Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 49589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 248(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 248(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Pain held out his hand to steady me as I climbed off. He dismounted behind me, careful to keep a hand on me at all times. The older couple who’d met us on the road approached and the man held out his hand, reaching to take Pain’s. The two greeted each other with a smile, pulling it in for a quick hug and a clap on the back.
“Glad you made it safe, boy.”
“Thanks for the escort, Pops.” Pain smiled and swung his gaze to the woman. “Mama.” There was genuine warmth in his tone which wasn’t something I normally heard from him. Of course, I had never interacted with Pain outside of tightly contained constraints. It was yet another side of the man I found fascinating.
“We’re glad to make sure you get home safe, Dr. Raven.” Mama spoke to Pain like he was a favorite nephew or something. Definitely a family member. “Venus and Piston should be here soon.” She turned her attention to me and her smile softened. “Can I assume you’re Nadine Brentner?”
I nodded, “Yes. Thanks for riding with us.”
“You’re very welcome, dear. And, Pain, just so you know, your grandfather would be so proud of you.”
Pain snorted. “I doubt that. I mean, he would have once. But he’d have been appalled at my lack of control getting in that fight.”
Mama snorted. “I want it known I’m not speaking ill of the dead, I’m simply stating a fact. Me and Pops had to bail your grandfather out of jail more times for fighting than anyone else in Bones at the time.”
“Pretty sure he still holds the record,” Pops offered, a huge grin on his weathered face.
Pain had a startled look on his face before he narrowed his gaze. “You’re dickin’ with me.”
“Not in the least.” Mama’s warm laughter actually made me feel a little lighter. “No, trust me, Dr. Raven. He’d be very proud of the man you are.” She turned back to me. “Now. Nadine. Pain tells me you’re a nurse.”
“I am.” I wasn’t sure what to say or if small talk was appropriate. Mama projected calm and motherly trust. If I had secrets, I’d have felt safe giving them to her. I didn’t miss the hardness in her gaze, though. I’d seen the same look in the eyes of hardened criminals. Actually, no. I’m pretty sure Mama could be even harder than the men I’d met in the prison infirmary. There was no doubt she was dangerous, but she wasn’t indiscriminate with her skills.
“Good. You’ll understand why I want you to come with me to see Stitches so he can look you over.”
Mama’s smile didn’t falter, but I wasn’t under any illusion I had a choice in the matter. “Who’s Stitches?”
“Iron Tzars’ doctor. He’s expecting both you and Pain.” Her gaze flickered to Pain, smiling to take the sting out of the order.
“You know, Mama, I am a doctor. You pointed that out yourself.”
“Fully aware, young man. I’m also aware that, as a doctor, you are ethically bound not to treat yourself or any close family member.”
“Nadine’s not a family member.”
“Yet.”
“Mama…”
“Pain…”
They stared at each other before both of them chuckled.
* * *
Stitches was surprisingly thorough in his exam. Not in a creepy way, but in a way that showed he genuinely cared about my comfort. Once he was satisfied I was good, he sent us on our way with a warm handshake and a smile for both me and Pain.
Mama gave him a warm hug then turned back to us. “Come on. Iris has a room ready for you.”
All of a sudden, there was a little cry and a small figure practically flew around the corner from the club house and straight to Pops.
“Uh-oh,” Mama said, her smile widening with affection. “Here comes your girl, Pops.”
Pops turned and, spotting the child, knelt and held out his arms for her to run and jump into. She wrapped her skinny arms and legs around him in a death grip. The older man hugged her back, patting her back and rocking back and forth with her.
“There’s my girl! Guess who’s coming later?” She pulled back, a huge smile on her face and shook her head but didn’t say anything. “Venus…” He let the woman’s name hang in the air. The child’s eyes got wide and her fist bunched in Pops’s leather vest as she waited for him to tell her. I could tell whatever name Pops dropped to her better be the person she hoped it was or I might have to punch the older man for the girl. She looked so hopeful. He let the pause draw out for a moment before the girl slapped at his shoulder, her face scrunching up. Still, she didn’t say anything. “And she might be bringing Piston with her.” The little girl let out another squeal, kissed Pops on the cheek, then wiggled down and took off back around the corner of the clubhouse.