by Dawn Brower
“I don’t kiss and tell,” he replied. That was one thing he’d always kept to himself. He didn’t speak of his encounters or many affairs. He didn’t really have to. The women took care of that part for him. They were more than willing to gossip about his prowess, and he hadn’t seen any reason to stop them. “You, on the other hand, have no heart.” He really had missed out not having his sister around as a kid.
“I don’t,” she agreed. “I gave it to Ren years ago. If you want some sympathy, perhaps you should call him.”
Dani’s future husband did have more compassion at times. “Is he anxious for the wedding?”
“He’s terrifyingly calm. I don’t understand it.” Dani smiled. “He keeps me centered. Speaking of the wedding...” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “Lana is supposed to be one of the bridesmaids. I’ll have to stop in and visit with her to determine if she’s up to it. The wedding will be here before we know it.”
“Somehow, I doubt Lana will let a little thing like almost dying prevent her from standing with you at the wedding.”
His mood darkened at the idea of losing her. He refused to let her be so careless with her life again. First, he’d have to help her remove the unsavory people from her life—like Jessica Sousa. That harpy’s sister was the reason Lana almost died.
“No doubt you’re correct,” Dani agreed. “I’ll stop by the hospital and see how she’s doing. You probably have a lot of work to do. I wanted to check on you and make sure you’re all right.” She paused and stared at him a moment before continuing, “You might fool a lot of people, but I recognize the look of a person in love with someone they don’t think they can have. The reason I can see what others don’t is because it’s the same expression I used to wear when I stared at Ren. Don’t make the same mistakes I did and waste time you could have with her.”
With those final words, she quietly exited his office. It gave him a lot to think about. Who was he kidding? He’d thought of nothing else since Lana’s accident. He’d pushed her away for years. He should have been chasing her and trying to prove she was all that mattered to him. Now it might be too late. The question was if he was brave enough to find out for sure.
CHAPTER FOUR
Lana leaned her head back against the bed and sighed. Being a patient had never been one of her strong suits. She couldn’t say she hated hospitals, considering her chosen profession, but she was beginning to seriously dislike them. If they didn’t release her soon, she’d revolt and storm the nurse’s station, making some seriously unreasonable demands. It wasn’t their fault she was in the predicament she found herself in; however, they could take pity on her and help a fellow nurse out.
She rolled over and slid her legs over the edge. Maybe if she started to get ready to leave, they’d get the hint. Hell, who was she kidding? Nothing was going to happen any faster than normal because she wanted it to. She was well aware of how the hospital worked. Besides, Jessica still hadn’t arrived with a change of clothes for her to go home in, and Lana didn’t have any desire to rock the hospital gown look in the real world. She’d sooner forget the weeks she spent in the hospital recuperating. Sadly, she still had to take time off and finish recuperating at home. They’d probably let her go back to work in a few weeks, but even then, it would be light duty.
Lana leaned her head down and stared at her feet. The hospital socks sucked. They were rough-edged and coarse against her skin, but the rubber lined bottoms gave her traction when she walked. The last thing she needed was to take a spill on the floor and set her recovery back a few days. Pain slid down her chest like a thin razor blade slicing through her skin. She sucked in a breath and slowly let it out. The pain meds were starting to wear off, and she might need another dose before she bounced out of her not so cozy accommodations. They’d switched her to pills earlier in the day and took away her nice pain medicine dispensing button. She missed the little happy juice—not that she clicked it more than she needed to. The whole point of the button was to regulate the amount a patient could use, but it was nice to have it at the ready if needed.
“Looks like I arrived at the nick of time,” Jessica said as she entered the room. “I hate to think what you might be planning.”
“Nothing much,” Lana lifted her head so she could meet her gaze. “I thought we might stop by the community center and sign up for tomorrow’s marathon.” She snapped her fingers. “No, not risky enough. How do you feel about robbing a bank?”
