Silent No More(60)

“Thank you, Marc,” Nick tells him as he reaches out to shake the doctor’s hand. He seems calmer, but his eyes tell me it’s only for show. Dr. Thornton takes Nick’s hand and they shake briefly.

“Any time, but that doesn’t mean I want to see her back here again.” His voice is strong, and I hear the underlining meaning behind it, which causes me to roll my eyes.

“Let’s get you home.” Nick reaches for my hand, lacing our fingers.





* * * * *





Finally, we get back to my house after Nick insisted on stopping by the pharmacy first. Once Nick and I enter my house, Charmin runs over and jumps on my leg. Niko looks up from the oversized plush chair, but doesn’t bother to follow Charmin. He lowers his head back down and closes his sweet eyes. Nick takes my elbow and gently pulls me down the hallway to my bedroom. Doesn’t he know rest does not mean I have to stay in bed? Just before entering my room, I pull my hand from his grip. He immediately stops and turns giving me a “what the fuck” look.

“I’m not getting in bed,” I tell him. Yeah, this is probably one of those defiant moments. Get used to it, buddy.

“Yes, you are. You heard Marc. He said you needed rest, and I’m going to make sure you get it.” He waves his arm through my room, gesturing for me to go in. This is not where I play the compliant “good girl” and do what I’m told.

“Rest doesn’t mean I have to get in bed,” I say, putting my hands on my hips.

“Yes, it does. Now, go get in bed,” he orders. I cut my eyes at him. If he thinks barking orders at me is going to get me to do what he wants, then he is sorely mistaken.

“No. Stop being an ass, Nick,” I holler.

“Fine,” he sighs. “Let me at least wrap your ribs. It will help. Trust me,” he tells me and I arch my eyebrow. “I’ve had broken ribs before,” he shrugs like it should have been obvious.

“Oh,” I respond and he finishes pulling me into my bedroom.

“Sit on the bed and take off your shirt.” I follow his orders, but not before rolling my eyes behind his back.

“I don’t have anything to wrap them with,” I tell Nick as I take a seat at the end of my messy bed. I hate that I left my house without making the bed first.

“Why do you think we stopped at the pharmacy?” he questions, holding up the bag.

“To fill my prescription of pain medication, which by the way, was a waste of money. I’m not taking them.”

“That too, and what do you mean you’re not taking your medicine? You’re hurt. You’re in pain.” He’s giving a “are you really arguing with me about this?” look.

“A little pain is nothing I can’t handle. I don’t hurt enough to justify medication.” I pull my t-shirt over my head. I have to bite down on my bottom lip so I don’t show him just how much that movement really did hurt. I gently lay the shirt down on the bed beside me.

“Arms up,” he gestures as he removes the ACE bandage from its wrapper. “The point of the pain medication is so you aren’t in any pain. You’re taking the pills, end of discussion, woman.” I comply and raise both arms above my head a little too fast as I glare at him. The movement causes shooting pain and I want to curse. Nick is really starting to get on my nerves.

“You’re right, end of discussion. But I’m not taking the pain pills, so let it go.” He cuts his eyes up to mine as he wraps the bandage around my body several times before securing it.

Wow, that’s tight.

“Why do you have to argue with every fucking thing I say?” he huffs out.

“Why do you think everything is going to be your way?” I retort, ignoring his question. I pull my t-shirt back on and over my wrapped ribs. Actually, the bandage does kind of help. I should probably be thanking him at this point.

“Just get your ass in bed, Shannon,” he says through clenched teeth, while staring down at me. I stand up in front of him, causing him to have to back up a few steps.

“No. Now, don’t you have a job to go to or something?” I ask as I’m walking out of the bedroom.

“For the love of God,” he sighs. “You are the most stubborn woman I have ever met,” he continues, falling in behind me out the door. I turn on my heels, causing him to abruptly stop before he collides with me.

“No, Nicholas Lockhart. I’m not stubborn. I’m just not going to follow your orders because you think you’re right, or you think you know what’s best,” I say, pointing my index finger into his chest.

Damn, he’s irritating the hell out of me right now.