Page 61 of Living on the Edge

“Is that blood?” I demand, staring at her.

Before he can answer, I’m running in her direction. “Ryleigh!”

Chapter18

Ryleigh

The effort neededto bring back the bucket of ice feels monumental, and I lean against the wall trying to catch my breath. My ear hurts, my throat is on fire, my head is pounding like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

I can barely focus on standing upright, much less when I vaguely hear someone calling my name.

“Jesus Christ, what happened, Ryleigh?”

Strong arms lift me, and my first inclination is to struggle, get away—fight.

“Easy, baby, it’s me. What happened? Where are you bleeding?”

Angus.

It’s Angus’s deep, soothing voice.

I’m still mad at him, but I don’t have the luxury of letting it show right now.

“I think my eardrum ruptured,” I whisper.

“Ah, fuck. Give me your room key.”

That’s a different voice, but I’m too comfortable resting against Angus’s chest to care.

Someone is patting down my hip and backside, but it’s not sexual—they’re looking for my room key.

“Call down and find the nearest emergency room,” Angus says. I guess he’s talking to this mystery person, but I try to shake my head.

“No, please…”

“Ryleigh, this is serious. You need medical attention. Gatorade and Tylenol aren’t going to fix this.”

“I can’t afford…” I’m horrified that my voice breaks, but he needs to understand. “I don’t have insurance.”

“Don’t worry about that,” he says gruffly.

“Looks like there’s an ER about five miles from here,” the other person says.

I peel my eyes open as Angus sets me on the bed.

It’s Tate.

Okay.

I like Tate.

“Let’s get you dressed.” Angus is holding up a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.

I open my mouth but nothing comes out as I list to the side.

“Fuck.” Angus is next to me now, gently lifting me, holding me against his side. “Dude—turn around.”

I see the flash of confusion on Tate’s face before he turns his back.

---