Say Less I Love You Episode 14

Chapter 151

JACOB

My phone buzzes at 2 AM, Alexander's name flashing on the screen. Shit. These late-night calls never bring good news.

"What is it?" I ask, already getting dressed.

"One of my guys caught a bullet. Can't take him to a regular hospital - too many questions." Alexander's voice is tight with tension. "Need your help, Stone."

I rub my eyes, mind racing through options. "How bad?"

"Bad enough. Bleeding like a stuck pig. But he's conscious."

"Give me twenty minutes." I hang up and scroll through my contacts. Only one person I trust with this - Lori. She's worked the ER long enough to handle anything.

I find her number and dial. She answers on the fourth ring, groggy. "This better be good, Mr. Stone."

"Lori, I need a favor. Off the books. Someone's hurt."

"Hospital's that way," she says dryly.

"Can't. It's... complicated. I'll make it worth your time."

A long pause. "How worth my time?"

"Name your price. Plus, I'll owe you one."

She sighs. "Where?"

"I'll pick you up. Ten minutes."

"Make it fifteen. I need coffee for this shit."

When I pull up outside her apartment, Lori's waiting with a medical bag and two travel mugs. She slides into the passenger seat, handing me one of the coffees.

"This better not be what I think it is," she says.

"Probably worse." I take a sip. "Thanks for doing this."

"Don't thank me yet. Where's the patient?"

"Warehouse in Brooklyn. And Lori?" I glance at her. "This never happened."

She rolls her eyes. "No shit, Sherlock. Now drive."

I lead Lori into the warehouse, where Alexander paces near his injured associate. The moment he spots her, Alexander stops dead in his tracks. His usual smooth demeanor slips for a second as he takes her in.

"Alexander, meet Lori. She's here to help." I make the introduction, watching with interest as they lock eyes.

"A pleasure," Alexander says, his voice softer than I've ever heard it. "Thank you for coming at such an ungodly hour."

Lori sets down her medical bag, all business despite the electricity crackling between them. "Where's my patient?"

Alexander guides her to where his man lies bleeding. "Right here. Tony caught some heat during a... business disagreement."

"Business disagreement?" Lori arches an eyebrow as she pulls on latex gloves. "Is that what we're calling bullet wounds now?"

A smile tugs at Alexander's lips. "I like her, Stone. She's got fire."

"Less flirting, more helping," Lori orders, but I catch the hint of a blush on her cheeks. "Hand me that gauze."

Alexander jumps to assist, passing her supplies as she works. His eyes never leave her hands as she expertly treats the wound.

"Your technique is incredible," he murmurs, watching her suture. "Where did you learn to work like this?"

"ER at Stone Hospital. You see everything there." Lori ties off the last stitch. "Including plenty of 'business disagreements.'"

"You're a miracle worker," Alexander says, genuine admiration in his voice. "I don't know how to thank you."

"You could start by keeping your associates out of trouble," Lori suggests, stripping off her gloves.

Alexander grins. "No promises."

Once Alexander and his crew clear out, Lori corners me in the warehouse office. Her arms are crossed, and her expression could freeze hell over.

"What the hell are you doing, Jacob?" 

I lean against the desk, trying to appear casual. "Being a good Samaritan?"

"Cut the bullshit. I'm talking about Nyla." She steps closer, her voice dropping. "One minute you're all over her, the next you're back with Trixa. You're giving her whiplash."

"It's complicated," I say, running a hand through my hair.

"Complicated?" Lori scoffs. "Try explaining that to Nyla when she's crying on my shoulder at 3 AM. You think I enjoy watching my best friend's heart get trampled?"

"Look, there are things you don't understand-"

"Oh, I understand plenty," she cuts me off. "I understand you're mixed up in some shady shit with dangerous people. I understand you've got a fiancée who probably has no idea what you're up to. And I understand you're still in love with Nyla but too much of a coward to make a choice."

Her words hit like a punch to the gut. "How did you-"

"Hospital gossip travels fast," she says. "But that's not the point. The point is, you need to either commit to Nyla or let her go. This in-between bullshit? It stops now."

"Or what?"

Lori's eyes narrow. "Or I make your life very difficult. And trust me, Stone, I know enough about what goes on in that hospital to do some serious damage."

I study her face, seeing the fierce protectiveness there. "You really care about her, don't you?"

"More than you apparently do." She heads for the door, then pauses. "Fix this, Jacob. Before someone gets hurt worse than your friend with the bullet wound."

I lean back against the desk, studying Lori's fierce expression. "You know what? You're right. Nyla's lucky to have someone like you in her corner."

"Damn straight," Lori says, but her tone softens slightly.

"Better than that Anastasia woman, anyway." I shake my head, remembering how coldly she'd treated everyone at the hospital.

Lori's eyes roll so hard I'm surprised they don't get stuck. "Oh God, don't get me started on that one. She's bad news, Jacob. Like, seriously bad news."

"What do you mean?"

"I just don't trust her." Lori adjusts her medical bag on her shoulder. "And she's got Nyla wrapped around her finger."

I step forward, suddenly serious. "Lori, I need you to promise me something."

"If this is about keeping quiet about tonight-"

"No," I cut her off. "Promise me you'll always watch out for Nyla. Even when I can't."

She studies me for a long moment, then nods. "I always do. It's kind of my job description as best friend."

"Thank you," I say, meaning it.

Lori heads for the door, then turns back with a smirk. "Oh, and Jacob? My next check better be massive. Like, 'I can finally afford that beach house in the Hamptons' massive."

"Done," I laugh. "Consider it hazard pay for dealing with my mess."

"Your mess is right," she mutters, but there's a hint of a smile on her face as she leaves.