“Let’s just say, I’m acquainted with certain individuals who like to dole out their own brand of justice.”
“Really?” His suggestion catches me off guard. The notion of vigilante justice seems like something out of a movie, not a real-life possibility. Yet, there’s a flicker of temptation within me, a desire to see Jacob face the consequences of his actions, even if they’re outside the bounds of conventional law. However, deep down, I know that mere retribution won’t change the essence of who Jacob is.
“Would it make you feel better, if karma got him?” I ask.
“Hell yeah, it would.”
“Then it’s settled,” I conclude with a shrug. Dameon nods in agreement. “Speaking of, what was the bet about?”
“What bet?”
“The one you made with Jacob.”
“Fuck. Is that why he attacked you?”
“Yeah, he said something about you cheating?”
“I’m gonna murder that fucker.” Dameon’s voice drips with anger.
The curtain draws back and our conversation is interrupted by the arrival of one fine-looking doctor. Dressed in perfectly tailored green scrubs, his muscular physique is evident as he surveys the paperwork on his clipboard.
“Hailee Mann, I presume.” His voice is smooth and confident. Though he looks familiar, I can’t quite place where I’ve seen him before.
“Hey, Zac.” Dameon extends his hand for a shake. “Thanks for seeing us straight away.”
“No problem at all.” He returns the handshake. “Hailee, how are you feeling this evening?”
“Been better, to be honest,” I reply, still trying to figure out why he’s so familiar.
“On a scale of one to ten, how much pain are you in at the moment?”
“About a six.” Then it clicks; he’s from Eden. The guy Chloe was playing with.
“Well, let’s get you stitched up, and we’ll give you some painkillers so you can be on your way,” Zac says with a reassuring smile.
“Sounds good, thank you, Doctor.”
Dameon remains by my side, holding my hand throughout the procedure. The sting of the local anesthetic was worse than the actual removal of the glass. His attentive presence provides a sense of comfort, and he diligently absorbs the doctor’s instructions for aftercare and pain management. By the time I’m stitched up and ready to leave, the adrenaline has completely drained from my system, leaving me shaky and vulnerable. I can’t believe I was attacked and almost raped. It’s always a risk in my profession, a shadow that lurks in the back of my mind, but I never thought it would happen to me—especially not in the safety of Dameon’s penthouse. The shock ripples through me, each wave bringing a fresh surge of disbelief and fear. But once the painkillers kick in, fatigue settles heavily into my bones.
Drowsy, I limp out of the cubicle. Dameon watches me intently, concern evident in his eyes. I can sense he’s holding back, giving me the space to be in control. It’s a gesture that tugs at my heartstrings, knowing he wants to take care of me in every possible way.
Relenting, I ask, “Can you help, please?”
“Thank fuck,” he breathes out, his eyes shooting to the sky. With a gentle strength, he lifts me into his arms, holding me closely as he carries me to the car. I snuggle against his chest, finding solace in his embrace. The next thing I know, I’m lying in our bed, naked, while Dameon tenderly washes me with a warm washcloth.
“Go back to sleep, gorgeous. I’ve got you,” he whispers, brushing a gentle kiss against my forehead.
That sounds like a mighty fine idea, so I let my heavy eyelids drop, surrendering to the tranquility of sleep.
Chapter twenty-one
Dameon
“Morning.Howareyouholding up?” I nudge the bedroom door closed with my foot and set the breakfast tray down on the edge of the bed.
Hailee blinks, rousing from her sleep, and shifts herself upright, leaning against the headboard.
“Sore,” she murmurs, rubbing the remnants of sleep from her eyes. “Actually, my body hurts far worse than my leg.”
