Case File 73

Case File Name:

A Good Fucking Compromise.

♤Chapter Seventy-Three♤

The next day, Tazmin and I spent our morning in bed eating cereal and watching TV—until our bodies inevitably ended up tangled back together.

And somehow cuddling turned into sleeping for yet another hour.

Until we were up again showering together and getting dressed for the day.

But this time instead of only a shirt—I also wore a pair of Tazmin's sweatpants considering we would actually be leaving the safe house today.

We really only spent a few more hours cooking a late breakfast together and lounging in the living room where we watched various disc movies until four o'clock approached.

Which is when we had planned to leave this house.

Luckily, it wasn't that hard leaving considering we didn't bring any bags whatsoever.

Which somehow reminded me of that night two nights ago.

One that felt more like a fever dream that my brain naturally blacked out.

Yet I could still remember the smell of fresh blood, how my hands trembled uncontrollably, and how nauseous I fucking felt.

Especially with that awful pain aching down my side.

In the moment I didn't see an end.

I didn't think I would make it out of that situation, yet here I am.

And while my body seems to be making a speedy recovery.

Mentally I'm beginning to struggle.

I was fine at that random safe house, but now heading back into Miami reminds me of everything that came before that awful fucking night.

And that it really happened.

I really killed—

"Mil," Tazmin said, her soft voice lowered and her dark eyes now on me.

I blinked a few times as I fell away from my clouded thoughts—noticing the parking garage we were now parked in.

I forced a smile, "We're here," I said, gently squeezing Tazmin's hand that I held in my lap.

But the truth is, I'm not the happiest that we're here at this hospital.

Still, Tazmin is very insistent on getting these stitches checked. 

I just don't know if Gia should be the one to check them. 

I mean, the last time we spoke was during our spa day—and everything was completely normal.

I'm just not sure how it'll be with Tazmin around.

"You're nervous," Tazmin said as she unbuckled her seatbelt with her free hand, turning in her seat to give me her full attention.

"I am," I sighed out, deciding to be somewhat honest with her.

Even if I couldn't necessarily tell her why I felt this way.

"We can sit here for a moment," Tazmin offered, gently caressing her thumb against the back of my hand.

And with her dark eyes never once wavering away from mine—I felt that familiar pang in my stomach.

Guilt.

I feel so fucking guilty.

"Tazmin," I said before I could think it through, feeling my heart race at even the idea of what I'm about to tell her.

But before I could get another word out—a few knocks sounded against Tazmin's tinted window.

And there stood Gia, who looked beyond excited to see us.

She wore a crisp white doctor's coat over her blouse with dress pants while a tan Birkin hung on her arm.

Tazmin suddenly shook her head with a smile, reaching her free hand over to roll down the tinted window.

"Not right now," Tazmin told her sister.

Gia jokingly rolled her eyes, "You know I came in just for you guys," she retorted, her tone light and joking.

"And I appreciate that, but Milena—"

"I think I'm good to go now," I quickly cut Tazmin short, which made her suddenly tilt her head as she glanced back to me.

But I only avoided her dark eyes, gently letting go of her hand to get out of the car.

Which caused Tazmin to roll up her window and cut the engine off—sliding out of the car as I approached her side where Gia stood.

"Lena," Gia said, smiling as I approached her, "How are you feeling?"

I shrugged, "As good as one could feel after getting stabbed," I joked as Tazmin instinctively slid her arm around my waist and held me closer to her body. 

"Don't laugh at that," Tazmin told her sister before she could react to my dark joke.

Gia smiled slightly, "Why not? Dark humor can be funny, Taz," she pointed out.

Tazmin shook her head before I could agree, "Nah, we're working on processing traumatic experiences right now," she explained as we all naturally began walking toward the doors that led to the hospital.

"Tazmin's my new therapist now," I dramatically sighed, clearly still joking as we grew closer to the doors.

"Someone has to do it, sweetheart," Tazmin said with an amused smile as she leaned down to press a fleeting kiss to my temple.

I felt my smile unconsciously grow as I leaned further into her side—watching as Gia scanned her badge at the sensor.

"Well, I think that's really sweet of you, Taz," Gia said with a growing smile, opening one of the doors that Tazmin instinctively opened wider for us all to walk through, "Does that mean you guys are back togeth—"

"Something like that," Tazmin cut her short as we walked down the fluorescent-lit hallways.

Gia hummed, giving us both a knowing look, "Right... something like that," she mocked her sister's words as she halted at one of the wood doors, which made us stop directly behind her.

And as soon as Gia had the door open and the lights flicked on, she sat her bag down and motioned me over by her side to the exam table.

