Fic: [NR] Firmly Entrenched in Actual Fact [3/6]
Firmly Entrenched in Actual Fact [3/6]
Word Count: section: 3,972; total: 24,428
Pairing: Dani/Matt at first then hints to Dani/Nico
Characters: Dr. Dani Santino; Nico Careles; Terrence “TK” King; Vivica; Lindsay Santino; Ray Jay Santino; Ray Santino; Gabrielle Pittman; Xeno
Spoilers: thru Episode: 1.13
Summary: Nico is not all-knowing. He cannot predict every bad thing that may happen. Nor can he be everywhere to stop everything.
Disclaimer: don’t own, just like rewriting the crazy
Author’s Note: a longer post-finale fic… one that fixes that crazy ending most of us screamed at.
Section 1
Section 2
-%-
Each change of breathing had Dani waking up to check on Terrence. She looked over at the clock and sighed since it was only 3 AM. She cupped Terrence’s cheek before she headed out to talk with Xeno.
“Xeno, where is he?” Dani asked softly.
“The boss went home about an hour ago, Doctor.” Xeno stated.
Dani eyed him. “Or is that what he told you to tell me if I asked?”
Xeno allowed a half smile at her words. “He did not leave orders to tell you that. And I do know that he left to head home just over an hour ago.”
Dani smiled at his wording. “Is it okay if I take a walk around the hospital? Or do I need one of you to do that?”
Xeno sighed. “I would prefer that you did not go alone, Doctor Santino, and I cannot accompany you.”
Dani sighed. “What if I do a few laps around this floor? I can’t sleep, Xeno.”
Xeno thought about what could happen to her, what Nico would say, and shook his head. “I can’t protect you and Mr. King if you are on the other side of the floor.”
Dani nodded. “I don’t want to make your job difficult, Xeno. Terrence is the important one to guard. I’ll stay here.”
“You are mistaken, Doctor, if you do not see how important you are to this team.” Xeno stated softly. “You help the players be better men. And you help make our jobs easier. Even the boss has to admit that the amount of stunts Mr. King pulls have dropped dramatically and the ones he does pull are more practical jokes now.”
Dani paused at Terrence’s door and turned back to face Xeno. She smiled at him. “Thank you, Xeno.” She reached out and patted his arm.
“Now will you let me take you to the hotel?”
This time, she only flinched. She sighed and looked over at Nico. “I thought you headed home over an hour ago.” The accusation was there.
“I did, to grab a bag for the hotel. It’s closer for the next few days.” Nico eyed her. “Please come to the hotel, Danielle.”
Dani frowned and looked into Terrence’s room. “I don’t-. He shouldn’t-.”
Nico sighed, finally realizing why she kept fighting to stay with Terrence. He followed her into Terrence’s room and put a hand on her shoulder. “Danielle,” he stated softly, turning her to face him, and reaching out to tilt her chin up to look into her eyes. “Danielle, you won’t lose him if you leave. He’s out of immediate danger.”
Dani shook her head. “I know that in my head, Nico, but that doesn’t mean my heart believes that right now.”
Nico sighed. “Did you really want to take a walk?”
“I don’t know. Every time his breathing changes, I wake up.” Dani sighed. “You need rest, Nico.”
Nico rolled his eyes. “This is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.”
Dani chuckled. “True.” She looked over at Terrence then back at Nico. “If you are really going to the hotel and are staying there and sleeping, I’ll keep my end of that agreement and go with you.”
Nico nodded. “You will know immediately if his status changes, Danielle.”
“Thank you, Nico. But the other part is that when you leave, I do too.”
Nico stared at her. “I never made that agreement. And how would you even know? Does this mean we need to share a room? Have adjoining rooms with the doors open? How far are you taking this, Danielle? Are you trying to prove you are my equal? I do not see this as a contest.”
Dani’s eyes hardened. “Did I say it was a contest? Even if it was, what would it prove? Certainly not who is better, just who is more hard-headed and stubborn.”
Nico blinked and studied her. He thought about her out-maneuvering him with the food, her refusals to rest unless he did, and her bullying him to allow her to handle Mrs. Pittman: it all tied back to him. His eyes narrowed as he realized it was her way of making sure he was taking care of himself-or that someone was.
Dani watched his eyes narrow as he finally realized just why she was being a pain in his ass about this. “Don’t tell me you can take care of yourself, Nico Careles, because right now, that would be a lie and you told me you don’t lie. Look in a mirror and you’ll see the lie yourself.”
Nico smiled and closed his eyes. He was giving in, he already knew it, didn’t like it, but he was tired and she was formidable when she was protecting someone-even from himself. “Just get your stuff, Danielle.”
She smiled at the frustration and strain in his voice, knowing this round she won.
-%-
He could hear the comment forming in her mind and snapped at her to stop it. “Not a word. Not a single word, Doctor Santino!”
Dani glared at him. “I was only going to say, Mr. Careles, that my home is only twenty minutes away. One night here won’t kill either of us, I would hope.”
