Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
KILLIAN
We all grab our whiskey and sit on the couch. The three of us are quiet, lost in our thoughts. It’s hard seeing her like this. We all want to fix it, but we can’t.
“Jamaica.” Carter says, and we turn to him.
Knox sits leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, glass dangling from his fingertips.
“Arizona. It rains there but not often outside of monsoon season.”
It’s a shame she didn’t get to see much of it. I think she’d like it.
“We should take her there first but I think she’d like it. Still, I want her to choose.”
My brothers nod in agreement. Like that, it’s decided. We will take her to different places, but ultimately, it’ll be her decision.
Three hours later there’s a light tap at the door and Knox goes to answer it.
Carter drags his hand down his face, probably still thinking about our earlier discussion. He has been researching places for hours.
“There’s no ocean in Arizona.”
I can’t help but laugh even though he’s right.
“You’re right. I guess we will see how set she is on the water.”
It’s a short flight either way.
We both rise to our feet as Knox brings the doctor in. There are two women, but I’m not sure which is the doctor.
The first woman is a tall brunette with classic features. Stretching her hand out, she smiles softly as I shake her hand.
“I’m Penelope Bonetti. I’m a psychologist and Bones' sister. This is Dr. Chloe Knight. We are here to see Miss Mancini.”
I nod and say, “Thank you for coming. She’s in the bedroom.”
Penelope stares at me as if she’s trying to figure me out, probably because we are obviously related to her but haven’t met. Hell, I didn’t even know she existed.
“I’ll be honest with you. I don’t know if you’ll be difficult like my brothers, but we need to see her alone. It’s in her best interest. She’s unlikely to open up about what happened in front of you.”
I don’t particularly love this stranger telling me what’s in Heather's best interest, but she’s probably right.
“I’ll tell you what. If she says she is comfortable being alone with you, we will allow it. If she says she’s not, you'll have to learn to deal with it. Acceptable?”
She nods, and I take her back to the bedroom. I walk in to find Heather tossing and turning frantically as she sobs. I walk over to the bed and try to wake her without touching her.
“No!” Her blood-curdling scream causes my brothers to run into the room. Dropping to my knees beside the bed, I fall apart as I talk to her.
“Baby, you're safe now. Open your eyes and look at me.”
Her face is drenched with tears, her breaths are harsh and uneven as her eyes shoot open.
“I’m sorry. I had a nightmare.”
I keep my hands to myself pushing away my need to have her in my arms.
“Don’t apologize. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
I exhale a deep breath.
“There are two doctors here to see you. They say it’s best for you to have privacy with them, but if you’re uncomfortable one of us will stay.”
She wipes her face and sits up in bed. Her cheeks flush pink when she notices the strangers in the room.
“It’s fine. I’ll be alright.”
I move when Knox brings a second chair in the room.
“If you need us we will be in the living room.”
She forces a smile on her face and glances at us one by one.
“Thank you.”
We walk out, leaving Heather once again.
My legs feel heavy as lead as I close the door behind me.
This is torture, and it’s like Carter all over again.
Wanting to help, but knowing I can’t. I’m a fixer by nature, but I can’t fix this, and it leaves a crushing pain in my chest. It’s hard to take a full breath and I can’t escape feeling like I’m being buried alive.