Page 34 of Healed

“I’m afraid we already kicked you out of that club for not living up to the rules.”

“What rules?”

“One, have nice hair. Two, have nice hair. Three—”

“Doc, can I request only one visitor at a time?” Vienna snapped. “In fact, I’m feeling kind of tired. Make them all leave.” He waved his hand at the door and closed his eyes.

“Aye, right, sweetheart? Is there anything else His Highness requests?”

“Where to start?” He took a deep breath, ready to launch into what was no doubt about to be the most ridiculous list of demands in history, and then was interrupted as Doc got to work stitching up his wounds.

“Doc, that hurts!”

“What do you want me to do? Bring kittens in and have them lick your skin back together? It’s gotta be done.”

“Don’t be silly, Doc. There are no kittens on this compound.”

“Maybe. Steph might have snuck one or two in,” Rachel shrugged.

“She better fucking not have,” Dante said, finally paying attention.

“Why are you all focusing on kittens when Doc is shredding me?” Vienna said.

“I’m not shredding you, I’m fucking fixing you.”

“Yeah, painfully.”

I stayed in the doorway, watching the dynamic unfold.

From the way Rachel continued to tease him, to Dante and his brothers laughing. To the hissed remarks from Doc, and the beers flowing freely.

On the outside, this may seem cruel. Vienna looked like shit—to call a spade a spade. But this was how they showed their affection. Ruthless teasing and endless jokes.

I stepped forward without even realising, wanting to be involved, wanting to belong.

That was, at least, until every pair of eyes turned in my direction.

Dante’s were blank. Rachel’s flashed with pity and fire. The men were a mix of confusion, anger and humour.

And Vienna’s?

Vienna’s flashed with something I didn’t even dare begin to decipher.

“Out!” Rachel barked suddenly. For a second, I thought she was talking to me. But then she started gathering up all the medical supplies and shoving the men towards the door.

“I wasn’t fucking finished,” Doc protested as she ripped a bandage from his hands.

“We’ll send up those magic kittens, don’t worry about it. Come on. All of you, out!”

“You heard her,” Dante barked when a few of them hesitated. “Get out before I tell her where I hid the potato peeler.”

That did it.

The men rushed from the room, some of them almost barging into me in their haste to get out.

“Your room is right next door,” Rachel murmured to me. “Everything is set up. Get some sleep, and come find me tomorrow. Let’s talk.”

She closed the door behind her.