They rounded the final bend toward the wharf and relief poured through him.
Tyler slowed and guided the inflatable up onto the shore, clambered out and called, “I’ll go and let the doctor know what’s happened and that you’re on your way.”
“Do that. Fast.” With Saria in his arms, he stepped out and strode toward the doctor’s clinic as Tyler disappeared along the coral sandstone path ahead.
“You should let me walk.” Saria frowned as he crossed the bridged walkway over a garden-edged pond. “We’re attracting a lot of attention, and you’ve spent the past two weeks ensuring I remain invisible.”
“Then hide your head, because I’ve no intention of putting you down.” He should’ve instructed Tyler to bring them in via the beach’s side access near the meadow.
“Stubborn man.” With an arm wrapped around his neck, she dipped her head in close against his throat and nipped his skin. Heat raced through his veins as memories surged of her sucking the same spot last night. Hell, he needed her, and not just sexually. Something he’d have to address and soon.
At the clinic door, Tyler waved him in and he quickly forced his thoughts back into order.
“Dr. Hika’s in the rear surgical room,” Tyler instructed. “His last appointment for the day just left, and the area’s clear.”
“Thanks.” He marched inside and Tyler shut and locked the door with a snick. In the back room with its white walls, labeled cupboards, and shiny metal countertop, he gently set Saria down on a white-sheeted medical bed.
Dr. Hika stepped in front of Saria and stared into her eyes. “Tyler told me a stingray caught you across the back, and that you lost consciousness for a minute or so.”
“She did,” Ben answered for her. “Her sister taped and bandaged the wound as best as she could.”
“I’ll take a look.” The doctor pulled a tray of utensils forward, hastened around to the other side of the bed and removed the bandage Lydia had applied. “There aren’t any barbs, Saria, but I’ll need to clean this wound properly then I’ll stitch it. I’ll numb the area first. You’ll feel a pinch as the injection goes in.”
“It’s all right. I know the drill.” Knuckles white, she gripped the edge of the thin mattress. Ben rubbed her knee and she squeezed his hand. “I’m okay.”
“You won’t be okay until you’re healed.”
“Well, technically speaking, yes, but I’m still okay.”
Long minutes passed then finally the doctor applied a sterile bandage over the area. “Saria, you’ll need to keep these stitches dry for the next five days, and I’ll issue you with a prescription for pain relief. You can start the meds immediately. Follow the prescription for dosage.”
“Thank you.” Saria flinched. “And pain meds sound good.”
He wrote on his pad, tore the sheet off and handed it to Tyler. “Drop this into the pharmacy so they can fill it before they shut at five. The wait’s usually ten or fifteen minutes.”
“Will do.” Tyler eyed Ben. “I’ll return the moment it’s done.”
“If you have to wait for it, then run and move the inflatable around to the beach entrance on the meadow’s side. It’s quieter. I should have mentioned it before.”
“I know the entrance you’re talking about. I’ll lock the door as I leave.” Striding out, Tyler patted the weapon holstered under his shirt.
The doctor dropped his utensils into the automated cleaning machine on the bench then returned to Saria and gave her a smile. “How do you feel now?”
“Woozy. Sore.” Sweat beaded along her brow.
“As a precaution, I want someone to wake you every hour or two during the night.” The doctor glanced at him. “I also need to check the wound again first thing in the morning. Don’t worry about making an appointment. Just come straight in. I understand you’re trying to lay low.”
“Thanks, Doc. I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
“No problem.” His cell phone beeped and he checked the display. “Sorry, I’ve got another emergency down by the pool. I have to go, but stay as long as you need to.” The doctor flicked the lock as he raced out the door.
“I guess that means you’re on night duty.” Saria wriggled forward and he cupped her hips and helped her off the bed and onto her feet.
“I’ll gladly wake you every hour or two, although possibly not for the reason I wanted to.” He guided her to one of the gray metal chairs in the waiting room. “We’ll remain here until Tyler returns. Keep you out of sight.”
She rolled her shoulders and cried out. “Ow, I can’t do that. The wound is right between my shoulder blades where I want to stretch.”
“Then don’t.” He clasped her hands and looked into her eyes. “We need to talk.”
“If you’re going to ban me from swimming forever, then I’m not listening.”