Page 54 of Her Hidden Smile

“Snakebite?” Simon asked.

“I’m pretty sure she passed out from nerve pain. Somebody needs to call Doc Evans and tell him what’s going on. I’ll carry her home.”

“What do you mean, nerve pain?” Roan asked as he leaned over and looked at Millie.

“She was badly burned in a fire when she was fourteen. Hip and thigh. I’ve seen her cramp up, and then seize up from the nerve pain.”

“Fuck,” Simon said.

“In that case, let’s hope she stays passed out,” Roan said.

Then, as if she heard his words, Millie began to groan, then she opened her eyes. I looked on helplessly as she bit her bottom lip and tears leaked out of her eyes and dripped down her temples.

“Hurts,” she gasped out.

“I know, baby. We’re going to get you help.”

“I called the doc. He said we should get her to the hospital,” Simon said.

“Nooooo,” she wailed.

My heart just about broke.

“Call him back. Tell him to get his happy ass over here,” I growled.

Simon gave me a considering look then made the call.

I picked up Millie who cried out. I tried not to jostle her as I double-timed it to her house, but I couldn’t help it. Her whimpers were killing me. The last time I felt so bad was when Malik, Jase, and I had rescued Angelica from those sick fucks at her orphanage.

“Hold on, Millie. We’re almost there,” I lied.

She moaned, then she passed out, her head dropping against my chest.

“Wet heat. Massage. Pain pills.”

“Understood.”

The last voice was Renzo’s. He sounded upset. It was almost like he was mad.

“It would be better if we took her to a hospital.”

“No, she hates hospitals. I’ll stay with her. You can come and check on her tomorrow.”

Renzo’s going to stay with me?

Why did I feel so funny? It felt like I was floating on top of a fluffy white cloud. It felt like it was embracing me.

“Millie.” I felt my shoulder being softly shaken. “Millie, Cariña, I need you to wake up. Just for a little while.”

I drifted down from my cloud and came to earth, but I found myself just as comfortable. I was in my bed with Renzo sitting beside me. His fingers were trailing along my cheek.

“Let me see your pretty violet eyes.”

“Blue. They’re blue.”

“I beg to differ.” His smile was beautiful. “Since you’re arguing with me, does that mean you’re awake?”

“I’m not arguing with you,” I argued.