Page 96 of The Fighter
“Don’t worry, I’ve practiced medicine for nine years and you’re not my first shocked patient. Some of us brides have professions that we enjoy.”
“Yes. I’m aware.”
Her touch was gentle. “Are you in pain?”
“Not as much as before.”
“What if I press here?” Her fingers touched different areas and when she got close to my crotch, my sudden gasp made her furrow her brow. “Did that hurt?”
“Nope. I’m good.”
“You sure?”
“Uh-huh!” I sat stiffly and didn’t breathe. Only one woman had ever been this close to me and she was watching us right now.
With a satisfied nod, Dr. Kim pulled the cover back over me. “Everything looks fine. How are you feeling?”
“Impatient to go home.”
“I understand, and I don’t see a problem with it.”
“Really?” I lit up. “I was told I had to stay here for at least two weeks.”
Doctor Kim frowned. “Yes, I saw that in the file, but that recommendation was based on your living alone. We’ve had too many cases of Nmen going back to work too soon – despite warnings from us. It prolongs the healing time and sometimes makes things worse. That’s why we like to keep our patients in here as long as possible.” The doctor tilted her head. “I’m not sure why it wasn’t noted down that you have a wife, but if she makes sure you don’t do anything foolish, I don’t see why you can’t leave today.” Dr. Kim gave me and Raven another quick glance. “As long as you make sure to follow instructions, keep the leg rested, and you come back for a check-up in a few days.”
“I’dloveto go home today.” My eyes were begging Raven to play along.
“It’s fine. If you get dressed, I’ll go and update your file and have someone bring a hover chair in. Do you need transportation to get home?”
Knowing that Raven’s drone had been fixed, I shook my head. “No, we should be fine.”
When Dr. Kim left, Raven turned to me, speaking in a loud whisper, “What are you doing? They think we live together.”
“I know.”
“Why didn’t you correct them when they said we were married?”
“Because I’m going crazy here. I need to get out of this hospital. Can’t you at least give me a ride home?”
“Of course, but then what? I can’t just leave you without any help, and I’m going to my parents’ house for dinner tonight.”
I pointed behind her. “Zasquash brought me some clean clothes. They’re in that drawer. Can you give them to me?”
She found the clothes and handed me the pile. “Do you need help?”
“No, I’m good.” I pulled off the hospital clothing and already felt better as I put on some of my own clothing. “When you go to your parents’ house tonight, will you tell them about us?”
Raven pulled at her earlobe but didn’t answer me.
“What about last week when we said that we loved each other? I thought we agreed to be a couple, Raven.”
“I know that, but I want for us to figure out how we want to handle our relationship before we share it with others.”
I tensed my jaw because I was bloody clear on what I wanted with Raven, and it included getting married and moving in together. With her it was like two steps forward and one step back. “Look, I get that everything is a bit chaotic now and that you need time. But I love waking up with you in the morning and I want you around as much as possible.”
My words carried an invitation for her to move in with me, but Raven chose her usual strategy of making light of the situation. “You just want me as your alibi so you can go home, but if you’re counting on me to stay and cook for you, don’t. I’m not good at it.”
Now wasn’t the time to push my luck. “All I’m asking is for you to get me out of here. Once I’m at my house, I’ll jump around on one foot. And don’t worry about cooking. My house-bot does that.” I gave her my most charming grin and twenty minutes later, I was dressed and in a hover chair on my way out. The machine was easy to maneuver and when a long and completely empty hallway presented itself, I had to test the machine to its limit.
