"Cross my heart." He slowly drew an X over his chest.
"You could make up anything by then."
"Yeah, but if I make you wait, I know you'll show up."
"I'll be there, that's a given."
"Good. Pick you up at eight." He got in his car and drove off.
Time passed slowly for Anton. When he wasn't drugged and asleep, he was being bathed, fed or seen by interns. Maddox took him to see CV, but the old man didn't feel well enough to visit long. He finally asked Maddox for a deck of cards, and played solitaire or practiced card tricks. Maddox brought some of her intern friends to visit on their breaks, and he taught them how to play poker—well.
"Never play me with real money on the table. I'm ruthless, and I cheat."
"Can you teach us to do that, too?" Maddox asked.
"Sure, babe. And you might be as good as me in—oh—five years or more."
"Really?" she brightened.
"No, I also lie." He winked his good eye. "A lifetime has gone into this."
The highlight of his day was another visit from Tabitha. She made a show of checking his vitals, and threw out the interns, threatening them with scut work. Anton didn't know what that was, but it made them scatter.
"You're doing better today. Talking, not writing. How's the pain?"
"I can ignore it."
"That's not what I asked." She glowered, arms folded across her chest. "Pain level."
"Four." He wouldn't meet her eyes.
"Liar."
"Six. Are you happy?"
"Still lying, but better. I've taken a hit like you did. Hurts like a mother."
"I have a high pain threshold."
She raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"Believe what you want."
"I go to court tomorrow," she said very softly.
"Trouble?"
"Not for me. I'm testifying against the over zealous asshole. His actions gave Metro SWAT a huge black eye."
"You mean like mine?" He pointed to his swollen eye, smiled and flinched.
"I knew you were lying."
"Please. I hate not being in control. I feel vulnerable."
"You're safe here, Don. I promise. You can let down your guard."
"When you let down your guard, that's when they catch you."
"I'll do whatever I can to protect you," she whispered.
The door popped open and his nurse came in. "Time for your pain med. And don't you dare tell me no. I've got Dr. Lister for backup."
"Shoot him up," Tabitha said.
Anton knew he couldn't win. Sighing, he relaxed. "Hit me, baby."
Smiling, the nurse gave him his shot in the IV port. Anton kissed her hand, then took Tabitha's. He caressed her palm with his thumb before brushing his lips across her knuckles. The nurse left as suddenly as she'd arrived. Anton sighed softly, the medicine already taking effect.
"I fell for you before we even met. So beautiful, strong—lonely. Like me." His eyes drifted shut.
Before leaving, Tabitha kissed his forehead. "Sleep well," she whispered.
Although she technically had the day off, Eilene had to be in court for Oats' appearance. Her phone rang as she was getting out of the shower.
"Yes?" she gasped.
"You okay?" Newton asked. "You sound breathless."
"Just getting out of the shower."
"You're naked?"
He sounded so happy, she giggled.
"And—wet," she said breathlessly. "My hair's hanging in long—dripping tendrils, circling my breasts. My body is—moist."
He made a strange noise and dropped his phone. She heard fumbling and cursing.
"Jesus, Eilene! So unfair! Do you know what that does to me?"
"Yep."
"Evil. Pure evil. I called to see if you want a ride. I'm heading to court, too."
"Sure, but give me a few minutes. I'm—wet," she said in a husky whisper.
"Oh, you bitch," he laughed.
"When do I expect you?"
"Later than I thought. I have to go jack off now."
"What? What!"
©2021 Dellani Oakes
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