Page 18 of Veiled Vengeance

When I’d shy away, he would stop and take a step back. But once he saw the longing in my eyes, he would resume wiping away the dried mascara on my cheeks.

Even now, he sits next to my bed with his hand on my thigh. And when those memories enter the forefront of my consciousness, he removes his hand and rests it on the bed next to me. He waits for my yearning to build, then gives me what I need: his calming, comforting presence.

A low creak alerts me to the opening of the door. Elena is slow in her movements, entering the room as if she’s approaching a feral animal, but her face is bright and open.

“Hey, Spencer!” She carries a clipboard with a light manilla file and gives it a quick glance. “Your vitals look good—great blood pressure, great heart rate. You were severely dehydrated, but the saline we have you hooked up to should help with that.”

Rio stands, interrupting Elena. “What?¿Ni un hola a tu hermano mayor?”No hello for your big brother?

Elena gives Rio an annoyed look. “Hi, Rio.” Her attitude flips as she switches back to me. “How are you feeling?”

Taking all the sunshine I can get, I crack a smile at their interaction. “Good. A little hungry, but good.”

“That’s great to hear. If you’re okay with it, I need to ask you some tough questions, so I know how best to treat you.” Elena becomes more serious.

Unsure of what to share, I glance at Rio. He nods, giving me the green light. Anticipating her questions, I preemptively give her some answers. “I have some bruising across my ribs.” Mindlessly, my hand drifts over my torso. “I haven’t eaten or had anything to drink in a few days, and I’m really tired.”

Elena’s scrutinizing gaze makes me feel bare. I stop myself from covering my chest with my blanket. She doesn’t ask the questions swirling around in her brain. Instead, she nods andsticks by her Hippocratic oath by providing me with the care I need.

She jots things down on her clipboard as she responds. “I can have some food sent in from the cafeteria. Amy will bring you some water. I want you peeing like a racehorse before you leave.” She sets down the clipboard and steps up to the side of the bed opposite Rio. “May I feel your ribs? It’s not going to be pleasant.”

I nod my consent. She lifts my gown so it rests just under my breasts, but she makes sure I’m still modest by keeping my lower half covered with the blanket. She examines the bruises painted across my skin.

Her first touch is tentative, yet sure. The pain that shoots through my body causes me to gasp. I grapple to take a breath.

“You’re hurting her!”

“Sit down, Rio. You know how this goes; you’ve broken your ribs more times than I can count. So, sit down.” I’m not sure if it’s Doctor Flores talking to him, his sibling Elena, or a mixture of both.

How many times has Rio broken his ribs?

Elena lowers my gown and gets me situated. “I want to do an X-ray to make sure nothing is broken. It doesn’t look like it, but I don’t want there to be any doubt.”

“Okay,” I agree, panting.

“I’ll send in the tech ASAP, and?—”

“Femaletech,” Rio interjects.

Elena gives Rio a flat look. “Yes, I’ll send in a female tech for the X-ray. I’ll look over the results and be back after. I’d feel better if you were to stay the night so we can observe you and make sure nothing else is wrong.”

“No,” I reply too forcefully.

Elena frowns. “Well, we’ll see how you feel later.” She spins on her heel and leaves.

I don’t like the idea of staying here overnight. Anthony can find me again. He’ll always find me.

“Mama, breathe.” Rio is cupping my cheeks and leaning over my bed. The heart monitor beeps come too quickly. “Breathe with me.” He mimics breathing in and out by dramatically lifting his shoulders then slouching.

“Sorry,” I get out after a few breaths.

“No need to apologize, Baby Girl.” His smile is sad as he wipes the tears I didn’t know were falling, then sits back in his seat next to me.

I can’t be this anxious mess—not now. This isn’t the time to break.

I grab the fear that sits in the wings of my mind and shove it into a box. I lock the lid and throw it back into the black abyss. There, my fear will remain.

Until you can’t hide it anymore . . .

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