Nico nodded, tired. “I do not think either of us would make a twenty-minute drive right now, Danielle.”
“I know, Nico.” Dani stopped there, recognizing that they were both too tired to hear each other. She turned back to the desk clerk to ask something but just shook her head and headed with Nico to the elevator.
Nico questioned her in the elevator. “What were you going to ask the desk clerk?”
Dani’s eyes were already closed so she missed his flinch at her answer. “Buy t-shirt sleep.”
Nico frowned-she had let her exhaustion go to the point where her words weren’t even strung together to make coherent sentences. He sighed and took her arm and steered her out of the elevator to their room. He led her to the bed by the window and she fell right on it and curled up on her side-not even bothering to take her boots off. He smiled and shook his head then unzipped her boots and pulled them off before throwing the comforter over her.
He used the bathroom to change then passed out on the other bed.
-%-
Something woke her at 630 AM. It took her a moment to remember coming to the hotel with Nico at 330 AM. She remembered nearly laughing that they had to share a room until he snapped at her. Her boots were off but she knew she had passed out before taking them off. She rolled over to look at the man, surprisingly he was still asleep in the other bed. Frowning, she supposed it could have been worse: the last room could have been a room with only a king bed.
That thought sent her fleeing to the bathroom. She washed her face and debated on a shower. She really needed to go home-a third day in these clothes would not be a good thing. She should have grabbed the change of clothes she kept at the stadium but after the Viper’s surprise visit, she had completely forgotten about it.
Her phone buzzed on the counter beside her and she was quick to pick it up and say hello.
“Doctor Santino, this is Xeno. Mr. King is awake and anxious. He is demanding your presence.”
Dani sighed. “Have you called Nico? Don’t do it. I’ll leave him a note. Can someone pick me up at the hotel? Nico should get some more sleep.”
Xeno sighed. She was right: the boss did need sleep. But he wasn’t sure about picking her up. “I haven’t called the Boss yet. At least one of the guys will meet you in the lobby by the elevator in less than five minutes.”
“Thanks, Xeno.” Dani took one last look in the mirror before she pulled her back straight and moved to sneak out of the hotel room. She left a note and made it out the door before she breathed again. He was going to be pissed, she knew, but they both didn’t need to handle this situation.
-%-
Nico heard the click, rolled off the bed, and scanned for Dani. He frowned when he found her bed empty. There was no sound from the bathroom. Where the hell-? Then his eyes fell on the note on her pillow.
He swore even as his heart rate continued to accelerate. She was going to kill him. She was entirely too close and she was either going to kill him or send him over the edge. And neither option was viable at this time.
Nico read the note as his phone went off. Speak of the devil! “What the hell was-.”
-%-
“Stop, Nico. Why do you think I am calling? I knew it was wrong as soon as I was in the elevator. But two of your men just flanked me as I got out. You can talk with one of them.” And Dani handed over the phone to the guy on her left.
“Boss, we were told to pick her up. TK is freaking out on hospital staff and demanding the Doc.” He listened for a moment then stated, “Xeno gave the orders.”
-%-
Nico sighed. He knew why Xeno had called Danielle but his man had put the woman at risk-minimal risk, but still at risk. And he’d bet Danielle told Xeno not to call him.
He showered, changed, and headed to the hospital after checking out of the hotel twenty minutes later.
-%-
“Boss, I know I put her at risk. I shouldn’t have let her change my mind about calling you but you didn’t hear her voice. And I can’t say I was wrong in following her request after seeing her this morning. You look rested, Boss. She looks like shit but she single-handedly calmed Mr. King, and then yelled at him for causing the disruption to the hospital staff. He’s passed out but she refuses to leave again. It’s the third day she’s been in those clothes, Boss. She needs to get home to at least shower and change. But she’s not listening to me, Frank, or Gino.”
“Don’t you dare yell at him, Nico.” Dani was in the doorway of TK’s room, her hands on her hips, her voice was low but hard-and her eyes were exhausted.
Nico stared her down. “Then you are coming with me right now.” When she started to shake her head ‘no’, he growled. “Now, Danielle!” Then he did the one thing she wasn’t expecting: he held out his hand to her.
Dani looked down at his outstretched hand then up into his eyes and nodded as she put her hand in his. She made it to the elevator before she stumbled-it was a feat that surprised her.
Nico quickly let go of her hand and pulled her to his side to steady her. “Danielle, you need to take care of yourself if you plan to take care of the rest of us.”
Dani nodded. “Next time.” She rested her head on him and closed her eyes. “Nico, I need to go home,” she admitted softly, her eyes still closed.
“Car. Service entrance. Now.” Nico barked into his phone as the elevator came to a stop.
She stumbled again as they were exiting the elevator. Nico frowned, stopped them, and lifted her up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, dropped her head to his shoulder, and whispered, “I’m sorry, Nico.”
“I know, Danielle,” he whispered to her as one of his men opened the service door for them. He made their way to the passenger seat of the Lincoln. He got her in, closed her door, talked with his men for a moment, then got in the driver’s seat and headed to Dani’s house.