Which she pulled a fresh sheet of paper down to cover before I lifted myself to sit down on it.

"I just need you to lift your shirt up," Gia said as she pulled on the generic blue latex gloves.

I unconsciously glanced over to Tazmin, who stood off to the side—suddenly feeling odd about lifting my shirt in front of Gia.

I mean, we had made it pretty clear where our friendship lies, but after quite literally making out with her, it still felt odd to flash her even the smallest inch of my skin.

"I got it," Tazmin said before Gia could begin to help me with my shirt.

And in the blink of an eye, Tazmin was by my side where it felt like she belonged.

"Thank you," I whispered, slowly relaxing as Tazmin's familiar touch grazed my lower stomach and gently guided my shirt up to reveal only the stitches.

Not a single inch of skin around it was exposed to Gia's eyes, which I knew was due to my clear discomfort that Tazmin sensed.

If only she knew why that discomfort is fucking there.

"Of course," Tazmin said as she slid her free hand to rest at the back of my neck that she gave a gentle squeeze.

I let out a long relaxed breath as I shifted my weight onto my palms behind me, watching as Gia began carefully pulling the large bandage away.

Which easily made me tense for a moment, mostly due to how tender that overall area still felt.

But once the bandage was removed and the stitches were exposed, I unconsciously relaxed yet again.

"How do they look?" Tazmin asked as she continued to caress her thumb against the back of my neck.

Gia remained silent for a moment as she leaned down closer to examine the fresh stitches—her brown eyes trailing every detail of them.

Until she suddenly glanced over to her sister, "They're in perfect condition—properly sewn, cleaned, and moisturized," she determined, now backing away from me to open a drawer, "Now I'm thinking we just do an overall check like blood pressure and heart rate and you'll be good to go Lena."

I nodded a few times, watching Gia grab a few things from the drawer, "Sounds good to me," I said as Tazmin lowered my shirt back down.

"Here's a new bandage and ointment to reapply," Gia told her sister as she walked back over to hand Tazmin the two items, "And I'm going to start on your blood pressure first."

I nodded a few times as Gia grabbed the black arm sleeve from the hanging bin behind me.

Which was wrapped around my arm not even seconds later.

And luckily, the rest of the minor check-up only took a few more minutes—from checking my blood pressure to ensuring my heart rate was stable as well.

Thankfully, my heart didn't seem to beat too erratically when Gia checked it.

Even if it felt like it was pounding out of my fucking chest.

"You're all good," Gia said, flashing me her typical smile as she took her gloves off, "Just make sure to take care of those stitches—I'm thinking after two weeks we can get those removed."

I felt my brows unconsciously raise, "Removed?" I clarified, glancing over to Tazmin.

Who smiled slightly, "They can't stay sewn into you forever baby," Tazmin said, which made me shake my head.

Mostly because I didn't realize I had to get them removed.

Or maybe I just didn't think that far ahead?

I mean, Tazmin's right—they can't stay sewn in forever.

"You'll be all good Lena. It's an easy process," Gia assured me as she grabbed two phones from her purse.

One of which were mine?

"Mav gave these to me to pass along," Gia told us as she handed us our phones back.

Tazmin nodded a few times like this was all standard—meanwhile, I felt very fucking confused.

"What are you doing now?" Tazmin suddenly asked her sister, "Maybe you could grab food with us before Lena heads over to her sisters."

I unconsciously glanced away from Gia and Tazmin altogether—hoping that my thoughts weren't showing on my face.

Because I don't think she should go.

It's better to slowly ease back into this, especially since I'm still adjusting to how things were before that kiss.

"I have a few patients to check in on while I'm here," Gia suddenly said, which nearly made my body relax in relief, "But there's this really good cafe just down the street—it's off on the corner."

Tazmin immediately nodded, glancing over to me, "We'll grab a coffee and something to eat?" she clarified the new plans with me.

"Sounds perfect," I said with a growing smile, feeling my nerves slowly fade away again.

"Great, so I'll see you guys soon," Gia said as she pulled Tazmin into a brief hug before reaching out to give me one of her usual hugs, "And you have to try one of the croissants—they're to die for," she added as we pulled back from our brief hug.

"I love a good croissant," I said with an excited smile, suddenly feeling any weirdness I previously felt between me and Gia fade.

Especially after our hug.

I really think I'm just paranoid that Tazmin's going to notice something different.

But nothing is—and I think I can see that now.

"Yes, the chocolate one is my go-to," Gia said as she walked over to grab her purse, "Love you guys," she called over her shoulder.

"Love you too," both Tazmin and I said as Gia opened the door to exit the room, closing the door shut behind her.

And just like that, Tazmin's focus was back on me entirely.

