Page 40 of Choosing Skyler

“Good girl. I’ve got you. I’m not going anywhere,” Brady assures me.

“Actually, Brady. I’m going to need you to step back so that I can examine her properly,” Julie states.

I shake my head and the movement hurts. I wince.

“She doesn’t seem to consent to that,” Brady replies coolly. “And she’s clearly in pain. Why don’t you go contact her medical proxy and bring her some pain medication before you send her into a panic attack,” Brady barks at her.

I shake my head again. I don’t want medicine to put me back under. I don’t know if I can find my way out again.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you,” he pleads. “Nurse. I’m going to need you to do what’s needed for your patient right the fuck now,” he snaps when Julie doesn’t leave my bedside.

“I’ll go call Devon down here to consent to her treatment,” Julie huffs.

My eyes widen at the mention of Devon, and I nod. When Julie leaves the room, I instantly relax against the bed.

“Is there a problem with your nurse?” Brady asks.

I shake my head slightly, not wanting to increase the pain I’m already feeling.

“Do you want me to call Devon before she does?” he asks.

I nod and he reaches in his pocket for his phone, putting it on speaker as soon as it’s ringing. Devon answers on the second ring.

“Brady? Is Sky okay?” he asks, sounding frantic.

“She’s awake,” Brady tells him.

“Oh, thank God!” Devon shouts before Brady continues.

“Julie will be calling you any second. Skyler is refusing to communicate with her. She can’t speak. She’s in pain and refusing medication. Talk to her, man. You’re on speaker,” Brady pleads with him.

“Hey, Sweets. We’ve got you. I’m walking out the door now. I’ll be walking in the hospital by the time Julie calls but don’t be ugly to her. She’s made sure you’ve had top notch care the past couple of days,” Devon says.

I raise my eyebrows at Brady, and he looks chagrined.

“I’m the one that was kind of ugly to Julie, Devon. Skyler didn’t want to communicate with her and I kind of ordered her out. Sorry, man,” he tells Devon.

“Don’t sweat it. She’ll get over it. You just take care of Sky. I’m on my way. Sky, if you won’t behave for Julie, then please listen to Brady. If you’re hurting, you need to let them give you something,” Devon orders.

I shake my head, wincing again.

“That’s a no, but she’s definitely in pain. Maybe you can make her see reason when you get here,” Brady says.

“Ha, I’m guessing we’re dealing with Stubborn Sky tonight?” Devon coos at me through the speaker.

I shrug.

“Yep,” Brady says. “See you in a few.” He hangs up and looks at me. “I’m so glad you’re awake. I missed these eyes,” he says, rubbing his thumb along my cheekbone. “Can I…”

I raise my eyebrows when he trails off without finishing his question.

“Can I kiss you? I didn’t want to without consent after what happened with Dirk,” he says, clenching his fist.

I flinch at the mention of Dirk, but raise my hand to his face, pulling him to me. I’d give anything to erase what happened. Having Brady’s kiss be the last thing to touch my mouth will be a fine start. He doesn’t push, just layers his lips with mine in the sweetest kiss I’ve ever had. He pulls back and looks into my eyes.

We stay just like that until Devon and Julie walk into the room.

Brady

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