Once he pulled into Dani’s driveway, he got out, talked to another of his men, then made his way to the passenger door and lifted her into his arms again.
Dani’s hand reached out and grabbed his arm as he shifted her to her bed. “Stay. Please. Safe.”
Nico put his hand over hers and moved it back to the bed. “My bag’s in your guest room, Danielle.”
“Safe with you.” Dani mumbled.
Nico fled the room. He paced the guest room. He knew she was exhausted but he also doubted she would sleep too long right now. He’d give her three hours and count it a success. The shower and change of clothes would also do wonders, but they needed to discuss a schedule because this could not happen again.
-%-
Three hours later he walked into her bedroom and swore. She wasn’t there, the adjoining bathroom door was wide open, showing she wasn’t in there either.
“Third damn time!” Nico muttered. He had closed his eyes for what? Thirty minutes? He shook his head and made his way down to the kitchen-where he heard voices.
Two of his men were finishing up breakfast, Dani was cooking something at her stove, and the coffee was ready.
“Morning, Nico. Boys, stick your plates in the sink.” Dani said as she herd chairs scraping.
He nodded to his men as they headed out and he grabbed a cup of coffee. “Danielle, we need to talk.”
Dani glanced over at him and nodded. “I know. Give me five minutes to finish our breakfasts and we’ll talk and eat.”
Nico sat at the peninsula and watched her.
Dani smiled as she placed a plate in front of him then moved around to sit next to him. She took a bite then decided to talk first. “Thank you, Nico; for making me leave earlier and for carrying me when I practically fell at your feet from exhaustion.”
“And stress. You take on too much.” Nico nodded.
Dani chuckled. “I remember a pot and kettle discussion earlier too.” Then she refocused the conversation. “I won’t let this happen again, Nico. I’ll schedule my time better. A few hours in the morning with TK, a big chunk at the stadium for the players and their families, a quick stop in to see TK, then dinner with my kids, followed by a few more hours with TK, then back here.”
Nico nodded, turning back to his food. He was finding the less said to her, the better at times.
Dani placed a hand on his arm, bringing his eyes back to her. “Who is on my detail? And how is questioning the shooter going?”
Nico’s eyes narrowed. “Now you want an answer to that? Last time you made sure to look away first before asking.”
Dani frowned. “I don’t want to fight, Nico.”
“Frank is heading your four-man detail. They will drive you everywhere. Make sure they know your schedule in advance so they can be ready.” Nico answered her first question. “The shooter was hired. I am still working on the payee.”
Dani nodded and went back to eating breakfast. “She thinks she owns me.” The words came out before she could stop them.
Nico snorted. “She thinks she owns everyone.”
Dani blinked. “Including you?”
“Especially me.” The words came out harsher and bitterer than he intended-another sign the woman sitting next to him was getting too close and he need to take some steps back from her.
Dani nodded and stood to move over to the sink. She left him to his thoughts and pushed her own aside.
-%-
“Nico, mind my words,” Dani told him as she got out of his car before she entered the hospital. She spent time laying down her new schedule to TK then listened to him. She smiled at Vivica as she entered the room.
Frank stepped up beside her as she left TK’s room and headed for the nurse’s station to find Amy.
“You look better-your man in black finally get you to rest?” Amy asked.
Dani laughed. “Let’s say I got him to rest and he got me to rest.” She handed Amy back her Crocs. “Thanks. Don’t worry: I’ll carry my own soon enough.”
Amy took them laughing.
-%-
At the stadium, Dani talked with the five players and set times for them and their families to see her, then made times for Booz and Caldwell. She frowned when she still hadn’t heard from Nico’s other two men.
“Frank, who was on TK’s detail who were ditched that night?” Dani asked.
“You spoke with Finn, Tony, and Kul. I doubt the other two will see you.”
Dani’s eyes hardened. “Names, Frank.”
He sighed. “Gino and Bogie.”
“You tell them I do not care about their assignments. They are at my house at 10 PM tonight. If they aren’t, not even Nico will be able to help them, capisci?” Dani glared.
Frank flinched. “Yes, ma’am.”
Dani nodded. “Thank you.” Then she turned back to her notes and wondered if the Viper would make another surprise visit.
-%-
“Mom, when can we see TK again?” Ray Jay asked at dinner.
“I don’t think that-.” Ray started.
“Tomorrow evening. Your detail will bring you to the hospital for dinner. TK can use some energy around him-just not too much.” Dani cut Ray off. She ignored his glare. “How’s school been?”
“Everyone keeps asking us about him.” Ray Jay sighed. “I’m tired of it. They don’t get he’s a friend.”
“I know, and I’m sorry, Ray Jay.” Dani sighed. “He’s doing much better. Hates being tied to a bed.”
“Can I bring xBox?”
Dani laughed. “Only if you go easy on him.” She turned toward her daughter who had been unusually quiet. “Lins, what’s wrong?”
