Page 36 of Nikolai

"I'm fine, Sam. It's not a big deal. I must not have been paying attention. I thought the light was green. And as you can see, I'll live. Just a few scrapes and bruises."

"What's the deal with you not letting Nikolai come back?"

Crap. I should have known he was going to ask that question. Especially with the scene, Nikolai was making out in the waiting room earlier.

"There is no deal, Sam."

"I'm guessin' there is," he counters, holding my stare.

"Nikolai, for whatever reason, thinks he has a right to be here, and he doesn't."

"You sure about that, sweetheart?"

I give Sam a sharp look. "Yes."

I can tell he's holding back from wanting to say more but smartly keeps his words to himself. He, instead, changes the subject.

"Doc says she's lettin' you go home soon. It's decided you are to stay at the clubhouse for now."

I sit up straight in the bed. "Why do I need to stay at the clubhouse? There is nothing wrong with me. I'd rather go home."

Sam shakes his head. "Sorry, darlin'. The decision was made."

"By whom? Don't I have a say?"

"Everyone would feel a lot better if you came to the clubhouse for a couple of days to recuperate."

"I already told you I was fine, Sam. I don't…"

Sam cuts me off. "Please, Leah. For peace of mind. At least do it for me."

My shoulders slump, and I give in. Sam wouldn't insist unless it were important to him. "Fine. I'll stay at the clubhouse. But only for a day or two."

He kisses the top of my head again. "Thanks, sweetheart."

"Yeah, yeah. Now can you go find out when I'll be getting out of here."

Twenty minutes later, Sam comes back, pushing a wheelchair with Emerson trailing behind. "Good news," she smiles. "I'm letting you out of here. All your tests came back clear. My only recommendation is to take an over the counter pain reliever every few hours and get some rest. You might feel fine now, but you'll probably wake up sore tomorrow. The abrasion across your chest, caused by the seat belt, will be the worst."

I nod. "Thanks, Dr. Beckett." With Sam's help, I climb out of the hospital bed and into the wheelchair. Not wanting to run into Nikolai in the hall, I look up at Sam and ask, "Has everyone left?"

"He's not out there," he assures.

"Who?" I ask, playing dumb. My friend doesn't let me, though.

"Nikolai." Sam wheels me through the hospital entrance to where his truck is idling just beyond the revolving doors.

"I wasn't asking about him," I snip.

Sam sets the breaks on the chair, walks in front of me, and opens the passenger door to his truck. He raises a brow. "Yes, you were."

I ignore the way he silently calls me out as I climb into the truck.

We're almost to the clubhouse when Sam tells me, "Alba and Sofia went to your place to get some of your things. They should be at the clubhouse by now."

"Hmm," I hum my response while leaning my head back on the headrest and gazing out the window.

"You know you can talk to me about anything, Leah. I know I've had a lot going on with the club and with Sofia, but I'll always make time for you."

---