Chapter 14 #2
“Yeah,” Benny says. He double-checks Leo’s vitals, then shrugs. “He’s out, out. Must be having a nice dream.”
All I can hope is that he stays that way for a while so he has some time before he has to face his pain.
It’s a while before I can see Leo. They take him in for an MRI, an EKG, and an EEG. I find myself pacing the hall and feeling like my heart is going to beat out of my chest.
And then I hear someone calling my name and turn to find Easton rushing toward me. He flies into my arms, and I hug him tight.
“Thank you,” he all but sobs.
“It wasn’t me.”
He laughs a little as he pulls back. “According to Camilo’s ranting, it was all you. If you’d hesitated at all—”
I should have assessed the scene better and gotten my fucking mask on, but Leo was at the door, and Chuck couldn’t keep him out of danger for much longer. I would have risked a lot more for a lot less.
“It’s fine. Anyone else would have done the same.” And I fully believe that. Easton’s family is our family.
He rubs the back of his neck as he rocks back on his heels. “How bad is the house?” I can’t stop my wince, and his eyes go wide. “Shit, really?”
“Yeah. I’m not sure how far the flames spread before we got there, but the entire front needs to be demolished and rebuilt.”
“Shiiiit,” he whispers, dragging the word out. “Leo is going to lose his mind. It took him forever to find that place, and he loves that neighborhood.”
I don’t really know what to say. “I mean…insurance?”
“Yeah, but…” Easton stops, then shakes his head. “We can worry about it later. Have you seen him?”
“They were just finishing up his EEG. He was out when we got here, but he was able to speak a little before he went back.”
“The burns?” he asks.
I grimace. “He won’t be walking for a bit, but I don’t think he’ll scar much.” I’m not even sure Leo cares about that though. He’s like me—he has enough of them, so what’s a few more.
Easton takes my arm and runs his fingers over a few tender spots. “Looks like no one treated you.”
They’re barely first-degree, and they were probably from the proximity to the fire as I was gathering him into my arms. “I’ll be fine. I didn’t even notice.”
He pulls a face. “Dude—”
“Let’s not worry about me right now. They don’t even hurt.”
Easton falls quiet for a moment. “How did you know about the candles?”
I take my time answering, worried about giving anything away. I’m not sure Leo wants Easton to know about us. “I brought him food right before my mom called me over to her place. His power was out when I got there.”
“And he used fucking candles,” Easton breathes.
It was a mistake. One that could have been avoided if I’d been thinking straight instead of being fixated on touching him. But I was distracted by kissing him, and instead of insisting he use anything other than open flames to light up the room, I just left.
“I should have put them out,” I say quietly. “I was in a hurry, and I wasn’t thinking. I’m so sorry, East—”
“No. You’re not blaming yourself. I know he knows better, but clearly, it was an accident,” Easton says almost angrily. He lets out a soft growl. “God, I am so tired of everyone beating themselves up over shit they can’t control!”
I stare at him, and his cheeks go pink. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, sorry. It’s been a rough night.” He wipes a hand over his mouth, which is one of his tells. He’s lying, but I’m not going to press him on it right now. “I think when I see him, I’ll feel better.”
As if on cue, a nurse appears and stares at us both. We’re both covered in soot and probably smell like fire and ass. Easton’s curls are frizzed and all over the place, and god only knows what I look like.
“For Easton Harris? You’re family?” she asks.
I open my mouth to say I’m not, but Easton just says, “Yeah. We are.”
“He’s awake,” she says. “The doctor is admitting him for at least forty-eight hours for observation, but he’s ready for visitors.”
My stomach swoops. It’ll be weird to see him with Easton there, but I also know the brothers need each other after tonight.
Easton’s hands are trembling at his sides, and it’s clear he’s trying not to break into a run as we follow the nurse past the double doors, down two hallways, and eventually toward a large recovery room.
The door is partway open, and I can see Leo in the bed from just outside. He looks small against the railings and stark white sheets, and his eyes go wide when the door opens and Easton storms over to him.
“You fucking asshole!” Easton says, then drags Leo into a half hug, making him cry out in pain. “Stop fucking trying to die on me!”
“Sorry,” Leo says. His voice is muffled by Easton’s chest which blocks a small coughing fit. “It wasn’t on purpose.”
Easton pulls back and glares at him. “No more candles. Ever. I’m going to demolish every fucking candle factory this side of the Atlantic!”
Leo sighs, wriggles his legs, then hisses in pain. “I promise, no more candles. You don’t need to commit crimes for that.” His gaze moves from Easton over to me, and I see a faint rush of color hit his cheeks. “You’re here.”
“Uh. Yeah. Hi.”
He chokes on another cough. “The nurse told me Mr. Baylin made the 911 call.” His voice is raspy from the smoke inhalation.
“Yeah.” I walk closer to the bed, but I keep my distance so I don’t do something foolish, like fall into his arms and kiss the shit out of him. “He got you almost to the door before he couldn’t move you anymore. He’s really sorry about your legs.”
Leo frowns, and then his eyes go wide. “Oh my god. He can’t possibly think that was his fault.”