Dani spotted the quick glanced at her father before Lindsay shook her head. “Nothing.”
She didn’t believe her daughter for a minute but she’d wait to corner her daughter when they were alone.
“Lindsay, talk to me. I may not be able to help but I am always willing to listen.” Dani followed her up to her room.
“He doesn’t stop, Mom. He’s constantly cutting you down for putting us in danger. He’s talked to the teachers and the principal-even Ray Jay’s coach.” Lindsay whispered.
Dani froze as she saw red. She would kill Ray. She forced herself to nod and keep her voice calm. “I’ll take care of this, Lins. I promise. I’ll stop in at school tomorrow and then I’ll talk with your father.” She went over and hugged her daughter. “I’m sorry you and your brother are being put in the middle of this.”
“He’s really pissing me off, Mom. I know scary security dude will keep us and you safe but Dad’s constant harping on it is driving me nuts.”
Dani pulled back and caressed her cheek. “I know. I’ll handle it.”
-%-
“Frank, change in schedule tomorrow. I need to be at the kids’ school tomorrow at 9 AM. Then I want to talk with one of Nico’s investigators. I need one to start digging into my jackass ex’s past. He wants to play dirty? Fine!”
Frank looked over at the venom in Dani’s voice. She was furious. “Okay. Nico should be at your house after we return from the hospital-.”
“No. He’s got enough to handle. This is my jackass ex. I’ll handle him.” Dani cut him off.
“Doc, I don’t doubt that but I think Nico already has the stuff you want.” Frank explained.
Dani sighed. “I didn’t want him to know. He’ll try to fix this.”
“Sometimes he is better at this sort of thing, Doc,” Frank stated quietly.
“Can you talk with the kids’ detail? They want to come to the hospital for dinner with TK. I was thinking 5-7 PM.”
Frank nodded. “Sure thing.”
“And why are you still on, Frank? I thought there are four of you.” Dani asked.
Frank chuckled. “I figured today I’d test the schedule and see when good rotations fit in.”
They spent over two hours at the hospital before they headed back to the house. Dani put coffee on and waited for the last two men of the ditched detail to arrive.
At 1005 PM, she opened the back door and spoke to her guard. “You get on the phone to Gino and Bogie and tell them to get their asses here. If I have to do it, trust me, Nico’s way would be prettier.”
“They are on-.”
“Don’t care. They were warned. I don’t hear from them in 5, they’ve had their warnings.” Dani cut the man off. “Oh, and coffee’s ready if you would like some.”
The man eyed the door a half minute, debating what to do before he put in calls to Gino and Bogie.
At 1015 PM, she texted Frank to tell him to plan another schedule change: they would be stopping wherever Gino and Bogie would be after dealing with the school. Frank texted her back with only a smiley face.
-%-
Nico flinched when he heard her speak his name from the living room. He stepped into the doorway to the room to watch her wipe the sleep out of her eyes and stack files off her lap. He glanced at the clock to see it was after 1 AM and sighed. “Why aren’t you asleep?”
“Because I needed to talk with you. Frank thought you would be home earlier, I figured it would be later, and I wasn’t sure when you would leave in the morning,” Dani stated as she stood.
Nico studied her as she moved closer. “Another visit from Mrs. Pittman?”
Dani smiled. “No.” She stopped in front of him, thankful the doorway had more light so she could read his eyes. “Did you investigate my husband’s affairs or have some investigator do it?”
Nico swallowed: this was an unexpected minefield. “Yes.”
Dani nodded. “Good. I need the files.”
Nico’s face betrayed his confusion. “Why now? I thought the divorce was final.”
Dani nodded again. “It is. But I asked Frank to see one of your investigators and he thought you had the reports still.”
Nico knew an evasion when he heard one. His eyes narrowed. “Why now, Danielle?” He asked quietly.
Dani sighed. “Because he’s being a jackass. I don’t want you-.”
“Danielle, what is he doing?” Nico was tired enough to let a bit of frustration show. “It’s been a long day.”
“He’s pissing Lindsay off. He talked with their teachers and principal, even Ray Jay’s coach about the danger I have put my kids in. I promised him when I talked with him and the kids at the hospital, when we gave the kids the panic buttons, that there would be consequences if he started trouble with the custody agreement. I told him I could stand the embarrassment of airing his dirty secrets.” Dani’s eyes narrowed.
Nico frowned. “Danielle, let me talk with him. I won’t hurt him, but maybe it would be better for your kids if this stopped before that.”
Dani’s anger evaporated and she sagged a bit. “He just made me so mad, Nico. Lins is hurting.”
He nodded. “I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow afternoon.” He smiled down at her. “I know you can handle him, Danielle.”
Dani frowned. “He’s still going to think I ran to you.”
Nico laughed. “He will not even have a clue, Danielle. I promise you that.”
Dani studied him with narrowed eyes. “If I didn’t know you, Nico, you’d almost scare me.”
He frowned, not liking her admission. “Almost? Everyone else is petrified of me.”
Dani laughed as she moved passed him and up the stairs. “Good night, Nico.”
