Page 95 of Rough and Rugged
“Oh, you’re fucked,” I hear my brother hiss out.
Chapter Ten
Monica
IwakeupandLizzie is holding my hand. “Why? How? Hi.” Liz and Hayden live in Paris but we text. Our friendship has always been strong, even when I worked as Hayden’s assistant. My heart is like a leaping jackrabbit full of cuddles, fairy wings and SweeTarts. Most definitely SweeTarts.
Lizzie squeezes my hand. “Do you feel ok? Because Imma need the tea.”
“You bet on this didn’t you?”
“Hell yeah. Saw it ages ago.” I flinch as I try to move my stiff body. My IV is bothering me, but it seems I need fluids. I’m not sure if people know we had to ask the rescuers to step out when they got there.
“Where Dax?” Lizzie’s motions for someone at the door. My heart flutters.
Tall, dark and not Dax walks in the room clapping his hands. Hayden says, “Well, well, well. Miss Monica ends up with our intrepid wordsmith. You little minx. Why didn’t you say something?” I laugh.
“When? When I worked for the two of you? Or after when you were in France, and he always went back to Sophie? You know, Lizzie’s friend. When was the time to tell one boss that I was longing for the other?” I bust his balls right back.
Hayden grins. “A sticky wicket but Liz and Sophie don’t talk. I’m not your boss. And Sophie thinks I’m toxic.” He shrugs. “Pretty sure she’s happiness averse.” Lizzie lightly smacks his chest.
Hayden says, “You get Dax and I get to keep you in our lives. That’s a win/win for me and that’s all that matters. Now, do you have a first responder kink, or will you guys be able to do it without an audience?” I groan and he pulls me into a side hug. “The man was frantic to help you, if you couldn’t tell by the VP getting involved,” he whispers in my ear.
Liz squeezes my hand as my heart fills. I get all of them, not only Dax but the Boston Brothers and their wonderful women.
Lizzie adds, “She was awful to him. Hayden, help her to the wheelchair. Time for your happily ever after, right fucking now.” My grin touches my eyes.
“Yes, ma’am.” My brain is popping like small bubbles in Champagne. I’m actually giddy to start the rest of my life.
We round the corner and it’s like the roof crashing in on me again. I should know better than to think anything is about me. Nothing ever is. I’m always on the way to something or someone else.
With his hand on her arm, he sees us when Hayden says, “What the fuck?”
Chapter Eleven
Dax
Iwhipmyhandaway. Tony was grabbing the folks to run interference so I could get to Monica. Sophie looks smugly at Hayden and Liz. Lizzie abruptly separates us. Crumpled red face, Monica smacks at Hayden to wheel her away.
I chase after her, “Monica.” Sophie pulls my wrist.
“Don’t,” Hayden bites out.
They disappear around the corner and I shake myself loose. Lizzie greets Sophie and tries to be nice. Their close friendship fizzled when she realized Sophie’s not who any of us thought. She’s wearing a bindi as if she’s found some kind of peace.
“Why are you here?” Lizzie asks.
“Good to see you too,” Sophie says with a wry smile. “My love needs me.” I want to scream.
“Soph,” I scold her.
“I rushed here when I heard on the news. Doesmyworry not matter? Only hers or your precious friends?” I used to find her jagged voice sexy, but it’s like more scrapes across my skin. She never liked Monica.
Lizzie tsks and steps away. “I’ll be polite and say nothing.”
I cross my arms as she says, “Clearly, my concern means nothing. Typical. Have you thought about how this affects me?” I’m stunned.
I guide her back into my room. “Stay.” I close the door. Lizzie’s eyes are wide.