A black car screeched to a halt outside the private entrance of Marcus's elite hospital.
Santiago didn't wait for the driver to open the door. He kicked it open himself, cradling Leon's naked, battered body tightly against his chest.
Leon was barely conscious, his head lolling weakly against Santiago's shoulder. Blood still seeped from several cuts, and his body trembled from shock and pain. Every breath was a shallow, painful wheeze.
"I've got you," Santiago whispered fiercely, voice cracking. "I've got you, Leon. You're safe now. I'm not letting go. Just hold on for me, okay? Please hold on."
He stumbled out of the car, legs unsteady from adrenaline and guilt. Leon whimpered softly in his arms. "It hurts… everything hurts… Santiago… I'm in pain…?"
