PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 81: Get Well My Love

The team immediately sprung into action, all of them prepared to do whatever was necessary to ensure Carina's well-being. Everyone started gathering their gear, preparing to leave for the hospital.

Maya, however, lingered for a moment, glancing fiercely at Mason. The confrontation with her brother was unfinished, but Carina's health took precedence. Maya made a mental note to deal with him later.
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Before they could head out the door, Mason stepped forward, a hesitant look in his eyes. Maya shot him a sharp look, her voice cold. "What? You've done enough damage already. You can stay here. The last thing we need is you making things worse."

Mason held up his hands in surrender, realizing that he had no right to interfere. "I just... I'm sorry, Maya. I never meant for things to get this far."

Maya's expression softened momentarily, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. Though she was furious with him, deep down she knew that he regretted the series of events that had led to this point.

She exhaled deeply, her voice quieter but still firm. "Save it. We'll deal with this later. Right now, we need to focus on Carina."

Maya turned her attention back to the others, who had finished gathering their gear. She walked over to Carina and helped her up, the Italian woman leaning heavily against her.

Maya's hand rested protectively on Carina's waist, supporting her every step. "Let's go. Carina needs help."

As the group headed toward the door, Maya spotted Megan lingering nearby, still clearly under the influence. Anger flared within Maya once again. How much more mayhem would her family cause tonight?

She turned to Megan, her voice sharp. "You stay here. We're taking Carina to the hospital, and we don't need you causing more trouble."

Theo, sensing the tension, stepped in. "Maya, maybe it's not a bad idea to take Megan with us. We can't just leave her here alone."

Maya's jaw clenched, her impatience mounting. "Fine. But if she causes any trouble, she's out. We have enough to deal with already."

Theo nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He approached Megan, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're coming with us, okay? But you need to stay quiet and cooperate."

Megan's eyes were dazed, her movements slow and uncoordinated. She managed a nod, seemingly aware of just how much more trouble she'd be in if she didn't comply.

Carina, with her arm slung over Maya's shoulder, limped awkwardly towards the parking lot. Each step she took was a little shaky, and it was clear that her physical condition was deteriorating.

Maya's heart hurt seeing her fiancé in such distress. As they made their way to the parking lot, Maya did her best to offer reassurance. "You're doing great, baby. Just a little further, okay?"

Carina's labored breaths were the only response. She leaned heavily on Maya, her strength waning with each step. The fear and pain that laced her features were impossible to hide, and Maya yearned to take away her pain.

The team followed closely behind, their faces etched with worry and determination. They had seen Carina battle many things before, but this time, they could sense the seriousness of the situation.

Ben, concerned and focused, spoke up as they reached the parking lot. "Maya, I'll drive. We need to get her to the hospital as quickly as possible."

Maya nodded, grateful for Ben's offer. She was already exhausted from holding up most of Carina's weight, and the thought of driving in this state was too stressful to bear. "Yeah, you drive. I'll stay with Carina in the back."