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The phone stops ringing momentarily, then starts up again. I reach out, but he pats my hand. “It's the DA, and trust me, you really don't want to hear her.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Why?”
He leans back in his chair, rubbing his eyes. “She's a pain. Annoying as hell. Gets on my nerves.”
“Hope she doesn't show up here.”
“She will, but by then, we'll be already at the hospital.” He resumes his rapid typing, keys clacking away.
“Do you think she will be mad at me?” I ask, peering down at my hands.
I notice Kyle shifting from the corner of my eye. “Who?”
A knot tightens in my stomach. “Miriana.” She'd have every reason to, but still it would tear me apart.
“You're so blind and stupid if you think that.” He shakes his head, turning back to the screen. “How can you not see how much she cares about you? And don't even think I'm jealous of your bond with her, Dean. Watching you with Miriana... it's something I can't describe.” He pauses, grinning. “It's like finding a missing piece, and watching her have a good time with you, that's just the cherry on top.” He winks at me.
“What are people gonna think?”
“That's their problem, not mine,” he says with a nonchalant shrug. Maybe he's got a point. “Done.” He exhales as the printer churns out pages. “Read those and sign them.”
After I do, I stand and ask, “What's next?”
Kyle gathers everything into a folder and holds the door open for me. “Rey, got our statement here,” he says, handing it over. “Tack on the photos, the other witness statements, the driver's account, and wrap it up.”
“I'm not gonna say 'sorry for your loss',” Rey mutters, looking a bit lost for words.
“Just keep it moving. I'm heading to see Miriana. If something comes up, you know where I'll be.”
“Sure thing, send Miri my best.”
We nod to each other and head out. Slumping into the car, I feel completely spent. The exhaustion's hitting me now. We cruise past a white Mercedes and Kyle gives a casual wave to the brunette driver, then guns it. “Nice DA,” I rib him.
“Fucker,” he shoots back with a playful elbow.
Chapter Twenty-One
Miriana
As I pull myself out of the nightmare, the harsh smell of hospital-grade sanitizer hits my nostrils and makes me feel sick. My stomach tightens, and my head pounds with pain. I'm trying to focus on something, anything positive, but my mind is swamped with images of Greta haunting me. Her sinister grin is all I can see, causing my heart to hammer in my chest. I force my eyes open, trying to focus on reality as a familiar voice pulls me back from the lingering edges of my dream.
“Miri,” he whispers, his hand warm on my skin. This isn't a dream. This is real. “It's okay, baby, we're here.” His soothing words trigger tears to slide down my cheeks. “Shhh, it's over, baby.”
As my tears flow, Kyle pulls me close, his comforting presence enveloping me. On the other side of the bed, Dean kisses my forehead. I breathe in, surrendering to the protective embrace of the two men I love most. Together, we form a tiny sanctuary of peace and love amid the turmoil in my mind. I don't know how much time passes, but I find tranquility and safety.
“Can I get some water?” My words are barely a whisper, my mouth parched, my throat screaming for relief.
Dean stands, returning with a glass of water and a straw. “Take small sips,” he says gently, taking my hand and pressing a soft kiss to it.
“Thanks,” I murmur, my eyes adjusting to the soft light in the room.
* * *
Suddenly, a flash of lightning briefly brightens the room, followed by a thunderclap that shakes the windows and my heart. The rain starts coming down hard, its rhythmic pattern against the glass a soothing lullaby even if it’s been days they keep me here.
“How're you feeling, today?” Kyle asks, his hand smoothing my hair.
“I smell like a swamp,” I respond with a feeble sigh, the combination of my own scent and the hospital's making my stomach churn. The two chuckle broadly at my comment. “It’s not funny,” I mumble, trying to frown, but I can't help the grin that tugs at my lips.
