Page 94 of Brutal Truths

“Oh, shit.” The urgency in Aiden’s voice snaps my attention behind me. “Trent.”

No more laughing. Mr. Doyle is on his knees, clutching his chest, his skin already losing color, going pale in a way that tells me this isn’t nothing.

I immediately know what’s happening.

“Motherfucker.” I’m on my feet, no longer concerned about the man bleeding out slowly. “Someone get Jen.”

I’m across the room before anyone moves, dropping to the ground next to him. “Mr. Doyle, I believe you’re having a heart attack.”

“Trent,” he corrects, voice rough. Then tries to argue through shallow breaths. “I’m not having a fucking heart attack.”

A pause. A struggle for air.

“Weak men have those. I’m not a weak man.”

I ignore him.

Airway. Breathing. Circulation.

His airway is clear. He’s talking, even if it’s strained. His breathing is shallow, uneven, and his pulse⁠—

“What the fuck are you doing?” Trent swats at my hand.

“I’m checking your vitals.” I grab his wrist again, shifting to his neck before he can stop me. “Stop talking.”

His angry gaze meets mine.

Everything disappears for a second. Gold flecks mixed in with brown. The exact same pattern as mine staring back at me. None of my siblings have this. My mother didn’t, either. Hers were much darker.

But his… it’s like looking into a mirror.

I can’t stop staring, even though I’m trying to save his damn life.

“You have an irregular heartbeat—too fast. One-twelve.” I push my other thoughts aside and keep my voice clinical. “Your breathing is shallow, like you’ve just run a marathon, which I doubt you’ve ever done.” I drop back onto my heels and rest my hands in my lap. “All signs of a heart attack.”

I hold his gaze, refusing to let him dismiss it. “So, what’s it going to be? You want my help now, or should I wait until you pass out, and I have to give you CPR? Because that’s what I’ll do.”

When he refuses to answer, I tell him like it is, my voice sharp. “You aren’t dying on me, arsehole. I’ve got a ton of questions, and you’re the only one who can answer them.”

Someone taps me on the shoulder, and when I look up, it’s Jen.

“You should give him these,” she says, pressing two aspirins into my hands. “Have him chew them. If he refuses, wait until he passes out and then rub them on his gums or place them under his tongue.”

“I’m not taking any damn pills.” He grumbles as he lifts his hand to wipe the sweat pouring down his face. “I just need a good stiff drink.”

“You need a swift kick in the arse.” I hold the aspirin out in front of him. “Take them. Now. Or I’ll have Aiden hold your mouth open for me and then force them down. Don’t test me, Trent.”

Trent snags them and shoves them in his mouth, chewing with unnecessary force. A second later, his face twists, and he starts to spit them out.

“I’ll pick them off the floor and force them down you,” I warn, not breaking eye contact. “Try me.”

“You’re a pain in the arse.” He turns his head to look at Aiden. “This is the woman you’re willing to die for?”

“Yes.” Aiden reaches over and lays his hand on my leg. “Now shut up and listen to her… or when you pass out, I won’t let her revive you.”

“You’re fired.” Trent frowns, blinks rapidly like he’s fighting through it.

“You need to lie down.” I place my hands on his back and do my best to ease him backward. “Stop fighting me. Either do it yourself, or I’ll knock you down. It won’t take much. You know I can do it too. Remember how I knocked Drake on his arse earlier?”