Page 107 of Double Dare

“I’m okay,” I say. I think.

“I know,” Zahn says, pressing on the back of my head. “But your head is bleeding, babe. Gotta make sure it’s okay.”

I smile for some dumb reason, watching Zahn’s lips move. He blinks, and my eyes look at his, seeing the worry in them, but also seeing the pure fuckery he lives by. He’s such a character, and he’s… “You’re so beautiful,” I tell him.

“Concussed and delusional isn’t usually my thing, but I can make an exception.” He grins. “Unless you want three boyfriends, you better keep that shit to yourself, babe.”

“Move over,” Four barges into our moment. Another beautiful face hovering over mine. Lucky day or cursed day?

Hardin and Zahn slide back a bit, but I can still feel Zahn’s hand in mine, so I squeeze it to make sure it’s real.

“I’m just going to lift your head for a sec, k?” Four says gently.

My head lifts, and as much as I try to help keep it up, I don’t know if I’m succeeding. When Hardin curses and Zahn coughs, I try to find them in the chaos. What are they seeing? Oh, god. I wiggle my toes to make sure they’re still there. Yep. Phew.

“You’re fine,” Four assures me. “Mom, get the truck running and call Gen at the hospital.”

“Hospital?” I look at him.

“You’re fine,” he says again. “But we gotta make sure. I’ve never rescued someone from a bathroom before,” he laughs.

“I already said that!” Did I? Someone said it. Or thought it. Am I hearing thoughts now?

“Ready?” Four asks.

“I’m naked.”

“I know.” He grins. “I’m enjoying the view.”

“Forsyth?”

Four looks at the door. “I thought you were still at work.”

“Just got home. What’s…oh, hi, Laken. Lots of pressure. What else do you need?”

“Towels. And a robe or something to wrap her in.” Four looks at me again. “Boots or slippers.”

Then comes a jumble of thoughts and movements and action. I’m being unwrapped and wrapped in something, my arms going through sleeves and my stomach cold.

“Damn, Lakes.” Four whistles.

“What are you trying to distract me from?” I accuse.

“Stop flirting and get her up,” Gen laughs. “You’re okay, Laken. Can you feel this?” She runs her finger up the sole of my foot.

I pull it back and laugh like an idiot. “Yes!”

When they lift me up and more than one pair of hands touch me…I panic. Really panic. “No. No. No. No. Please, no.” I bat at the hands. “Not again.”

“Not again?” Zahn…oh, Zahn’s here. “Oh, fuck. You’re safe, Laken. It’s just us.”

“Don’t tie me. I’m…no more scars.” What is happening? Why am I living in two rooms? A bathroom at the Dare house and a hotel room somewhere warm.

“Look at me,” Four says. “Recognize me? Say my name.”

I focus on his face, feeling so fucking hot and so damn cold. “Four.”

“You’re safe. I’d never hurt you. You’re in Alaska at our house and we love you.”