Chapter 123

Lake POV

I wanted to believe him. Wanted to trust that Rhodes could fix this like he’d fixed Troy, like he fixed everything. But Ollie had looked so still, so cold, so much like he was already gone.

“I need to go check on him,” Rhodes said, his eyes scanning my face with professional concern. “But first—have you been checked out? Lake, your face—”

“I’m fine,” I said automatically.

“You’re not fine. You have what looks like a broken nose, significant facial swelling, and God knows what else. I’m calling someone to examine you properly.”

“No,” I said, more forcefully this time. “No, I don’t need—I can’t focus on that right now. Ollie needs you. Please, Rhodes. Please just go take care of Ollie.”

Rhodes hesitated, clearly torn between his concern for me and his duty to his patient. Finally, he nodded. “Okay. But you’re getting checked out after, no arguments. Now, tell me—what can you tell me about Ollie’s medical history? Any conditions I sho