Sinner's Revenge(20)

“I don’t even want to be here!” She yells, her words laced in malice. With words just as angry and powerful, I spit them back at her as I slam the door.

“Then get to fuckin’ walkin’.”





7


WHEN I MOVED to Hillsborough, Rookie moved too. He now lives fifty miles west of me. I feel guilty for invading on his time with Carrie, but she was a nurse and while he was helping me sort my shit out, maybe she could help with Diem.

I’m on the porch when they arrive. Pulling Carrie to me, I hold her a while. I haven’t seen her since the funeral. Rookie gives me a nod and I fill them in on what happened. I’m not sure what all Carrie knows, but if Rookie trusts her, then I do too. She was his ol’ lady. That made her my family.

She offered to take a look at Diem without me even asking. I appreciated the gesture, but I wasn’t sure how Diem would react. Where she was hard and mean, Carrie was soft and nice. The two together might turn into a disaster.

“I appreciate that, Carrie. Really, I do. But she’s a little . . . fucked up. Not just physically but mentally too.” Carrie just nods and flashes me a reassuring smile.

“I can handle myself, Zeke.” She winks at Rookie and adds, “Joe.” Rookie must have told her about our change in identities. I follow her inside and to my room. Not sure of what will be waiting on the other side of the door, I pull Carrie back to open it and walk in first.

Diem is still lying in bed, her eyes focused on the ceiling. For a minute, I wonder if she’s dead. When she speaks, I hear myself and Rookie sigh in relief. “You know, if you’re going to talk about someone, then maybe you shouldn’t do it so they can hear you. But don’t worry, Carrie.” She turns her head, giving Carrie an evil smile. “I don’t bite.”

I was a dumb-ass. Of course she could hear us. We were just outside the window. I replay everything in my mind, but nothing about our conversation pertained to anything but her and the accident. Oh, and me calling her fucked up.

“Pity,” Carrie says, moving to the other side of the bed. Leaning close, she whispers, “I like to get bit.” My eyebrows shoot to my hairline as my gaze slides to Rookie. His nostrils flare and he shifts, his eyes burning with passion—for his woman. The one who was good enough to keep him from temptation.

“Guys?” Carrie asks, looking at us expectantly. I refuse to leave her and with just a shake of my head, she nods and focuses her attention back on Diem. Her fingers move down her body, applying pressure, asking questions and rotating her slowly. Diem acts the good patient, answering all her questions and succumbing to her every demand. I’ve never been more thankful to have Carrie here. Chances are, Diem wouldn’t have been so yielding to me.

“That hurt?” Diem whimpers in pain at Carrie’s question. She’s on her side facing me, but she doesn’t look at me. “I can stitch you up, but I don’t have anything to numb it.”

“It’s fine. Just do it,” Diem snaps, her hand shaky as she brings it to her face. With her thumb and finger, she squeezes her eyes, drying the tears. Digging in her bag, Carrie gets to work. With every stitch, I feel Diem’s pain. And when her eyes narrow and her lip goes between her teeth, she seeks me out.

I meet her gaze, never taking my eyes off hers. It only takes Carrie a few minutes, but when she’s finished, it seems like a lifetime has passed. “All done,” she announces, helping Diem roll to her back.

“Do you have any pain meds?”

“She does.” I answer Carrie’s question, knowing Diem will refuse them.

“Good. That and a lot of rest will help. Zeke can wrap your wrists later. I’ll leave him some bandages. You might want to get a bath first. That back wound is pretty messy.” Diem doesn’t answer and Carrie looks at me. I shrug and she smiles, following us out.

“Hey, Carrie,” Diem calls, her voice weak. “I owe you one.” Carrie just nods, but I personally know the depth of truth in Diem’s words. She’s indebted to Carrie, and I know she’ll keep her word.

After Rookie and Carrie are gone, I find myself going back to check on Diem. I don’t know why. I’m just gonna say that it’s my duty because she’s my houseguest. I find her in the same position, still staring at the ceiling.

“I thought you weren’t going to help me anymore. But you did, and I didn’t ask you to.” Even exhausted, she finds a way to be an ass.

“I wasn’t going to, but Carrie offered,” I say, shoving my hands in my pockets and propping up in the doorway.

“Well, for whatever it’s worth, thanks.” I’m shocked at her gratitude, but don’t let her see it.