He shook his head and headed up to the guest room.
Word Count: section: 3,972; total: 24,428
Pairing: Dani/Matt at first then hints to Dani/Nico
Characters: Dr. Dani Santino; Nico Careles; Terrence “TK” King; Vivica; Lindsay Santino; Ray Jay Santino; Ray Santino; Gabrielle Pittman; Xeno
Spoilers: thru Episode: 1.13
Summary: Nico is not all-knowing. He cannot predict every bad thing that may happen. Nor can he be everywhere to stop everything.
Disclaimer: don’t own, just like rewriting the crazy
Author’s Note: a longer post-finale fic… one that fixes that crazy ending most of us screamed at.
Section 1
Section 2
-%-
Each change of breathing had Dani waking up to check on Terrence. She looked over at the clock and sighed since it was only 3 AM. She cupped Terrence’s cheek before she headed out to talk with Xeno.
“Xeno, where is he?” Dani asked softly.
“The boss went home about an hour ago, Doctor.” Xeno stated.
Dani eyed him. “Or is that what he told you to tell me if I asked?”
Xeno allowed a half smile at her words. “He did not leave orders to tell you that. And I do know that he left to head home just over an hour ago.”
Dani smiled at his wording. “Is it okay if I take a walk around the hospital? Or do I need one of you to do that?”
Xeno sighed. “I would prefer that you did not go alone, Doctor Santino, and I cannot accompany you.”
Dani sighed. “What if I do a few laps around this floor? I can’t sleep, Xeno.”
Xeno thought about what could happen to her, what Nico would say, and shook his head. “I can’t protect you and Mr. King if you are on the other side of the floor.”
Dani nodded. “I don’t want to make your job difficult, Xeno. Terrence is the important one to guard. I’ll stay here.”
“You are mistaken, Doctor, if you do not see how important you are to this team.” Xeno stated softly. “You help the players be better men. And you help make our jobs easier. Even the boss has to admit that the amount of stunts Mr. King pulls have dropped dramatically and the ones he does pull are more practical jokes now.”
Dani paused at Terrence’s door and turned back to face Xeno. She smiled at him. “Thank you, Xeno.” She reached out and patted his arm.
“Now will you let me take you to the hotel?”
This time, she only flinched. She sighed and looked over at Nico. “I thought you headed home over an hour ago.” The accusation was there.
“I did, to grab a bag for the hotel. It’s closer for the next few days.” Nico eyed her. “Please come to the hotel, Danielle.”
Dani frowned and looked into Terrence’s room. “I don’t-. He shouldn’t-.”
Nico sighed, finally realizing why she kept fighting to stay with Terrence. He followed her into Terrence’s room and put a hand on her shoulder. “Danielle,” he stated softly, turning her to face him, and reaching out to tilt her chin up to look into her eyes. “Danielle, you won’t lose him if you leave. He’s out of immediate danger.”
Dani shook her head. “I know that in my head, Nico, but that doesn’t mean my heart believes that right now.”
Nico sighed. “Did you really want to take a walk?”
“I don’t know. Every time his breathing changes, I wake up.” Dani sighed. “You need rest, Nico.”
Nico rolled his eyes. “This is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.”
Dani chuckled. “True.” She looked over at Terrence then back at Nico. “If you are really going to the hotel and are staying there and sleeping, I’ll keep my end of that agreement and go with you.”
Nico nodded. “You will know immediately if his status changes, Danielle.”
“Thank you, Nico. But the other part is that when you leave, I do too.”
Nico stared at her. “I never made that agreement. And how would you even know? Does this mean we need to share a room? Have adjoining rooms with the doors open? How far are you taking this, Danielle? Are you trying to prove you are my equal? I do not see this as a contest.”
Dani’s eyes hardened. “Did I say it was a contest? Even if it was, what would it prove? Certainly not who is better, just who is more hard-headed and stubborn.”
Nico blinked and studied her. He thought about her out-maneuvering him with the food, her refusals to rest unless he did, and her bullying him to allow her to handle Mrs. Pittman: it all tied back to him. His eyes narrowed as he realized it was her way of making sure he was taking care of himself-or that someone was.
Dani watched his eyes narrow as he finally realized just why she was being a pain in his ass about this. “Don’t tell me you can take care of yourself, Nico Careles, because right now, that would be a lie and you told me you don’t lie. Look in a mirror and you’ll see the lie yourself.”
Nico smiled and closed his eyes. He was giving in, he already knew it, didn’t like it, but he was tired and she was formidable when she was protecting someone-even from himself. “Just get your stuff, Danielle.”
She smiled at the frustration and strain in his voice, knowing this round she won.
-%-
He could hear the comment forming in her mind and snapped at her to stop it. “Not a word. Not a single word, Doctor Santino!”
Dani glared at him. “I was only going to say, Mr. Careles, that my home is only twenty minutes away. One night here won’t kill either of us, I would hope.”
Nico nodded, tired. “I do not think either of us would make a twenty-minute drive right now, Danielle.”
