Conscience (The Bellator Saga Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

you stop doing that?” he asked.
    “She’s lost a lot of blood,” Christine hissed. “I’m trying to contain the damage here.”
    “You have a hell of a bedside manner.”
    “Just try to keep her conscious,” she snapped.
    “Come on, sweetheart.” Jack lightly slapped her face. “Stay here.”
    “Why do you two keep hitting me?” Caroline mumbled. “That’s really rude.”
    “I’m sorry, Caroline. I’m very sorry. About everything.”
    She didn’t care about his apologies right now, but she’d feel guilty if she didn’t express her own regrets as well. “I’m sorry I yelled at you.”
    “Just now, or before?”
    “Both, I think.” The room spun. She was very mixed up. “I don’t know. Mostly before. I’ve been yelling at you a lot.”
    “Don’t worry about that now. That was my fault. We can talk about that later.”
    “I love you,” she whispered.
    Jack kissed her forehead. “You’re going to be fine. I love you so much. I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
    “You’re a good man,” Caroline slurred, hoping Jack could hear her. The noise rushing through her ears made the room sound like a wind tunnel. Had anyone else noticed it? “You’re going to make a wonderful governor.”
    He pressed his lips to her forehead again. A clumsy gesture, as if he were trying to soothe himself more than her. “We don’t need to talk about that now, sweetheart. Just breathe and concentrate on the sound of my voice.”
    Her mind drifted. “Will you go to the hospital with me?”
    “You wouldn’t be able to keep me away if you tried.” His voice started to float away.
    “I love you,” she said again. Or had she spoken at all? She wasn’t sure.
    “Caroline!” She could hear Jack but he was being very quiet. “Stay here. Come on, baby. Stay here...”
    *              *              *              *              *
    Caroline blinked a few times and looked around. Her mouth was unbelievably dry. Sterile environment, beeping machines, bed with rails….she was in a hospital room. Ugh.
    Her left arm was bandaged and wrapped in a sling, and her right arm had an IV drip, containing what she hoped were some painkillers. Upon closer inspection, she seemed to be in a cast. Man, did she hurt. She felt a weight on her lower abdomen and lifted her head up to take a look. Not that she could see too much. She didn’t have spectacular vision and her contacts felt like small, pointy torture devices.
    Jack was asleep, his head on her hips, his arms draped idly across her stomach and legs. He must have been exhausted, since her pelvis seemed like it would be a very uncomfortable resting place. Caroline reached over to pet Jack’s hair. He started to wake up. She hadn’t intended to rouse him, but wanted to make sure he was comfortable.
    “Jack,” she croaked. It came out rough. She tried again and continued running her fingers through his hair, repeating his name.
    He raised his head slowly. “What?”
    He looked like he’d been hit by a truck. She brought her hand to his face, hoping that he could tell how happy she was to see him there.
    Jack yawned as she caressed his cheek. “Hi, sweetheart.”
    “Hi,” she said softly, pulling her hand away. “What time is it?”
    He checked his watch. “It’s almost midnight. Don’t try to talk.”
    “But-”
    He put his fingers to her lips. “Let’s get someone in here to take a look at you first. Do you remember what happened?”
    She nodded yes.
    “Are you in any pain?”
    She bit her lip and looked away, then nodded yes again as a tear rolled down her cheek.
    “Don’t cry,” Jack whispered. “It’ll be okay.” He wiped the tear away with his thumb, letting it linger for longer than necessary. She could still feel the heat of his touch even after he reluctantly pulled away. He gave her a small smile and stood up. “I’ll find a nurse. Don’t go anywhere.”
    *