Page 63 of Dust to Dust

“I’m fine.”

“This isn’t up for debate, Isla. You were attacked. You were—” I ducked my head as I was unable to say the words. What if we hadn’t gotten to her soon enough? What if Terrance ripped her from me? I shuddered at the thought.

Staring up at her, I said, “At the very least your thyroid could be damaged, and at the worst, some of the blood vessels in your neck could’ve torn and clotted, which could cause a stroke.”

Her blue eyes popped wide at the mention of a stroke. “Okay, fine.”

“Is there someone we can call to meet you at the ER?”

“You aren’t taking me?”

“I can’t.”

She clutched the front of my shirt. “But I want you.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

At the trembling of her bottom lip, pain ricocheted through my chest. “Please.”

Tenderly, I cupped her cheek. “Little Dove, I would if I could. But I’m not bullshitting you when I say I can’t. It’s for your safety. If I show up at the hospital with you–even at one of the ones that cater to our clan–word will get out that you belong to me. My enemies could use that information against me by hurting you.”

“Oh,” she murmured.

“So who can go with you?”

“I don’t want to get my sister out this time of night.” When I started to protest, an agonized look came over her face. “I’m all she has. I can’t worry her.”

Reluctantly, I nodded. I knew the best person to handle the situation with Isla was Caterina. Although she would be honored to help, Callum would have my arse for getting his pregnant wife out of bed after midnight.

Then another idea came to me. “Get Mabry in here. Now.”

She must’ve been close by because she quickly appeared in the doorway. I waved her over with a flick of my wrist. As she made her way across the room, she wrung her hands at the sight of Isla.

“Yes, Mr. Kavanaugh?” she questioned.

When I pulled myself off the floor, she cowered back slightly. “I want you to take Ms. Vaughn to the ER. Two of my bodyguards will accompany you.”

“I’d be happy to go with her.”

“Once she is cleared, is it possible for you to go home with her?”

While Mabry opened her mouth, Isla said, “Not necessary.”

“I won’t allow you to be alone.”

Isla blinked at me. “Allow?”

“It’s not up for discussion.” Although there was no issue with me being at her house, I had torture to dole out before I could go to her. Ending Terrance Manning ensured Isla’s future safety, and that was the most important thing.

After throwing me a cautious look, Mabry dropped down beside Isla. Taking Isla’s hand in hers, she squeezed it tight. “I want to help in any way I can.”

Isla swiped the tears from her cheeks. “If my sister sees you, she’ll be suspicious.”

“You can just tell her I’m your drunk coworker who needed a place to stay for the night,” Mabry suggested.

Isla hiccuped a laugh, which caused her to wince. When she recovered, she asked, “Couldn’t you have thought of a better excuse?”

With a grin, Mabry replied, “Let me take the fall this time.”

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