“I know, Nico.” Dani stopped there, recognizing that they were both too tired to hear each other. She turned back to the desk clerk to ask something but just shook her head and headed with Nico to the elevator.
Nico questioned her in the elevator. “What were you going to ask the desk clerk?”
Dani’s eyes were already closed so she missed his flinch at her answer. “Buy t-shirt sleep.”
Nico frowned-she had let her exhaustion go to the point where her words weren’t even strung together to make coherent sentences. He sighed and took her arm and steered her out of the elevator to their room. He led her to the bed by the window and she fell right on it and curled up on her side-not even bothering to take her boots off. He smiled and shook his head then unzipped her boots and pulled them off before throwing the comforter over her.
He used the bathroom to change then passed out on the other bed.
-%-
Something woke her at 630 AM. It took her a moment to remember coming to the hotel with Nico at 330 AM. She remembered nearly laughing that they had to share a room until he snapped at her. Her boots were off but she knew she had passed out before taking them off. She rolled over to look at the man, surprisingly he was still asleep in the other bed. Frowning, she supposed it could have been worse: the last room could have been a room with only a king bed.
That thought sent her fleeing to the bathroom. She washed her face and debated on a shower. She really needed to go home-a third day in these clothes would not be a good thing. She should have grabbed the change of clothes she kept at the stadium but after the Viper’s surprise visit, she had completely forgotten about it.
Her phone buzzed on the counter beside her and she was quick to pick it up and say hello.
“Doctor Santino, this is Xeno. Mr. King is awake and anxious. He is demanding your presence.”
Dani sighed. “Have you called Nico? Don’t do it. I’ll leave him a note. Can someone pick me up at the hotel? Nico should get some more sleep.”
Xeno sighed. She was right: the boss did need sleep. But he wasn’t sure about picking her up. “I haven’t called the Boss yet. At least one of the guys will meet you in the lobby by the elevator in less than five minutes.”
“Thanks, Xeno.” Dani took one last look in the mirror before she pulled her back straight and moved to sneak out of the hotel room. She left a note and made it out the door before she breathed again. He was going to be pissed, she knew, but they both didn’t need to handle this situation.
-%-
Nico heard the click, rolled off the bed, and scanned for Dani. He frowned when he found her bed empty. There was no sound from the bathroom. Where the hell-? Then his eyes fell on the note on her pillow.
He swore even as his heart rate continued to accelerate. She was going to kill him. She was entirely too close and she was either going to kill him or send him over the edge. And neither option was viable at this time.
Nico read the note as his phone went off. Speak of the devil! “What the hell was-.”
-%-
“Stop, Nico. Why do you think I am calling? I knew it was wrong as soon as I was in the elevator. But two of your men just flanked me as I got out. You can talk with one of them.” And Dani handed over the phone to the guy on her left.
“Boss, we were told to pick her up. TK is freaking out on hospital staff and demanding the Doc.” He listened for a moment then stated, “Xeno gave the orders.”
-%-
Nico sighed. He knew why Xeno had called Danielle but his man had put the woman at risk-minimal risk, but still at risk. And he’d bet Danielle told Xeno not to call him.
He showered, changed, and headed to the hospital after checking out of the hotel twenty minutes later.
-%-
“Boss, I know I put her at risk. I shouldn’t have let her change my mind about calling you but you didn’t hear her voice. And I can’t say I was wrong in following her request after seeing her this morning. You look rested, Boss. She looks like shit but she single-handedly calmed Mr. King, and then yelled at him for causing the disruption to the hospital staff. He’s passed out but she refuses to leave again. It’s the third day she’s been in those clothes, Boss. She needs to get home to at least shower and change. But she’s not listening to me, Frank, or Gino.”
“Don’t you dare yell at him, Nico.” Dani was in the doorway of TK’s room, her hands on her hips, her voice was low but hard-and her eyes were exhausted.
Nico stared her down. “Then you are coming with me right now.” When she started to shake her head ‘no’, he growled. “Now, Danielle!” Then he did the one thing she wasn’t expecting: he held out his hand to her.
Dani looked down at his outstretched hand then up into his eyes and nodded as she put her hand in his. She made it to the elevator before she stumbled-it was a feat that surprised her.
Nico quickly let go of her hand and pulled her to his side to steady her. “Danielle, you need to take care of yourself if you plan to take care of the rest of us.”
Dani nodded. “Next time.” She rested her head on him and closed her eyes. “Nico, I need to go home,” she admitted softly, her eyes still closed.
“Car. Service entrance. Now.” Nico barked into his phone as the elevator came to a stop.
She stumbled again as they were exiting the elevator. Nico frowned, stopped them, and lifted her up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, dropped her head to his shoulder, and whispered, “I’m sorry, Nico.”
“I know, Danielle,” he whispered to her as one of his men opened the service door for them. He made their way to the passenger seat of the Lincoln. He got her in, closed her door, talked with his men for a moment, then got in the driver’s seat and headed to Dani’s house.
