Page 140 of Salvation

“He’s in the fucking hospital, Rachel. That’s where all the fit and healthy people hang out.”

“I’m pretty fit and healthy,” I said, although it wasn’t very believable when my words were currently coming out in a wheeze, and I could feel my face growing hot and sweaty with the marathon Dante was forcing me to run.

“Shut up,” he barked. My breath hitched in my throat, and I yanked my elbow out of his grip and stood dead still.

Dante twisted just in time to see me pulling off my boots and then ducked just in time as I launched it at his head, heel first.

“I’ve done nothing fucking wrong, Dante! So instead of snapping at me, how about treating me with a bit of fucking consideration instead of taking your mood out on me? How does that sound?”

I didn’t bother waiting for his response. I stormed past him, my movements unsteady as I hobbled with one shoe on and one shoe off. However, I threw my head back and straightened my spine out of sheer stubbornness and spite.

Dante rushed forward, scooping me up into his arms bridal style, and carried me through the hospital without missing a beat in his steps.

I refused to cling to him, so I let my arms drop to my side. Dante walked closer to the door frame and my elbow smacked off it. After a quick yelp of pain and a jab to his neck (which didnothing other than make him laugh) I wrapped my arms around him. Just to keep them safe.

Sure, keep telling yourself that.

“You left my shoe behind,” I muttered as we entered the ward Vienna and Shark were on.

“That’s your lesson for throwing it at me.”

He let go of my body, and if it wasn’t for my arms being around his neck, I would have crumpled to the floor. Instead, I was left dangling from him, my body pressed against his.

“You’re such a fucking dick!” I hissed, my feet dangling off the floor.

“Feel free to let go anytime,” he smirked. I took a quick glance down, hating that I was more than a foot off the ground.

Stupid fucking behemoth.

“Hey, brother,” Hacksaw said from behind me. Dante held me by my waist and lowered me to the floor, keeping me against his side as I turned around to look at Hacksaw.

Was it me or was he… colder than usual? Hacksaw and I butted heads more than probably anyone else. When Dante was kidnapped, I had punched Hacksaw in the face after an argument, and we’d never really recovered from that or got any closer. But the way he was looking at me right now was downright hateful.

“How’s he doing?” Dante asked.

Well, he’s in hospital, Dante. Isn’t this where all the fit and healthy people hang out?

Common sense prevented me from saying that out loud.

“They said the bullet missed all his vital organs, but it’s caused a sucking chest wound or something. His right lung has collapsed. They’ve removed some of the air, and he still has the needle in his chest to help re-inflate it. We’re trying to get hold of his mother, but her number has been disconnected.”

“For fuck's sake,” Dante hissed. “There’s no point trying, so I’d give up. The woman abandoned Vienna years ago. Especially after his dad died. Just… Can we see him?”

“Immediate family only. But I believe you’re on the list,” Hacksaw said. “I’m sure he has you down as his emergency contact. Why don’t you go work your magic on the nurse, and I’ll stay here with Rachel?” He said, narrowing that cold gaze on me again.

Do not fucking leave me alone with him. I don’t like where this is going.

“Right. Okay. Shit. Which room?”

Hacksaw pointed the way, and then stepped to the side to allow Dante to pass and then scowled at me.

“You alright there, big guy?” I asked. He didn’t answer until he was sure that Dante was well out of earshot, and then he grabbed my arm and pulled me up against him.

“I saw everything, Rachel,” he hissed at me, his spit hitting my face.

“What the fuck are you—”

“I am warning you in the nicest fucking way possible. Do not play dumb with me. I saw you and Vienna last night.”

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