Page 61 of Finding a Melody
“So, did I lose a limb?” I asked.
“What? Why? Did you lose feeling anywhere?” Paxon jumped to his feet, ready to tear off the blanket to check.
“Relax,” I said, trying to smile, but that took so much more energy than I currently had. “I was only joking.”
Paxon’s glare could have sent rabid dogs scurrying away. He sat back down, his shoulders sloping. He shook his head. “Just bumps and bruises. The only concern is your head. You hit it pretty hard. There were other things, but we weren’t allowed in the room and they wouldn’t tell us. We’re lucky we’re even able to be in here in the first place. Bryan pulled some strings to ensure someone could stay with you. Once he tossed his family name around, they caved.”
“Bet he hated doing that,” I said.
“When it comes to us, he’s more than happy to use everything in his arsenal. And luckily, he has a very powerful arsenal.”
“Makes sense,” I mumbled, trying to remember everything that happened. It was all still a bit blurry, the only real memory the acrid taste of my terror.
Paxon got back up. “I need to let the others know you’re awake.” He rubbed at the back of his neck and stared down at the floor. “The police were adamant about talking to you as soon as you woke up. They need your statement for their investigation, and they said the window of opportunity is too narrow.” He jerked his head toward the door. “They’ve been camped outside your room. But only if you’re feeling up to it.”
I swallowed, my already dry throat tightening up. I knew why the Ryders were after me, I just didn’t like the idea of telling others.
I glanced at Seth, at the bandages around his head. Then Roman’s words came to mind, about me putting them in danger. That was exactly what happened. Seth got hurt because of me. All my fault.
Reluctantly, I nodded, knowing what had to be done. Paxon got up, quickly leaving the room. I drew in a breath and released it slowly, trying to calm my heart. The heart monitor had picked up on the increased heart rate. No wonder police liked to question people when they were hooked up to machines in the hospital. They had a free lie detector.
It didn’t take long for Paxon to come back in with two police officers behind him. Paxon ignored them and went over to Seth’s side, waking him up. The other two stood off to the side with friendly, patient expressions. At least I knew they weren’t going to hound me and do that bad cop good cop cliché routine I always read about. Then again, I guess it was because I wasn’t a suspect.
In their eyes, I was the victim. Again.
Seth let out a snort as he jerked awake, making me smile. His dazed eyes scanned the room, stopping on the two police officers briefly before meeting my eyes. He sat up straighter, clearing his throat.
“You’re awake? Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“I just woke up,” I answered.
“How do you feel?” he asked, quickly scooting forward so he was in reach. Seth winced at the movement, but for the most part looked fine.
“Like we were run off the road,” I said.
I glanced at the cup sitting on the side table. Paxon picked up on the cue and was quick to pass it to me. I winced at the soreness in my right shoulder as I grabbed the cup, but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. It almost felt like I had done an intense workout.
The water felt nice. It was at room temperature, but still tasted like heaven. I was almost tempted to sing it praises as I finished it up. Paxon took the empty cup away before I could say anything.
“Seth, the police need to take Cadence’s statement in private,” Paxon said, keeping his voice low and soft. Seth frowned, looking like he wanted to say something. Sighing, he leaned down and kissed my forehead, making me blush.
He shifted until his lips were near my ear. “If you scare me like that again, I’m going to wrap you up in a blanket and lock you in the house. Enough danger.” He kissed just below my ear, at my weak spot, and I shivered at how good it felt to have his lips against my skin.
I wanted more—the warmth in my gut told me I needed more. It was definitely preferable over talking to the police. His touch so easily chased away the cold, and I wanted more of it.
Seth pulled back. He sent me a sad smile before letting Paxon help him out of the room. Paxon glanced back at me curiously before taking on more of Seth’s weight and getting him out. I stared at Paxon’s back, wondering what that expression was and something in the pit of my stomach became unsettled with it.
Did he notice? Was he upset?
The police didn’t give me a chance to pick it apart, though, when one of them cleared his throat.
“How are you feeling, Miss Wiles?” the older male asked as the two of them moved closer.
“I’m alive,” I said. “I think that counts for something, right?” I asked, trying to hide my discomfort at having them in my room.
“It definitely does.”
“Would you guys like to sit?” I asked.