Once he pulled into Dani’s driveway, he got out, talked to another of his men, then made his way to the passenger door and lifted her into his arms again.
Dani’s hand reached out and grabbed his arm as he shifted her to her bed. “Stay. Please. Safe.”
Nico put his hand over hers and moved it back to the bed. “My bag’s in your guest room, Danielle.”
“Safe with you.” Dani mumbled.
Nico fled the room. He paced the guest room. He knew she was exhausted but he also doubted she would sleep too long right now. He’d give her three hours and count it a success. The shower and change of clothes would also do wonders, but they needed to discuss a schedule because this could not happen again.
-%-
Three hours later he walked into her bedroom and swore. She wasn’t there, the adjoining bathroom door was wide open, showing she wasn’t in there either.
“Third damn time!” Nico muttered. He had closed his eyes for what? Thirty minutes? He shook his head and made his way down to the kitchen-where he heard voices.
Two of his men were finishing up breakfast, Dani was cooking something at her stove, and the coffee was ready.
“Morning, Nico. Boys, stick your plates in the sink.” Dani said as she herd chairs scraping.
He nodded to his men as they headed out and he grabbed a cup of coffee. “Danielle, we need to talk.”
Dani glanced over at him and nodded. “I know. Give me five minutes to finish our breakfasts and we’ll talk and eat.”
Nico sat at the peninsula and watched her.
Dani smiled as she placed a plate in front of him then moved around to sit next to him. She took a bite then decided to talk first. “Thank you, Nico; for making me leave earlier and for carrying me when I practically fell at your feet from exhaustion.”
“And stress. You take on too much.” Nico nodded.
Dani chuckled. “I remember a pot and kettle discussion earlier too.” Then she refocused the conversation. “I won’t let this happen again, Nico. I’ll schedule my time better. A few hours in the morning with TK, a big chunk at the stadium for the players and their families, a quick stop in to see TK, then dinner with my kids, followed by a few more hours with TK, then back here.”
Nico nodded, turning back to his food. He was finding the less said to her, the better at times.
Dani placed a hand on his arm, bringing his eyes back to her. “Who is on my detail? And how is questioning the shooter going?”
Nico’s eyes narrowed. “Now you want an answer to that? Last time you made sure to look away first before asking.”
Dani frowned. “I don’t want to fight, Nico.”
“Frank is heading your four-man detail. They will drive you everywhere. Make sure they know your schedule in advance so they can be ready.” Nico answered her first question. “The shooter was hired. I am still working on the payee.”
Dani nodded and went back to eating breakfast. “She thinks she owns me.” The words came out before she could stop them.
Nico snorted. “She thinks she owns everyone.”
Dani blinked. “Including you?”
“Especially me.” The words came out harsher and bitterer than he intended-another sign the woman sitting next to him was getting too close and he need to take some steps back from her.
Dani nodded and stood to move over to the sink. She left him to his thoughts and pushed her own aside.
-%-
“Nico, mind my words,” Dani told him as she got out of his car before she entered the hospital. She spent time laying down her new schedule to TK then listened to him. She smiled at Vivica as she entered the room.
Frank stepped up beside her as she left TK’s room and headed for the nurse’s station to find Amy.
“You look better-your man in black finally get you to rest?” Amy asked.
Dani laughed. “Let’s say I got him to rest and he got me to rest.” She handed Amy back her Crocs. “Thanks. Don’t worry: I’ll carry my own soon enough.”
Amy took them laughing.
-%-
At the stadium, Dani talked with the five players and set times for them and their families to see her, then made times for Booz and Caldwell. She frowned when she still hadn’t heard from Nico’s other two men.
“Frank, who was on TK’s detail who were ditched that night?” Dani asked.
“You spoke with Finn, Tony, and Kul. I doubt the other two will see you.”
Dani’s eyes hardened. “Names, Frank.”
He sighed. “Gino and Bogie.”
“You tell them I do not care about their assignments. They are at my house at 10 PM tonight. If they aren’t, not even Nico will be able to help them, capisci?” Dani glared.
Frank flinched. “Yes, ma’am.”
Dani nodded. “Thank you.” Then she turned back to her notes and wondered if the Viper would make another surprise visit.
-%-
“Mom, when can we see TK again?” Ray Jay asked at dinner.
“I don’t think that-.” Ray started.
“Tomorrow evening. Your detail will bring you to the hospital for dinner. TK can use some energy around him-just not too much.” Dani cut Ray off. She ignored his glare. “How’s school been?”
“Everyone keeps asking us about him.” Ray Jay sighed. “I’m tired of it. They don’t get he’s a friend.”
“I know, and I’m sorry, Ray Jay.” Dani sighed. “He’s doing much better. Hates being tied to a bed.”
“Can I bring xBox?”
Dani laughed. “Only if you go easy on him.” She turned toward her daughter who had been unusually quiet. “Lins, what’s wrong?”
Dani spotted the quick glanced at her father before Lindsay shook her head. “Nothing.”
