121
~Alex's POV
Michael sighed and pulled off his gloves, rubbing a hand down his face. "You know you have to tell Bella about this, right?"
I stiffened. "No."
Michael frowned. "Alex, she has a right to know. Mia's condition just took a hit…"
"I said no," I cut in, my voice firm. "Bella's already dealing with too much. Her brother, the case, everything. I'm not adding this to her plate."
Michael crossed his arms. "She'd want to know."
I exhaled sharply. "And what's that going to do? Make her worry? Make her drop everything and run here? She's finally getting a little hope, Mike. I'm not taking that from her."
He studied me for a moment before shaking his head. "You're too damn protective."
"Call it what you want." I turned back to Mia, watching the slow movement of her chest. "She doesn't need this right now."
Michael sighed. "Fine. But if something like this happens again, I'm not keeping quiet."
I nodded. "That's fair."
