Page 122 of Voices

“He’s okay for now, I think. He has a swollen black eye, bruised ribs, another bruise by his kidney, and cuts all over his back from broken glass. And I tried to get him to go to the hospital, but he begged me not to bring him then started crying.” I pause for a second to keep from breaking down. “I couldn’t bring him, Becca. He had this look in his eye, and I couldn’t bring myself to make it worse. But I’m not sure if it was the right choice.” My voice cracks at the end. “He’s been sleeping all day and when he wakes up, he’s either crying in pain or asking for more pain pills. What if something internal happened and I’m making it worse by letting him stay in my bed?” My eyes start to sting so I blink rapidly to keep from crying.

She tilts her head slightly watching me trying to hold my shit together.

“Why are you doubting yourself? I’ve never seen you question your choices before. You’re the most levelheaded,confident guy I know. If you truly thought he needed to be seen by a doctor, you’d be sitting in an uncomfortable plastic chair holding his hand instead of holding him in your bed. You’ve had a black eye before so you know they can’t do anything about it, the same if he broke a few ribs. The biggest concern would be damage to his kidney and infection in the cuts. Has he thrown up or had blood in his pee?”

I shake my head. “He hasn’t been up long enough to make it to the bathroom. He’s also only had maybe five sips of water all day. I have antibiotic ointment on all his cuts. I’ll clean them again tomorrow when he wakes up. He has a pretty deep gash along his hairline that’s a little concerning, but it’s stayed closed for most of the day.”

“It sounds like you’re taking good care of him, Shane.” She smiles softly. “The best medicine is rest. If he’s still in a lot of pain tomorrow do what your gut tells you to do. I know he might not like it but at that point, he’ll need the extra help the hospital can offer.”

I nod and look down at my sleeping boy. Even beaten black and blue, he’s still the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. I kiss the top of his head before looking back to Becca on my phone.

“You really love him, don’t you? I can see it in the way you’re holding him like you’re protecting him.” She smiles again, looking thoughtful. “Keep him close Shane. I can feel his longing to be loved unconditionally from here.”

“I will,” I choke out.

I clear my throat making Charlie shift around until his face is tilted up. His lips are parted making his soft puffs of breath hit my chin.

“Thanks, Becca. I really needed this.”

“No problem. I’m always a phone call away! Now let me see him.”

I softly chuckle as I tilt my phone downwards so she can see his sleeping face.

“It’s too dark,” she whines. “I’ll see him one of these days, I guess. Hey, are you bringing him with you when you come home for Christmas break?”

I tilt my phone back up. “I’m sure as hell not letting him go back to his parents’ house. I don’t give a fuck what his father says.” I let out an aggravated huff. “I haven’t asked him about it yet. But if he says no, you guys might have to brave the Chicago winter if you want to see me for Christmas because I’m not leaving him.”

“Ha! I love you but fuck all that below fifty degrees bullshit. I’ll gladly stay in warm Florida and mail you your gifts,” she laughs.

Shaking my head I smirk at her.

“I miss you guys. Hopefully, I can get this one to come with me so everyone can meet him.” Not to mention our backyard opens to a private beach where he can lie in the warm sand and see the stars for miles.

A big yawn sneaks up on me, popping my jaw.

“I’ll let you get some sleep. Love you.” She blows a kiss.

“Love you too.”

I end the call and shift until I’m leaning back, relaxed against the pillows. I glance at the TV and see Superman save Lois from crashing into Earth. Looking down at Charlie, I move some hair from his forehead and place a tender kiss on his warm skin.

“I’ll do everything I can to save you the way Superman always saves Lois.”

Chapter Thirty-One

Charlie

Fuck I feel like shit.

I’m lying on top of something warm and hard, covered in a layer of sweat. I peek an eye open and see the side of a tanned neck. I quickly snap my head up and wince at the sharp pain in my ribs.

Shane?

When the hell did I get here? I thought I drove to my townhouse. I don’t remember much from the drive besides seeing the Welcome to Gannon University sign and then parking in front of my building.

Did I call Shane? How much did I tell him?

My heart rate picks up as I roll off him and land on my back next to him. I suck in a sharp breath at the feeling of tiny stings all over my back.

---