Jessica chuckled and set down a duffle bag at the edge of Lana’s bed. “If you’d asked me a few weeks ago, I might have helped you plan it out to the last detail. Luckily, my money is trickling back to where it belongs—my accounts. It will take a while to finish unraveling the mess though. My sister finally gave us all the details on how to track it down.”
“That’s good.” It was. Truly. Lana was grateful Jessica had started to sort out her life. She had a lot of crap to wade through and her health failing on top of it hadn’t helped. Lana couldn’t help wondering if her own life wouldn’t be such a mess if she’d found a way not to befriend Jessica. She shook her head and brushed the unsavory thoughts away. It wasn’t Jessica’s fault she was recovering from nearly fatal injuries. Imogen had taken things too far and tried to make Jessica pay for things beyond her control.
Yes, Jessica had been an awful person at one point, but she was taking steps to change. The selfish person she used to be had taken a back burner a long time ago.
“How is the case against your sister?” Part of her didn’t want to know, but the masochist in her had to ask. Sullivan had wanted to rake Imogen over hot coals and more. Her instinct had been to do the opposite of whatever he suggested. If not for his adamant desire to make Imogen pay, she might not feel the need to stay firmly on Team Psycho Bitch. Hopefully, she could rein in her negative attitude so Jessica wouldn’t figure out how much she hated her newfound sister.
“She’s...” Jessica nibbled on her bottom lip and glanced away from Lana. “I realize she did a lot of terrible things, and those decisions didn’t just hurt me. I feel terrible my relationship, or lack thereof, with Imogen caused you any kind of pain. If I could take it back I would.”
Lana jolted upright. “You didn’t make her ram a car into us on the way to your surgery. She did that all on her own. As far as I’m concerned, you have nothing to apologize for, and it’s insulting you think you should. Imogen has to make her own amends, and I’m not going to lie to you.” She stood and walked over to Jessica. Lana pushed her face up to meet her gaze. “I don’t like Imogen and I never have. Sugarcoating has never been my thing, but if you think she would benefit from therapy in an institution over prison, I’ll stand by you.”
“Thank you,” Jessica said. Her voice wobbled a little bit as she fought tears. “I appreciate it. I didn’t want to forgive her either, but I’ve had time to think without my prejudices clouding my judgment. I went to see her and let her explain her side of things.”
Lana had no desire to forgive Imogen, but she could see how Jessica might want to. “I don’t have a sister or a sibling of any kind. I’d like to think if I discovered one along the way I’d like to have a relationship with them too. I get it—but I’m stating here and now, if she decides to decimate my life in any way in the future, I won’t be so pleasant.”
That was one thing she’d always believed in. She hated being judged by her social status or appearance. The cruelty of the snobs often followed the Bradys around had left a dent on her pride. She tried her best not to do the same to others. There were times she failed though. Imogen had rubbed her wrong from the start and not just because Sullivan had dated her. Something about her had always seemed off and Lana generally was rather good at measuring a person’s personality.
“That’s fair,” Jessica said. “She’s going to therapy, and she’s not allowed out of the psychiatric ward until the court deems her healthy enough. There will still be a trial at some point.”
“Right,” Lana answered. “Can�
�t dismiss attempted murder and identity theft with a magic wand.”
“Wouldn’t that be nice,” Jessica replied dryly.
Not really... If that was truly possible, the world would turn to chaos. Lana shuddered at the thought of the world erupting into insane amounts of criminal activity. She’d like to return to her boring life of work and no play. Somewhere along the way she’d have to find time to attempt dating again. She really didn’t do much outside of her position at the hospital. Jessica was the only friend she’d bothered to hang out with, and that had been more for concern over her health than any desire to have a social life.
“What did you bring for me to change into?” Lana asked in order to switch the subject. She’d talked more about Imogen than she wanted to. “I can’t wait to go home.”
