The moment she’s gone, I kick the snack table, sending whatever shit was on it scattering, and punch the nearest wall.
It’s not a bottle, though, so my promise to her is still intact.
Well acquainted with my temper, Chandler simply steps over the mess on the floor.
“You have a phone interview with a journalist from K-pop magazine.”
I brace my hands on the wall, debating whether or not to punch it again. “Why the fuck does K-pop magazine want to interview me?”
“Because you’re Phoenix Walker,” he says with a roll of his eyes. “Besides, it’s free press.” He shoves his cell into my hand. “Get your ass on the phone.”
“I don’t speak Korean,” I remind him.
Walking backward, he shrugs. “In that case, it will be a short interview.”
Bastard.
Grinding my molars, I take a seat on the couch and press the speakerphone button. “Hello.”
The reporter says something on the other line, but I don’t know what because I don’t speak the motherfucking language.
You’d think they would have gotten us an interpreter.
Incompetent assholes.
I can sense the reporter is growing frustrated because I still haven’t given a response. “I love my Korean fans.”
The reporter asks another question, and just like the first, I don’t have the faintest idea what.
For all I know, she could be asking to suck my dick and give me a rim job.
She certainly wouldn’t be the first. And I’m positive she won’t be the last.
At a loss of what to say, I run a hand down my face and lean back. The migraine throbbing at the base of my skull is growing by the second.
“Korea rocks.”
Seemingly pleased with my response, she asks a follow-up question…one I don’t fucking understand.
Dammit. I’ve got nothing.
“I love my Korean fans—”
All of a sudden, the door swings open and a swarm of people rush inside.
Words jam in my throat when I see Storm holding a limp girl in his arms.
I can’t see her face because it’s buried in Storm’s neck, but her limbs are black and blue and there’s dried blood caked on her clothes. A lot of it.
“Phoenix,” the girl croaks.
My gut recoils. Quinn.
I bolt up. “Put her on the couch.” I look at Skylar since she’s the closest to me. “Call an ambulance.”
Skylar fetches her phone out of her purse. “On it.”
“No.” Quinn moans as Storm lays her on the couch. “Please don’t.”
Lennon kneels down beside her and reaches for her hand. “We have to, honey. You’re really hurt.”
“I’ll get better. I always do.” Her eyes find mine and the desperation swirling in them gnaws my insides. “Please don’t call an ambulance. I’m begging you.”
Fuck.
I make a split-second decision. One I hope doesn’t backfire.
“No hospital.” I turn to Chandler. “Call that doctor you know, and set up the private plane if he needs it. I want him here as soon as possible. Tell him we’ll make it worth his while.”
Nodding, Chandler plucks his phone off the floor. “I’ll see what I can do.”
In the meantime, we’ll need to get her comfortable.
I eye Storm, who looks like he’s about ready to kick someone’s ass. “Go grab some ice and a first aid kit.” I turn to Memphis next because I know this is his area of expertise, thanks to Josh. “Go find some painkillers.”
“I’ll make sure the crew stays out of here,” Skylar says.
Lennon blanches as she takes in her blood-stained shirt. “I’ll go get her some clean clothes.”
“Don’t leave,” Quinn croaks.
Lennon stays put. “I won’t.” She goes to touch her forehead but hesitates at the last second, like she’s afraid it might hurt her. “I’ll stay right here.”
That’s when it dawns on me. “How did you get here, Quinn?”
It’s a three-hour drive from Chicago and there’s no way she went on a bus like this.
Her eyes flutter open and what she says next has me reeling.
“Mom.”
My chest tightens with a weird mixture of pain and gratitude.
She finally put her kid first.
“She has three bruised ribs, a dislocated jaw, two wounds that needed to be stitched up, numerous contusions, and what appears to be a concussion.” The doctor hands me a bottle of pills. “These are some painkillers. Don’t give her more than four in a twenty-four-hour period. Call me if she has any new symptoms, although once again, I recommend you take her to a hospital.”