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“On the streets, you’re in charge. In here, I’m in charge. Go.”

Her tone leaves no room for argument. Forge opens his mouth like he wants to argue.

“I’ll be here when you get back,” I say, my voice raspy.

My throat is so dry and it burns.

“Here, honey,” the nurse says, reaching for something on the side table. It’s a small cup with water. She gives the guys another stern look. Their shoulders sag and they leave the room, giving me a longing look before stepping out.

The nurse laughs, shaking her head.

“You’ve got your hands full with them two,” she says, bringing the straw near my lips.

I take a sip, then another.

“They’re great though,” I say.

“I bet they are. They’re the ones who brought you in. Made a whole scene in the ER. I bet people will be talking about that for years to come.”

“They did?”

“Are you surprised?” she asks, putting her hand on her hip.

I laugh a little, even though it hurts. “Not really.”

“They didn’t do anything wrong, just came in all frazzled, carrying you and making lots of demands. We see it from men like them often, but no one has ever been as demanding as the dark-haired one.

“That’s Forge for you.”

She smiles, then checks the machines and writes things down on a little notepad.

“Why am I hear?” I ask.

“Concussion is your diagnosis. We’re also keeping you for observation because the laceration on your head needed a few staples. It’s normal to not remember some things. It may come back to you in time, or maybe it won’t.”

“Oh no…”

“Do you know what you got hit with?”

“No idea,” I say with a shake of my head.

She nods, then finishes up what she needs to do, fixing my blankets and asking if I need anything.

“Food?”

“We can try some apple sauce. I’ll come back with it. Oh, and just to warn you, there is a Texas Ranger out there who needs to ask you some questions. He’s been waiting patiently. Is it okay to tell him to come in?”

Of course there is. There’s no avoiding this, so I say, “Yes, of course.”

“Best to do it while your boys are already busy. Don’t think he’ll let them be in here when he talks to you anyway.”

“Thank you.”

She shows me the button to press if I need anything, promises she will be back soon, and then she leaves.

A few seconds later, there is another knock on the door, and in walks Ranger Stephen.

“How are you feeling, Miss Forester?” he asks, a sympathetic look on his face.