? He’d been smoking weed a lot lately, I kept catching him and taking it off him, so was he also sneaking other shit?

I’d notice if he was strung out on the hard shit, but maybe pills?

“Hey!” I snapped as I approached a nurse, her eyes widening in panic when I towered over her. “Who the fuck is Marco Ortega’s nurse?”

“Sir—”

“Tell me or you’re dead too,” I growled, someone joining us.

“Can I help you? I’m his nurse,” a woman said calmly, not flinching when I jabbed a finger against her chest.

“You gave him morphine?”

“Yes. There were a few stray shards from the bullet we had to dig out before he required a few stitches. He was in a lot of pain,” she said calmly. “Please take a step back.”

I did as she asked, only to avoid getting myself thrown out.

“Did you check his medical history first? He’s a recovering addict. He can’t have anything,” I spat, a flicker of panic crossing her face. She knew she’d fucked up.

“He was in pain. I⁠—”

“What if he’d been allergic? Jesus Christ. If this fucks everything up, this hospital is paying for his rehab. I can’t fucking do that shit again,” I snapped, considering just strangling her to make myself feel a little bit better.

“I’m going to get my boss,” she squeaked out, and I snorted.

“You do that. I’ll sue that fucker too.”

I stormed back into Marco’s room, finding him chuckling at something Tyler was saying. How the hell did I handle this? He was a nightmare to get clean last time, and if he’d been on edge lately, this would definitely push him over.

“Hunter?” I heard behind me, turning to find Josie. “Was that you causing a scene in the hallway?”

“I haven’t even fucking started yet,” I scoffed, motioning to Marco. “They drugged him up on morphine. His records state he’s a recovering addict and he’s not to take anything like that. Years of work down the drain.”

Her eyes hardened as she looked over at the guys, her voice flat. “They didn’t check before administering pain relief?”

“No. I’ve fought so hard to keep him clean. He’s worked his ass off,” I huffed, not knowing what to do. “Why are you here?”

“Ty messaged me to let me know you guys were here. Keep your cool, stay with Marco,” she ordered.

“His nurse is getting her boss for me. She⁠—”

“I’ll handle it,” she promised, patting my arm. “Did you visit the prison?”

“I did. My friend is keeping an eye on Rory. You heard about the incident?” I asked, knowing they would have called her as well about the burn.

“How the fuck did a prisoner get hold of hot tea?” she hissed, her cursing making me smile a little.

“They’re allowed hot drinks, they just don’t allow boiling water. Still hurts like fuck but it won’t give you third degree burns or anything.”

“I should sue them so bad their great, great grandchildren are still paying it off.”

“You’re one scary lady,” I grinned, making her shrug.