It felt good to put on a set of dry clothes. I seemed more human this way. More normal. I checked my phone again. Gillian had been gone thirty minutes, but while she was having X-rays done, I decided to research the American actress.

With a quick search, there were thousands of hits on her name. I clicked on the first few news articles. There was a rundown on her fashion trends. I didn’t care. There was buzz about what award nominations she’d receive. I was more impressed the show had reached that level.

And then I saw the headline about her love life. I glanced at the door before clicking on the link. When the fuck had I done something this grade school? I skimmed the article.

I shoved my phone in my back pocket when the nurse appeared with Gillian. She was wearing a white fluffy robe and a pair of slippers.

“No leather?” I asked.

She twisted her lips together. “Wet clothes aren’t allowed for the X-ray machine.”

“I’m glad you’re more comfortable.”

She still cradled her arm. “Slightly. Wet leather isn’t my thing, but necessary for a vampire wrangler.”

I chuckled. “I had no idea.” What I did know, was she looked sexy as sin in leather. “Does your character always chase vampires in high heels and leather? That seems like a dangerous combination for a demon fighter.”

She sighed. “Mostly yes. Comes with the territory. But I do get to play with weapons.”

The nurse interrupted. “I’m going to get the images for Dr. Fines. We’ll be right back.”

“How does your arm feel?” I asked.

“Like I slammed into a wall.”

“We’re almost out of here. It shouldn’t be long now.”

The door opened and Dr. Fines walked in. There was a small group of doctors who worked this floor of the hospital. Dr. Fines had set my shoulder when I dislocated it playing rugby. He had stitched my brother Corbin’s chin after he fell from a tree in the orchard. I was certain he had healed all the Marquis children at one point in his career. It didn’t help that we were reckless and wild. I trusted him. I knew whatever his diagnosis would be, it would be the right one.

“Ahh, Miss Sparks. I have some good news.”

She leaned forward expectantly. “Please tell me.”

Dr. Fines placed his laptop next to her on the bed. He pointed to an image of her humerus.

“You can see here that the bone is intact. I’m not concerned about the shoulder joint. Everything looks fine.” He zoomed in. “And I don’t see any evidence of a fracture. There are no breaks.” He moved to the next slide. “Same with your radius and ulna. I can’t find anything.”

“That is good news.”

He looked at me. “But I can’t rule out a bone bruise. With this level of swelling and your description of the accident, I think it’s a likely possibility. The only way I can see a bruise is with an MRI.”

I saw the sudden panic in Gillian’s eyes. It was as if the strong stubborn woman was instantly overshadowed.

“Doc.” I placed a hand on his shoulder. “What if it is a bone bruise? How would you treat it?” I don’t know why I felt like I had to keep stepping in. Why I had to keep intervening, but it was as if there was an instinct that kicked in when I was near her.

He shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s not going to be immediate. It needs to be elevated. You need ice and anti-inflammatories. I can prescribe something extra for the pain.”

“No.” Gillian shook her head. “I don’t want anything extra. I can manage the pain. I have to stay clear for tomorrow.”

“Miss Sparks, you won’t be able to return to work tomorrow. The swelling is going to get worse before it gets better.”

“But how long?” she squeaked. “How long until I can work?”

“You may not be fully healed for at least a month.”

“A month? I have a day, maybe two. Lance is going to loose it if he hears this. I need to be better for tomorrow, Dr. Fines. Tomorrow.”

I thought Lance might be the director who was in the circle at the fountain. He had wandered off without enough concern for his actress. I didn’t give a shit right now what Lance thought. She needed to heal. She needed to take time off.

“My best advice, without the MRI, is that you rest this arm on pillows, use plenty of ice, and start taking those anti-inflammatories. It’s going to be swollen tomorrow. There’s no magic for that.” He turned. “If you change your mind about the scan, let me know. I’d hate for you to go home with something more serious.”

She shook her head. “No thank you. I’m fine. It’s a bruised bone. That makes sense.” I didn’t know if she was trying to convince us or herself.

“Thanks, Dr. Fines. Your service to the family is always appreciated.”

He smiled. “Of course.” He paused at the door. “Miss Sparks?”

“Yes?”

“Any chance you can tell me if Layla and Striker find the eternal flame this season?”

My jaw dropped. “You know who she is? And you watch a vampire show?”

He laughed. “Who doesn’t?”

Gillian smirked. “I’m afraid, I’d have to stake you if I told you that.”

He nodded. “I had to ask. Good night.”

I turned to face her. “I assume you are Layla?”

“I am.” She gingerly climbed down from the bed.

“You hunt vampires? Is that it?”

“It’s more complicated than that. Nothing is that black and white on the show. It’s one of the things I love about it. Everything is constantly evolving.”

I rubbed my jaw. “Evolving enough to include Layla’s injury?”

“Not that evolved. She’s basically untouchable. An injury like this can’t be part of the storyline. Lance is going to flip. I need to call him. I have to get back to the crew hotel.”

“You aren’t staying in a hotel tonight.”

She cocked her head to the side. “I have a room near the square where we were shooting. My things are there. I don’t need hospital care. You heard what Dr. Fines said. It’s a bone bruise. I just need to get ice on it for the rest of the night. And loads of ibuprofen.”

“You aren’t staying in the hospital either. I’m taking you back to the palace with me. You need someone to look after that arm.”

“I can look after my arm. But thank you for the invitation? It was an invitation, wasn’t it?”

“Not really.” I pulled the door open, nodding at the agents outside. “We’re ready,” I whispered to the two men.

“You can’t be serious? Is this a kidnapping?”

I turned toward her. “Not a kidnapping. I’m a prince. No need to kidnap anyone. Consider it my way of making up for ruining your shoot today. It’s a royal gesture. Would you accept a diplomatic offer to make amends? From my country to yours.” I winked.

I felt a smug sense of satisfaction. I was getting what he wanted. It was what I needed since I first laid eyes on her.

She twisted her lips together. They were beautiful and soft. Everything about this woman was exotic and alluring.

“You’re making fun of me.

“Not at all. But I would like you to come back to the palace with me. Will you?” I wasn’t used to asking for things I wanted. I usually took them. I made an exception this once.

She held her arm. “It’s sweet, really, but I’m sure someone on the crew will help me.”

“You mean the crew who let me take you here? The crew who hasn’t called or stopped by? That crew?” I raised my eyebrows. I wasn’t going to abandon her to a group of irresponsible staffers. She needed medical attention. I could tell she was still in pain, and her refusal to accept pain medication meant she was in for a long night.

“I-I’m sure…they are…they are…” She sighed. “I have no idea where they are,” she finally admitted.

“I promise the royal treatment. The best care in the country. You might as well be treated like a queen at my expense.”

She looked at the guards and then me. “I guess I can let Lance know where I am.”

I put an arm around her. “Wise choice, love. Let’s get you home.”