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I couldn’t hide my shudder as I recalled the hands pulling me, not caring who I was or how much they were scaring me, trying to get to Archer. And then I was on the floor.
Archer must have noticed my reaction because he was in front of me in a heartbeat, wrapping my hands in his, my bracelet glinting in the light between us.
“I’m okay,” I whispered.
“The doc is going to want to talk to you. They did all sorts of scans and blood tests. I’ll go tell them you’re awake.”
“Stay. Press the buzzer for the nurse.”
He climbed back into bed next to me, spreading his arm so I could lean into his chest and I burst into tears, not realizing how much those last memories had affected me.
Kissing my head, he whispered reassuring words, but for the first time since I’d met him, I worried about what a life with Archer Walters would really be like and whether I’d always be the one getting trampled on so people could get closer to him.
“Concussion, two broken ribs, lots and lots of bruises. It could have been so much worse, Lea. He said some other stuff too, but my head is a bit fuzzy from the painkillers. I’ll tell you everything when I get back to the hotel… Yes, I promise, I’m okay. Look, I have to stay in tonight while they check my head won’t explode or something, but I’ll be back tomorrow… No, stay there. There’s no need to come to visit me here. I have two bodyguards on the door and Archer watching me like a hawk. I just want to sleep.”
My voice was thick with emotion, every word feeling like I needed to force it out. I tried to pretend I was okay. Maybe if I said it enough, it would wipe away the truth. The truth that I’d heard hours earlier and I still couldn’t wrap my head around it. Nothing made sense.
“If you’re sure, but tell Archer I want updates so I don’t have to panic.”
“Deal. And you update the boys, so they stop messaging Arch every five minutes.”
“Okay, sweetie. I love you and I’m so glad you’re alright. You had us all scared there for a minute.”
“Do me a favor, Lea?”
“Anything, you know that.”
“Talk to Fox. Be honest. Pour your heart out. Life’s too short and happiness too fleeting for you not to at least try.”
She laughed loudly down the phone. “Jesus, did that blow to the head make you all soppy?”
“Cheeky. He’s hurting, and he doesn’t deserve that. Whatever you want or don’t want, just have a conversation. What have you got to lose?”
She sighed dramatically. “Fine. I’ll talk to him.”
“Tonight?”
“Fine. Tonight. I promise.”
“Night, Lea.”
“Love you, lady.”
I hung up the phone, thanking the universe that I’d fooled my best friend. Now I just needed to lie to the man I loved most in the world while I figured out what to do with the news I’d been given.
Archer
“Ican’tbelievethedoctor came and spoke to you while I was grabbing a coffee. Are you sure I can’t call him back in here? I’ve seen your bruises, Nee. I know you’re not okay.”
“Arch, I’m fine. Please. It’s been a hell of a day. My ribs hurt like hell and so does my head. I just want to sleep. Stay, don’t stay, but no more fussing over me. I can’t take it,” she snapped.
I held up my hands. “Sorry. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
“Shit. Sorry. I’m just tired. I’ve told you what he said. Concussion, broken ribs, bruises. The concussion probably explains my shitty mood.”
In all the time I’d known Nee, she’d never raised her voice. Not once. I let out a frustrated sigh, because I knew she was hiding something from me.
“It’s okay. I mean, it’s been a lot today. Get some sleep. I’ll stay right here.” I pointed to the chair next to the bed.
