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She bristled and shoved him away, eyes accusing. “Don’t.”
Beck clenched his fists. Fuck. He had to explain Gloria to her now, shitty time or not.
But Seth careened around the corner, and the hospital came into view. The big guy stepped on the brakes, sending the SUV to a shuddering stop in front.
“Go,” Seth barked. “I’ll park.”
“Pull around to the garage on the west side of the building.” Beck dug into his pocket. “Here’s my badge. Use my reserved spot. Second floor by the elevator. You’ll see my name.”
“Got it.”
Beck jumped out and reached across the seat for Heavenly’s hand, but she’d already escaped out the other side of the vehicle and run for the automatic double doors. He sprinted after her, barely managing to wedge himself into the elevator as she frantically pressed the number for the ICU.
Now that they were out of the dark car and the harsh fluorescent lights above illuminated her face, he couldn’t miss her red-rimmed eyes and tear-stained cheeks. They ripped at him. He had to console her.
“Heavenly…”
She jerked away, sniffling. “Stop. I just… No.”
Then she was out of the elevator, darting down the hall to her father’s room.
God knew what she would see or if the man was even still alive. Beck knew Heavenly might not want anything to do with him now, but if the worst had already happened, she would need a shoulder, at least. And probably a strong pair of arms. Since Seth would be minutes behind, Beck was her only option.
When they reached Abel’s room, the pair of nurses who had been monitoring him scurried out to give them privacy. The older man was propped up in bed, eyes closed, struggling to breathe, despite the nasal cannula providing oxygen. He looked alarmingly gray and far older than forty-six. Beside Beck, monitors flashed. It was his only indication that they’d reached her father in time.
“Daddy!” Heavenly dashed his way, her voice breaking.
“Boo…” Abel answered in a frail tone, lifting his heavy lids.
Beck melted into the background to give them as much time together as possible. Barring a miracle, it wouldn’t be much.
“What happened?” she asked her father.
“My body is giving out, baby. We’ve known it for a while.” Slowly, he turned his head. “Dr. Beckman.”
“Just Beck,” he reminded. “How’s your pain?”
“Not good.”
“Dad, they can get you some—”
“I don’t want any pain meds now.” He regarded Beck again. “Thank you for bringing my daughter.”
Heavenly’s father might be at death’s door, but given the speculative look the older man tossed their way, his mind wasn’t impaired at all. Beck tried not to wince. Heavenly had sex hair. Her lips were bruised and swollen with kisses. Someone had left a love bite on her neck.
Shit.
“We came as quickly as we could,” Beck replied.
What else could he say? Sorry it took a while. Seth and I had to get dressed after being balls deep inside your daughter.
Abel cleared his throat. “Can I speak to you and”—he frowned—“where is Seth?”
“Just finished parking. Good to see you, Abel.” The former cop skidded to a stop inside the doorway, clearly wearing his game face. He might not be a medical professional, but he knew Abel’s condition was critical. “They taking good care of you? Can we get you anything?”
“No,” the man managed between wheezing breaths.
Tall, balding Dr. Litchfield entered then. Beck was grateful the man had done him the professional courtesy of coming in the middle of the night. If anything could be done to save Abel, Litchfield would do it.
