Page 122 of Falcon

I release a slow breath and close out the app before sending off a few texts to those that have asked how he is.

“Baby?”

I can hear him calling for me from his hospital bed.

“I’ll be right out,” I say through the door, then I go about my business in the bathroom before washing up and heading back out to him.

“You okay?” he asks me, sitting up completely in the bed.

“You’re the one in the hospital and you’re asking me if I’m okay?” I walk over to him and perch at the end of the bed by his feet, and he immediately reaches to take my hand, which I happily allow.

“I always want to know if you’re all right. I’m fine. I’ve got my medication. I’ve slept some. My body has rested overnight. I’m good as new.”

I drop my hand from his.

“Don’t do that.”

“Don’t do what?”

“Don’t put on this act like you’re completely okay when you’re not. For Christ’s sake, Marco, you’re in the hospital.”

“No, I’m not in the hospital. I was never admitted. I was kept in the ER overnight for observation. Those have two very different connotations,” he says with a shake of his head.

“Are you serious right now? The bottom line is something happened to you and you had to come here to be observed, as you put it.” I stand up, suddenly needing a bit of space to move around.

“Yeah, and now I’m fine. They checked my head. Gave me some meds. Prescribed me this injection thing for my migraines. I’m okay now.”

“But you won’t be if you keep doing this. You just won’t be.”

“Are you a doctor?”

“No, but I’ve heard enough people say the same thing in the small amount of time I’ve known you, so I have a pretty good idea it’s accurate.”

“I’m getting a second opinion. There’s no way I can walk away from this. I just can’t.”

“Why? Is it because of Braxton White?” I say and he grimaces. His hands curl into fists in anger.

“What about him?”

“We’ve talked about him, you and I. Nora even told me all about your need to prove something where he is involved. And I saw the things he’s been saying about you, and I know you’ve seen them too.”

He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t even get the chance to because we are immediately interrupted by the daytime nurse coming in to see him. She’s a young, tiny brunette thing who has the kindest voice.

“Mr. Masen? I’m Danielle. I’m coming to take your vitals and see if we can’t get you out of here now. Sound good?”

“That sounds perfect, Danielle. I am ready to get out of here.”

“We’ll have you well on the way. The doctor will leave any suggestions he has for you in the paperwork, but it’s mostly still what you discussed last night.”

My hands fall to my side as she wraps the blood pressure cuff around his bicep. He talked to the doctor about all of this last night and still hasn’t said a thing to me about it.

“I need some air. I’ll be right back.”

“Faith…wait,” he says.

“I’ll be right back, Marco. I promise.”

He seems to believe my words because he doesn’t press any more. I slip out of the room and head out into the early morning air, inhaling deep.

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