Or more like my stitches—which she made sure to reapply ointment to and carefully place a bandage back over before helping me down from the exam table.

"Everything from that night should be wiped from your phone," Tazmin said as I unlocked my phone, walking beside me as we walked out to the parking garage.

I blinked a few times as I opened my call log, noticing no sign of my call to Vic.

Or even the location I sent to him that night in my messages.

"But how?" I asked as Tazmin opened the passenger door for me.

"I have a guy that specializes in hacking," she briefly explained as I stepped up to slide into the leather seat.

My brows unconsciously raised, glancing back down to my phone as Tazmin gently shut my door and walked over to her side.

And as soon as she slid into the seat beside me, I suddenly had so many questions to ask.

But only one important question was at the forefront of my mind.

"So is it all... over?" I hesitantly questioned, watching as Tazmin reversed the car out of the parking spot.

"If you mean handled—then yes," Tazmin said as she put the car in drive and slid her hand across my thigh to rest there, "Adriana's body was already found in a different location with a fall guy owning up to killing her."

I blinked a few times, "And it was that easy?" I asked almost in shock, assuming it would've been harder than that.

Tazmin laughed slightly as she turned out of the parking garage, "It was fucking hard actually, but it's good now—the FBI has him on trial this coming week," she explained, speeding up slightly, "Now I just have to wait a few months to see who the new director will be."

I suddenly glanced over to her, "New director?" I repeated back to her in clarification.

Tazmin's smile grew amused as she slowed down slightly beside the quaint bakery, "Yeah, that's kind of how it works baby," she said, giving my thigh a gentle squeeze before she began focusing on parallel parking, "But it should be good until then—I'm laying low and my alliances are too."

I nodded almost hesitantly, "Until the new director comes in?" I whispered with pursed lips.

"Yeah, hopefully whoever it is has a price to name," Tazmin said as she put the car in park, glancing over to me for a moment, "But it's going to be okay baby," she assured me, probably noticing the troubled look on my face. 

I let out a long sigh, "I hope so," I said, hating the idea of Tazmin no longer being protected like she previously was.

Adriana irritatingly had one good thing going for her.

"You know I got you, Mil," Tazmin said as she gently grabbed my hand in my lap, "I always got you," she emphasized.

I shook my head as I glanced down at our tangled hands in my lap, "It's not me I'm worried about," I whispered, drawing in a deep breath when I felt my stomach tie in anxious knots.

"I don't want you worrying at all beautiful," Tazmin said as she leaned past the console to press a brief kiss to my lips, "Leave all the details up to me yeah?" she whispered, pressing yet another kiss to my lips.

Which I didn't hesitate to reciprocate, sliding my free hand up her toned arm and settling it at the back of her neck as I deepened the kiss.

"I love you," I said as I guided her in closer, "Like so fucking much," I emphasized, even if it felt like words couldn't possibly describe how I felt about her. 

Or the things I would do for her. 

Tazmin smiled slightly against my lips, "And I love you—like so fucking much," she reiterated my words back to me as she trailed kisses past my lips to my cheek that she softly kissed a few times.

I let out a relaxed sigh, keeping my eyes closed as Tazmin now began pressing soft kisses to my other cheek.

And after kissing the tip of my nose and then my lips one last time—she pulled me into a hug.

Which I naturally leaned into, resting my face in the crook of her neck.

"Please don't worry baby," Tazmin whispered so softly in my ear—almost like the idea of me being even slightly worried affected her too.

I sighed as I ran my nails down her back, gently scratching her back for her.

"I just want you to keep me updated," I admitted, wanting to be kept in the loop somehow.

But only because I want to ensure that she's okay. 

That she'll be safe. 

Tazmin pressed a soft kiss to the side of my neck, "I'll keep you updated, but you know I can't involve you fully," she said, which immediately earned a nod from me. 

"That sounds like a decent compromise," I said with a growing smile, feeling so grateful that she would at least tell me a little bit more. 

"It's actually a good fucking compromise," Tazmin said, smiling slightly against my neck that she trailed kisses up. 

"For you, yes," I mumbled, smiling wider when Tazmin suddenly pulled back with a raised brow. 

"For me?" she quoted my words back to me in fake offense, "What is that supposed to mean?"

I shrugged, hating how wide my smile still managed to grow, "You can be difficult sometimes," I subtly said as I suddenly opened my car door. 

And before Tazmin could say anything else, I purposely slid out of the car away from her. 

"Difficult?" Tazmin said, and I nearly wanted to laugh at how offended she truly looked now. 

"But you're my difficult," I emphasized, purposely reiterating my words more positively. 

I also winked at her before closing the car door. 

