Page 62 of Living on the Edge

Angus doesn’t hesitate to pull off my bloody nightshirt and then tug a Crimson Edge T-shirt over my head. He lets me lie back as he slides my denim shorts up, under my butt, and then zips them for me.

“Get her sandals,” he tells Tate.

Tate quickly complies and the next thing I know I’m back in Angus’s arms.

“Grab her purse and phone, will you?” Angus asks Tate. Once again, Tate does as instructed, and then we’re in the hallway again.

“Here, I got a washcloth, in case the ear starts bleeding again.”

“We’re going to take care of you,” Angus says.

“I’m sorry.”

“The only reason you should be sorry is that you didn’t ask for help sooner.”

Tears fill my eyes, but I squeeze them shut.

I hate showing weakness in a professional setting.

But this isn’t really a professional setting. This is after hours.

And I’m sick.

AndAngusjust dressed me.

That’s about as personal as it gets.

“Hey, what happened?” Jonny’s coming into the lobby, two brunettes hanging on his arms. He gently disengages and comes over to us.

“I’m taking her to the ER,” Angus tells him. “She’s got a fever, and we think she ruptured her eardrum.”

“Oh, shit, Ryleigh, why didn’t you tell anyone you were so sick?”

“I’ll take care of her. Would you let Kirsten know? She was worried earlier.”

“Yeah. Text us and let us know what the docs say.” He nods and then heads for the bar.

“Go on,” Angus tells Tate. “I’ve got her.”

There’s no doubt in my mind—based on the look on his face—Tate has a million questions, but he graciously doesn’t say anything except, “take care of her.”

The next thing I know, we’re in an Uber.

I’m leaning against Angus, and he has a protective arm around me. I don’t want to enjoy it but right now I’m too miserable to care where the help is coming from.

I should have gone to an urgent care yesterday but I’m nothing if not stubborn.

And frugal.

The money I have left is there for emergencies—and this is starting to look like one.

“You’re going to be okay,” Angus whispers against my hair. “Don’t worry about the cost. I’ll take care of you.”

For some reason, I believe him.

He’s an arrogant ass, but he’s not a bad human being.

And it feels so good to be in his arms.

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