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I wince as his fingers brush over the tender spots.
“Right here,” I reply, pointing to the area that sends a jolt of pain through me and makes the tears flow anew.
He nods, his expression thoughtful. “Given the impact and the pain you’re experiencing, I suspect a fracture,” he explains. “And considering your condition, it’s essential that we take precautions.”
I swallow hard, my heart pounding with worry. “Is the baby okay?” I ask, my voice quivering.
The doctor’s eyes soften. “You’re not experiencing any pain in your abdomen or cramping?”
I shake my head no.
“That’s a good sign, Miss O’Neil. But it’s best to check you over thoroughly,” he says, his tone gentle.
“I recommend x-rays to determine the extent of the injury to your arm and additional diagnostic tests to ensure the baby’s well-being.”
I nod, grateful to have access to medical help so readily. What if this had happened at‘Mountain Breath’? I’d be screwed.
“The closest full-fledged hospital is in Golden. It’s a thirty-minute drive,” Santino says from his station by the door, having done the research already.
“Let them know we’re coming. I want Ella seen to the moment we arrive. Offer them a generous donation to make it happen. I want no delays and their best doctors,” he orders as Dr. Agosti places my arm into a sling.
Then Tiero picks me up, and I snuggle closer into him as we leave the cabin. He takes careful steps down the stairs, his footing sure and steady. He carries me to the waiting SUV, the driver already running the engine, presumably to keep the interior warm. They think of everything.
“I’m coming with you,” Rhia announces as she follows us to the car, my jacket in hand.
“Me too,” Aiden says, his tone brooking no opposition.
He’s been quiet throughout the examination, but I could sense his level of unease. He’s not someone who sits back and lets others take over. This was hard for him.
“No!” Tiero declares as he gently deposits me in the backseat of the SUV.
What?
“I want Rhia and Aiden with me. I’m scared the fall has hurt the baby. Never mind the pain in my left arm. Having familiar faces around me will make me feel better,” I say, trying to change his mind.
Tiero doesn’t agree. His facial expression is a dead giveaway.
I look at him with pleading eyes. “Please.”
He grinds his teeth, something he’s been doing an awful lot since yesterday.
“Fine,” he grits out. “They can ride in the other car.”
I hold onto his arm, stopping him from sliding the car door closed.
“I want them with us. Their company is comforting to me.”
And there’s the teeth grinding again. His gaze penetrates my soul. It’s as if he wants to tell me to drop it, that he needs to be alone with me.
Too bad.
I lean in closer to his ear. “Tiero, I want the semblance of a normal life. In a normal life I have my friends around me… not all the time obviously. But when someone gets hurt, we’re there for each other. I don’t want that to change. It’s important to me.
“Rhia and Aiden are here with me now, and they want to support me. Please let them. They’re no threat to you.”
I pull back and stare into his eyes to emphasize my point. He studies me, searching my expression for any clues I might not tell him the truth.
Is he still afraid I’m plotting to run away with them? He must be. Why would he be so skittish otherwise? Well, I guess the fact that he doesn’t trust anyone other than his brother could have a lot to do with it.