She didn’t believe her daughter for a minute but she’d wait to corner her daughter when they were alone.
“Lindsay, talk to me. I may not be able to help but I am always willing to listen.” Dani followed her up to her room.
“He doesn’t stop, Mom. He’s constantly cutting you down for putting us in danger. He’s talked to the teachers and the principal-even Ray Jay’s coach.” Lindsay whispered.
Dani froze as she saw red. She would kill Ray. She forced herself to nod and keep her voice calm. “I’ll take care of this, Lins. I promise. I’ll stop in at school tomorrow and then I’ll talk with your father.” She went over and hugged her daughter. “I’m sorry you and your brother are being put in the middle of this.”
“He’s really pissing me off, Mom. I know scary security dude will keep us and you safe but Dad’s constant harping on it is driving me nuts.”
Dani pulled back and caressed her cheek. “I know. I’ll handle it.”
-%-
“Frank, change in schedule tomorrow. I need to be at the kids’ school tomorrow at 9 AM. Then I want to talk with one of Nico’s investigators. I need one to start digging into my jackass ex’s past. He wants to play dirty? Fine!”
Frank looked over at the venom in Dani’s voice. She was furious. “Okay. Nico should be at your house after we return from the hospital-.”
“No. He’s got enough to handle. This is my jackass ex. I’ll handle him.” Dani cut him off.
“Doc, I don’t doubt that but I think Nico already has the stuff you want.” Frank explained.
Dani sighed. “I didn’t want him to know. He’ll try to fix this.”
“Sometimes he is better at this sort of thing, Doc,” Frank stated quietly.
“Can you talk with the kids’ detail? They want to come to the hospital for dinner with TK. I was thinking 5-7 PM.”
Frank nodded. “Sure thing.”
“And why are you still on, Frank? I thought there are four of you.” Dani asked.
Frank chuckled. “I figured today I’d test the schedule and see when good rotations fit in.”
They spent over two hours at the hospital before they headed back to the house. Dani put coffee on and waited for the last two men of the ditched detail to arrive.
At 1005 PM, she opened the back door and spoke to her guard. “You get on the phone to Gino and Bogie and tell them to get their asses here. If I have to do it, trust me, Nico’s way would be prettier.”
“They are on-.”
“Don’t care. They were warned. I don’t hear from them in 5, they’ve had their warnings.” Dani cut the man off. “Oh, and coffee’s ready if you would like some.”
The man eyed the door a half minute, debating what to do before he put in calls to Gino and Bogie.
At 1015 PM, she texted Frank to tell him to plan another schedule change: they would be stopping wherever Gino and Bogie would be after dealing with the school. Frank texted her back with only a smiley face.
-%-
Nico flinched when he heard her speak his name from the living room. He stepped into the doorway to the room to watch her wipe the sleep out of her eyes and stack files off her lap. He glanced at the clock to see it was after 1 AM and sighed. “Why aren’t you asleep?”
“Because I needed to talk with you. Frank thought you would be home earlier, I figured it would be later, and I wasn’t sure when you would leave in the morning,” Dani stated as she stood.
Nico studied her as she moved closer. “Another visit from Mrs. Pittman?”
Dani smiled. “No.” She stopped in front of him, thankful the doorway had more light so she could read his eyes. “Did you investigate my husband’s affairs or have some investigator do it?”
Nico swallowed: this was an unexpected minefield. “Yes.”
Dani nodded. “Good. I need the files.”
Nico’s face betrayed his confusion. “Why now? I thought the divorce was final.”
Dani nodded again. “It is. But I asked Frank to see one of your investigators and he thought you had the reports still.”
Nico knew an evasion when he heard one. His eyes narrowed. “Why now, Danielle?” He asked quietly.
Dani sighed. “Because he’s being a jackass. I don’t want you-.”
“Danielle, what is he doing?” Nico was tired enough to let a bit of frustration show. “It’s been a long day.”
“He’s pissing Lindsay off. He talked with their teachers and principal, even Ray Jay’s coach about the danger I have put my kids in. I promised him when I talked with him and the kids at the hospital, when we gave the kids the panic buttons, that there would be consequences if he started trouble with the custody agreement. I told him I could stand the embarrassment of airing his dirty secrets.” Dani’s eyes narrowed.
Nico frowned. “Danielle, let me talk with him. I won’t hurt him, but maybe it would be better for your kids if this stopped before that.”
Dani’s anger evaporated and she sagged a bit. “He just made me so mad, Nico. Lins is hurting.”
He nodded. “I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow afternoon.” He smiled down at her. “I know you can handle him, Danielle.”
Dani frowned. “He’s still going to think I ran to you.”
Nico laughed. “He will not even have a clue, Danielle. I promise you that.”
Dani studied him with narrowed eyes. “If I didn’t know you, Nico, you’d almost scare me.”
He frowned, not liking her admission. “Almost? Everyone else is petrified of me.”
Dani laughed as she moved passed him and up the stairs. “Good night, Nico.”
He shook his head and headed up to the guest room.