“Gentlemen, if you are going to discuss family politics, do it outside,” the doctor said firmly.

“My patient’s heart rate is climbing.”

Luke did not look at the doctor.

He stared down at me, his eyes filled with a desperate, protective rage.

“I’m not leaving this room, Marco,” Luke said.

Just then, the heavy latch of the patient door clicked.

The door swung open, and the shadow of a woman fell across the threshold.

My eyelids felt heavy, coated in a layer of dry grit.

The harsh fluorescent lights of the hospital room burned my retinas as I forced them open.

Nadia stood in the doorway.

Her leather jacket was dark with rain, and her eyes were wide with a mixture of panic and fury.

She looked past the doctor, past Marco, and locked her gaze onto Luke.

“Get away from her,” Nadia said.

Her voice was low, vibrating with a quiet rage that made Dr. Bennett step back.

Luke did not move.

He kept his hand near mine on the metal rail of the bed.

“Nadia, listen to me,” Luke said.