Entangled: Sequel to Awakened Read Online Free PDF Page B

lift. Once they were all inside, the nurse pushed the button for the fourth floor.
    In a matter of moments a bell dinged announcing their arrival. Linc and Alistair stood back while the bed was pushed out. Room 16 was to be Aline’s for the duration of her stay. Linc held the door opened while the bed was eased inside.
    Xavier and Callie sat waiting.
    Aline’s bed was maneuvered into position, the wardsman patted her hand, wished her a speedy recovery and left.
    The nurse fussed for a few minutes before saying she would return with the much needed coffee, sandwiches and pain medication. She was barely out of the room when Callie rushed to her friend’s side. They hugged each other closely before Callie hopped up onto the bed. She ensured she stayed clear of Aline’s injured leg.
    “Your eyes are so black. You look like you have a Halloween mask on,” Callie said.
    “Landing on your face will do that,” Aline quipped.
    Callie giggled.
    “What?” Aline asked.
    “I can’t believe it’s taken you three years to fall down those steps. I have been holding my breath every time you had to walk down them.”
    “Gee, thanks for the sympathy,” Aline said with mock annoyance.
    “Well, I know how damn clumsy you are. How do you feel?”
    “I’ll live but I’m worried,” Aline confessed.
    Linc and Alistair stepped forward. “About what?” Linc asked.
    “I’m so worried about graduating, dad.” Tears pricked the back of her eyes.
    “We told you that we would go to the University and sort it out,” Alistair scolded. “You need to stop worrying, Aline.”
    “But, daddy. They may not agree.” The tears that had been threatening flowed as she sobbed.
    Linc scowled at Alistair for upsetting their daughter before he sat on the bed and gathered her to him. She sobbed into his chest.
    “May I interrupt?” Xavier asked.
    All eyes turned to the man seated in the shadows in the corner. They had completely forgotten he was there. He stood and moved closer. “May I ask what the University should agree to?” he asked Alistair.
    Alistair glanced at Linc who nodded for him to go ahead. “We hoped Aline could attend classes in a wheelchair,” he glanced at Callie. “We thought you could help her to and from class until she can manage crutches.”
    “Heaven help us. Can we bypass the crutches? I’m happy to push her around in a wheelchair,” Callie joked.
    “I thought you were my best friend? I knew there was a reason I only had boys for friends before I met you,” Aline retorted.
    “She is right though, sweetheart. You and crutches will be a rather dangerous combination.” Linc laughed.
    “I have to agree with them too, darling,” Alistair added.
    Aline huffed.
    Linc addressed Xavier who had been watching the byplay between Aline and her fathers. “We also hoped you would help Aline catch up on any classes she misses.”
    “I’d be happy to help her. I’m sure the University will agree to what you have suggested. In fact I can guarantee they will.” Xavier turned to Aline and smiled. “As your fathers have already said, stop worrying. It will be fine.”
    Heat shot to Aline’s core. God he’s handsome. How will I concentrate with him so close? “Thank you so much. I’m very grateful.”
    “It’s the least I can do,” he answered.
    The conversation quieted for a moment until Linc said, “I think it’s time we left and got some rest. It’s been a long day.”
    “Me too,” Callie agreed. She jumped down from the bed.
    Xavier waited quietly in the background while the men hugged and kissed their daughter and Callie hugged her friend. They all left together.
    At the same time, the dark haired nurse entered the room with a steaming hot mug of coffee, a plate of sandwiches and a syringe. She placed the food and drink on the bedside table and moved it in front of Aline. She then injected the pain medication into the I.V. “Call me if you need anything,” she said before leaving.
    Xavier waited for