I gave him a filthy look, wanting more than anything to let him have it, but the pain was getting worse every second. Each breath felt like a sledgehammer to my chest, so I decided to go with that. “The left side of my chest and right wrist. But I was being serious—everything hurts. They’re just the worst at the moment.”
“I’ll have them give you something to dull the pain. Now bear with me while I give you a brief update. You arrived three days ago with multiple contusions on your face and body—to be specific, two fractured ribs, a fractured wrist, a concussion, and contusions to the face and chest. I’ll have the nurse bring you some oral pain medication. It should dull the pain, but it also may make you drowsy.”
“That’s okay with me.” My voice was starting to slur but I couldn’t tell whether it was because of the pain or the fact that the doctor now had two faces. I needed sleep. At least when I was asleep I couldn’t feel the stabbing pain from every angle.
He nodded. “I want to do a quick examination first, then we’ll get you the pain medication and let the police know you’re awake.” The doctor turned to Miller. “Sir, if you could leave the room—”
Miller crossed his arms over his chest, feet apart. He eyed the doctor and it was clear to everyone that he wasn’t going anywhere.
“He can stay.”
The doctor eyed me warily, looking back and forth between Miller and myself. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, it’s fine.” I just wanted the examination over and if Miller staying in the room achieved that, then so be it.
The doctor nodded once and then moved the sheet down, lifting the gown just high enough to reveal the bandages wrapped tightly around my sternum. I guessed they were there to stop my ribs from moving too much. Not that they were doing shit to keep the pain at bay, but I had a feeling that it would be ten times as worse without it.
Then he touched them.
My body contorted, trying to get away from his prying fingers. The pain of breathing was nothing compared to that of him putting pressure on them.
“Sorry. I know that hurts, but I needed to make sure they hadn’t moved.” He pulled down the gown. “I’d like to keep you for one more night to be sure there’s no other damage, especially now that you’re awake and can tell us where you have pain.”
“I can go home tomorrow?” I asked, more than ready to snuggle into the covers of my own bed.
“Yes, but I’d be more comfortable letting you leave if I knew someone was staying with you.”
“I live—”
“Tess is living with me. She won’t be left alone.”
I what? What in the hell was he talking about?
I snapped my eyes up to his, afraid to move any other body part that fast for fear of the pain. Miller didn’t bother to meet my gaze. If he thought for one moment I was letting that comment go, he was out of his mind. I’d already told him I wasn’t moving in.
I needed more. Moving in only for my safety wasn’t enough. I’d lived with Ray to split the bills. If I was going to live with someone again, it would be because they loved me and couldn’t imagine a moment without me.
“Perfect,” the doctor said. “The police have been waiting to speak with you.” He looked over at Miller and back at me. “I’ll contact them and let them know you’re awake.”
“Thank you,” Miller and I said at the same time, mine forced through clenched teeth as I did my best to keep my temper in check. The one benefit of Miller’s ludicrous statement was that it had swept away the fog that had been taking over my brain and I was now much more awake.
The doctor left and I turned.
“Why did you just lie to the doctor?”
His head tilted. “I didn’t.”
“What do you mean, I didn’t? We’ve already had this conversation.” I didn’t want to have this conversation with him again, especially with me being in such a weak position. I attempted to sit up and winced, grabbing hold of my side. “I don’t live with you, Miller.”
“Goddamn it, Tess. Would you lie the fuck down and stay there before you make yourself worse.” His hands took hold of my shoulders, gently moving me back down onto the pillows.
“Fine, but you need to tell me what you’re talking about.”
The pain continued to increase but I used it to help fuel the anger burning through my body.
His words came out fast and all strung together. “I had a moving company bring all of your stuff to my house two days ago.”
“You did what?” I lurched up and regretted it immediately as a scream left my lips and spots danced in front of my eyes.