Page 55 of Hush (Fighting Fate)

I don’t know what she saw on my face, but she gave me an understanding smile before softly brushing her fingers over the stubble on my face, then she slowly leant forward and pressed a kissed to my cheek. When she pulled back, she untangled herself and climbed back over to her side of the car.

Silently, we both clicked our seatbelts into place and I turned the car in the direction of the hospital.

Chapter 39

Kaeli

My head was a massive swirling mess. It astounded me how much confusion Mitch instilled in me. I don’t know why I was surprised by the anger that had come over him when he saw the bruise on my cheek, but when I realized he wanted to rip Ken’s head off for it, I couldn’t help but feel pleased.

Even though it was odd to feel so protected, I liked it. I really liked it. Between Mitch and Dr. Miller, I actually felt like there might be some hope for my future – for my mom’s future.

The practical side of me knew I shouldn’t feel anything towards Mitch but terror and hate. It was obvious he was someone who should be feared. I’d witnessed his fury twice now, and even though both times had been to protect me, it was always enough for my sensible side to remind me I shouldn’t be fooled. He was still a drug dealer, as well as who knew what else - probably even a murderer, but how could I hate anyone who’d only ever kept me safe?

As we pulled into the hospital parking lot, I was surprised yet again when Mitch pulled into a parking space instead of just dropping me at the entrance. I looked at him questioningly.

“I’m coming in with you,” he said to answer me.

I wasn’t sure how far I’d get. Visiting hours had finished half an hour ago, but I hoped I could convince one of the nurses to just let me check in on her.

Walking up to the desk inside, I caught sight of one of the nurses who’d been nice to me the night before. She looked surprised whe

n she saw me, but she smiled just the same.

“Hi, sweetie. Are you okay? Visiting hours are over now.”

I nodded. “I know. I’ve just had a rough night. I was hoping I could just check on Mom quickly…”

I used my eyes to plead my case, hoping she’d be sympathetic to my plight.

She gave me an understanding smile, her gaze flickering over to Mitch questioningly. “I’ll ring up and see, okay?”

I watched her pick up the phone and talk in a hushed tone. A few seconds later, she hung up and turned back to me.

“They’re just doing her obs right now, but they said you can check in on her for a few minutes when they’re done.”

I sighed with relief. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”

“Sure, sweetie. Why don’t you go wait in the lounge? I’ll let you know when you’re good to go up.”

Giving her another grateful smile, I went over to the lounge to wait.

I’d only been sitting for a minute when the coldness started to get to me. It was always like that for me in this hospital. I don’t know why they had to keep it so cold. I shivered.

“Are you cold?” Mitch asked from beside me.

Rubbing my hands over my arms, I nodded. “Yeah. I always freeze when I’m here.”

I was startled when he suddenly stood. “I’ve got a jacket in the car. I’ll go get it for you.”

I went to protest, but he was already walking away. I muttered a soft ‘thank you’, but I doubt he could hear me. His gesture immediately put my practical and romantic sides at war with one another. Again. Everything in me told me he was a good guy, but my practical side just wouldn’t stop making me look at the obvious.

As he approached the exit and the doors slid open, I caught sight of a plain clothed police officer, with his badge clipped to his belt, heading in. I expected Mitch to do what I’d assume most criminals would do and divert his gaze away from the officer, but he didn’t.

My gaze swung back to the officer to watch his reaction. I didn’t know exactly what it was I expected to see – maybe his eyes narrowing in a scrutinizing kind of way, or a condescending smirk perhaps. It certainly wasn’t the flash of surprise before what could only be described as happiness I saw instead.

I blinked. What the hell?

Mitch’s head nodded infinitesimally as he passed, and the officer’s hands clenched and unclenched at his sides as a flicker of pain flashed in his eyes.

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