The Gender Lie(57)

“Is he okay?” I spoke up, and she gave a little yelp, jumping a foot in the air.

“You scared me,” she accused, pressing her hand against her heart and breathing heavily.

“Sorry,” I said with a laugh. “So, what was that?” I asked, nodding my head toward the door.

She frowned and shook her head. “Read it yourself,” she said, bristling. “I am not your drama coordinator, I’m a doctor for crying out loud!”

I smirked as she stormed off, and then, opening the door, I bent down to scoop the envelope off the floor. Without preamble, I opened the top and slid out the note.

Good for one arrogant, pig-headed, selfish Patrian. Redeemable in Room 3 of hospital floor.

A grin split my face as I folded the letter and slid it into my pocket, heading upstairs.

It seemed my pig-headed Patrian was ready to talk.





25





Viggo





I was turning the page of a book that Dr. Tierney had given me to help pass the time when the door swung open and Violet stepped in, her face an impassive mask. I smiled at her, but the smile quickly faded under her cool demeanor.

“You, uh… got my message?” I dared to ask.

In response, her hand slid into the pocket of her pants and pulled out a familiar piece of paper. I shifted on the bed, watching her closely as she looked at the letter and then back to me.

“What if I don’t want an arrogant, pig-headed, selfish Patrian?” she asked, cocking her head to one side.

I ignored the chill that ran up my spine, reminding myself that she was still there, still talking to me. “Were you looking for something else?” I asked, picking invisible lint off the blanket.

“How about… an egotistical jerk? Do you have one of those?”

I met her glance with a non-committal shrug. “Maybe,” I said idly.

“How about an inconsiderate male?”

“Oh, fresh out, I’m afraid,” I replied, and I saw the trace of a smile forming on her lips, striking hope into my heart.

“How about a hot mess? Got one of those for me?”

I grinned, unable to stop myself. “Always, for you,” I replied, and she laughed, practically throwing herself on top of me. I spread my arms, catching her, relieved beyond words just to hold her. I smoothed my hand over her hair, keeping her close.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered into her ear, and she snuggled closer.

“You’d better be, you jerk,” she whispered back, and my smile grew even larger.

“I missed you,” I said, nuzzling the top of her head, and she let out a breath against my neck.

“I missed you, too,” she sighed. “Oaf,” she added.

After a while, she slowly pulled herself away and looked down at me. The sight of her lit-up silver eyes glowing with humor and adoration made it feel as if I was floating. When she looked at me like that, it made everything fade away until only the two of us remained.

I felt myself softening, and finally, that small voice that had been in the back of my mind the past week roared to the forefront, reminding me that Violet had gone through hell to save me. She wouldn’t do that unless she cared. And I had chased her off.

I felt guilty all over again, and I started to look away when she grabbed my jaw. “Nuh-uh,” she said, shaking her head. “You owe me an explanation. So talk—what was with the dismissal?”

I hesitated. I had been carefully planning what I was going to say during our week apart, but now, looking at her, I wasn’t sure I could find the right words, and I was afraid that if I didn’t, it would chase her off again.

I felt her hand slide into mine and squeeze gently. “Vi… I just felt like… I couldn’t keep up with you. I felt weak and… impotent. It made me worry about the future and my part in yours. I didn’t like the idea that I was holding you back. If we were on the run… the only thing I could possibly do to keep you safe is catch a bullet for you.”

She frowned, squeezing my hand tighter. “You big dumb idiot,” she said, shaking her head. “You’re always worried about what you can give to me, or how you can help me… but it doesn’t work like that: We’re a team, and sometimes you need help just as much as I do. So keep your Patrian-indoctrinated testosterone out of our relationship, please and thank you.”

I laughed in surprise at her words, and then pulled her back in for a hug, one that, I was pleased to note, she returned.

When we broke apart again, Violet managed to look happy and sad at the same time. Reaching out, I touched her face. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

I listened as she explained what had gone down with her brother, and how he had opted to return to his cell. I recalled his words earlier today, and frowned.