Which made Tazmin immediately open her own door, sliding out of the car and walking over toward me. 

"You're lucky I think you're cute Milena," Tazmin said as she approached me, sliding her arm around my waist where it belonged. 

"Or what Ms. Moretti?" I said, lowering my voice as I ran my hand up her back.

Tazmin hummed tightly as we approached the entrance to the quaint coffee shop, "Behave yourself or I'm taking you home baby," she leaned down to murmur in my ear. 

I only smiled innocently as she opened one of the doors for me, "I'm always on my best behavior for you," I purposely said as I walked into the coffee shop past her. 

"Right," Tazmin said, clearly not believing one word I just said. 

I drew in a sudden deep breath, basking in the fresh coffee smell lingering in the air. 

I also had my eyes on all the different pastries they offer, which look fucking exquisite. 

I honestly wanted to order every single one. 

And Tazmin let me. 

Which made me happy, but it also left me uncomfortably full with a box of pastries that I took over to my sister's house a couple of hours later. 

At least once I changed out of my t-shirt and sweatpants and into black leggings with a matching black long-sleeve shirt. 

I wore my hair in a high ponytail with minimal makeup on my face and light jewelry around my neck and wrists. 

I also made sure to grab the numerous presents wrapped in a specific red Dior gift wrapping with large white bows. 

Most of the gifts were for Nadia of course, but I did get my sister and Zane a couple of things as well. 

Nadia's gifts mostly consisted of a new iPad case, nail polishes, new Barbies to add to her collection, and then a pair of small diamond earrings.

Meanwhile, I got my sister a Cartier bracelet and a snowy white Chanel purse—and then for Zane, I got a leather Louis Vuitton bracelet and a black Versace robe. 

Which I knew they would both like. 

I mean, not to brag or anything, but I've always hit it off with gifts. 

So I wasn't even slightly surprised to see that they all loved what I got them. 

What I was surprised to see was the Swavorski bracelets Nadia picked out—one of which was my gift to wear so I could match with her. 

My sister and Zane also got me the cutest silk pajama sets, a new pair of Valentino heels, a few outfits for work, and a new hair curler. 

"I really love this case bee," Nadia said as she admired her iPad that she recently put the new case on. 

I happily smiled as I sat on the sectional with my sister and Zane, "I'm glad you love it, honey," I said as I took a sip of my hot chocolate. 

"So... what have you been up to these last couple of days?" Zane asked, which immediately made Morana shake her head as she poured herself more wine. 

"Here he goes," my sister said with an amused smile, knowing Zane's nosy antics all too well. 

Meanwhile, I was nearly forcing my smile—mainly because I felt like I was back at that restaurant in the middle of fucking nowhere fighting for my life. 

"I wasn't up to anything in particular," I said, quickly shaking the image of Adriana's limp bloody body out of my head. 

"Oh really?" Nadia suddenly asked, lowering her iPad slightly with a raised brow, "Because I tried to call you," she pointed out. 

"Yeah, well I took some time to myself away from my phone," I quickly said, taking a long sip of my hot chocolate so I could lower my forced smile. 

Nadia tilted her head, "And was Tazi taking time to herself too?" she purposely asked. 

Which nearly made me choke on the hot chocolate I was previously drinking. 

"Tazmin?" I questioned as if it were the most absurd idea ever, "Why would she—" 

"The twins answered my call and told me she couldn't talk," Nadia cut me short, now walking closer to me with eyes that analyzed my every move, "And Marie said—"

"Fine," I reluctantly sighed, deciding it wasn't even worth lying further about. 

Nadia and Zane together are a really clever combo. 

And my sister is already giving me one of her typical knowing looks. 

It's just... 

The whole reason why Tazmin didn't come with me tonight is because we wanted to take things slow after everything that happened. 

"Wait so you and Tazi are really back together?!" Nadia suddenly asked with wide eyes. 

I quickly shook my head, "No no—"

"Then why were you together for the last two days?" Zane asked with a raised brow. 

I awkwardly scratched the back of my neck, "Was it two days?" I subtly mumbled under my breath, clearly trying to divert the topic. 

"How about we go heat up those pastries?" Morana suddenly suggested, clearly noticing my hesitation to discuss Tazmin with them. 

But only because I didn't want things to end up like they did last time. 

And taking it all slower than we previously did ensures that it won't. 

"Can I have the cookie croissant?" Nadia suddenly asked, setting her iPad down as Morana and Zane stood from the couch. 

"As long as you don't give yourself a stomach ache," my sister said, grabbing Nadia's small hand. 

Which luckily helped divert her attention away from the topic. 

Sort of?

Because the side-eye look she and Zane both gave me, clearly meant that this conversation wasn't over.