“Preston suggested something light and comfortable. He had no idea that you don’t own anything but comfy clothing. Once you’re better, I’m taking you shopping because you are in desperate need of something daring, sexy, and uncomfortable in all the right ways.”
Lana rolled her eyes. “Babe, I don’t need clothes to convey those words. I’m dangerous enough as it is. Take pity on the male species—they wouldn’t be able to handle me if I dressed the part too.”
Jessica laughed. “I think what I brought you will fit your mood exactly right now.”
Lana unzipped the duffle bag and pulled out a black T-shirt. On it, a crown sat on one side of the shirt in bright red with a heart in the center of it. The saying “Off with their heads,” was written across the side next to it. A zip-up, hooded sweatshirt and lounge pants the exact shade of the crown were also inside, along with the other essentials she needed to dress. “I never claimed to be sane,” Lana said. “Otherwise, why would I have befriended you?” There were several times she’d been in tune with the words the Queen of Hearts muttered on a regular basis. She’d probably verbally bitten off several heads since she’d woken up in the hospital.
“True,” Jessica said. “Do you need help changing?”
As if she’d admit that... No, she was determined to do it all on her own. If she couldn’t manage, then she had no right going home. She’d be damned if she told Sullivan he was right, and she needed to be at the mansion. The mansion, as crazy as it sounded, would suffocate her. He’d be there. All. The. Time. She’d never be able to escape, and that alone would destroy what resolve she had left where he was concerned.
“I can manage on my own,” Lana told her. “Do me a favor and track down my release papers while I change.”
“On it,” Jessica said and left the room. She closed the door behind her as she exited, finally leaving Lana in peace. Now to figure out how she was going to wiggle into those clothes without wincing in pain. She had to endure the pain while squeezing into a tiny T-shirt. There wasn’t a chance in hell she would bother with a bra. Some things weren’t worth the effort, and that topped the list.
Lana removed her hospital gown and tossed it on the bed and then pulled the shirt over her head, wincing as she pushed her arms through. Sweat beaded on her brow, and her breath became more ragged. But she’d made progress—the shirt was on. Now she had to put the pants on, and then she could take a break. She sat on the bed and slipped her legs into the red softness. They were warm and comfy at least. She stood and slid them up to her waist then tugged her shirt down.
A knock sounded on the door and it opened before she had the chance to say “come in” or not. How rude. She’d been naked a few moments ago. Lana opened her mouth to yell at the person who dared to walk in without permission, but then pursed her lips together when she realized who it was. Of course Sullivan wouldn’t care if he was wanted or not. He always did whatever the hell he desired.
“I see you’re getting ready to go home,” he said affably. “I’m here to take you to the mansion as soon as you’re checked out.”
“Did you miss the part where I’m going home?”
Damn him. Why did he always assume everyone would fall into whatever plans he had for them? She was not going to his family home, no matter how much he desired it. There was a time she’d have bent over backward to give him what he wanted, but that part of her died a long time ago.
He lifted a brow. “I’d hoped you would have changed your mind by now. It really is the best place for you.”
“I don’t really care what you think,” she spat out vehemently. “Go away.”
“Fine,” he agreed. The muscle in his cheeked twitched. “I’ll take you to your place if you insist. I don’t agree with the choice, but it is yours to make.”
She glared at him. “Glad you realize it’s my decision because you’re going to love the next one I make.”
He was such a damn ass. Why did she have to find him so attractive? No one compared to him and no one ever would. He would always make her heart skip a little faster even as the desire to punch him welled inside of her.
“From your tone, I gather it’s the opposite of love.”
“Glad to see your powers of observation have gone up in the last few minutes.” Lana pulled on the sweatshirt and zipped it up. All she had to do was slip on the canvas shoes Jessica had packed and she’d be able to bolt out of the room and not look back. “I don’t need you to take me anywhere. I’ve already found someone to take me home.”
“Who?” he asked as Jessica walked in.
“The nurse will be here in a minute to go over your discharge papers.” Jessica glanced back and forth between the two of them. “Do you want me to come back?”
“Yes,” Sullivan said at the same time she said, “No.”
“Sullivan was about to leave.” Lana stared at him until he finally nodded in agreement.
“We will talk about this later,” he said firmly.
“Not if I can help it,” she retorted scathingly.
She really didn’t understand what had gotten into him lately. He was far pushier than usual. He never bothered to attempt to browbeat her the way he had since her accident. Something was brewing there, and she had no desire to be around when it reached its peak. There were far more important things that required her attention. Like going home so she had peace, quiet, and the ability to ignore the world at large. She couldn’t wait... Sullivan could figure out his own drama without her.
CHAPTER FIVE
Sullivan parked his car down the block from Lana’s place and waited. He would have rather followed behind Jessica to make sure she brought Lana home safely, but if Lana had spotted him there would have been hell to pay. This was much easier, even if it was more nerve-wracking for him. He had to make sure she was all right and home without incident.
He couldn’t be sure exactly when they would arrive, but he’d know when they left. He’d charmed one of the nurses on Lana’s floor to text him when she was discharged and heading out the door. If they went straight to Lana’s, then they would be at her place in less than twenty minutes. If they were more than a half hour he’d be forced to take drastic actions. No one, especially him, wanted that to happen. He was already teetering on the edge of exploding. Not having control of the situation already put him at a disadvantage, and Sullivan hated it. He had reacted instead of planning methodically until everything fell the way he wanted them to.
Lana lived in a decent neighborhood—not that there were bad areas in Envill, but there were some that were better than others. This one fell in the middle of the spectrum. She had done all right for herself. A well of something filled him—pride perhaps. Yes, that had to be it. He was amazed at her independence and determination to do things her own way, even when it irritated the hell out of him.
A car door slammed, echoing with another loud bang, making him jump out of his own thoughts. He glanced around the neighborhood, checking for any sight of Jessica and Lana. A dog barked in the distance followed by a shout, “Shut up, Hades, or I’ll send you to the Underworld!”
Sullivan chuckled at that outburst. He wasn’t sure who he felt sorrier for, the owner or the dog. Hade
s, the poor thing, continued to bark happily, and his owner cussed him to hell and back. The little outburst gave him something else to focus on temporarily. He should probably park a little farther away from Lana’s house. In his current position, she was sure to recognize him and berate him for stalking or some shit.
He was going to check on her, but he’d rather do it when Jessica left. A little alone time was needed between him and Lana. She wasn’t in any condition for anything other than talking, and he desperately wanted to hold her in his arms and do a hell of a lot more than was wise. He’d have to settle for something less satisfying—maybe a hug.
His phone vibrated in his pocket. Sullivan pulled it out and cursed as he recognized the number. He hit the accept button and said, “I assume you have news.”
Wilson Stuart replied, “I have something else I’d like you to see. I don’t trust sending it electronically. Can you come back to the office or perhaps meet me someplace private?”
He wanted to say no. Lana still hadn’t arrived, and he didn’t like not knowing she made it home safe. His company was important though, and he’d made a promise to his father regarding it. There were a lot of expectations that had fallen on his shoulders the moment he took over as CEO of Brady Blue. At the time, he’d been glad for them. Now, though, he wished he’d never taken over and could tell Wilson to shove it.
“How urgent is it?” He forced himself to remain calm. “Can it wait until morning?”
“I’d rather not...” The hesitation in Wilson’s voice echoed through the connection. “I’m afraid this is much bigger than either one of us anticipated. I made copies and had them sent to your home, but this really needs to be addressed as soon as possible. We must meet so I can explain them to you.”
Sullivan swore under his breath. Lana would have to wait, and it killed him to have to admit it. What he wanted didn’t matter anymore. There were some things he couldn’t ignore, and Wilson’s request happened to be one of them. He’d have to suffer through the meeting and check back on Lana later.