Thewomanattheregistration desk has given me no less than ten dirty looks since we sat down in the waiting room. Luca hasn’t raised his gaze at all, but that’s fine. She can think whatever she wants. I know what I am and what I’m not.
I guess the only unfortunate thing would be if they called the cops on us. Not only because that’s not something I want Luca to have to explain, but also because it could cause problems with us getting out of here. I have no idea the type of reach that Damien might have in this fucked-up city, but I know him knowing we’re here is the very last thing Luca needs.
I’m thankful that the waiting room is large at any rate. It’s slow today too, with only a couple of people sitting in various chairsaround the room. They keep stealing glances at Luca. I guess I can’t blame them, but I almost want to tell them to stop staring. Like he’s some kind of fucking freak show or something.
Right now, Luca doesn’t need my anger or fear. He needs my calm. So I channel the version of myself who walks into burning buildings for a living and keep myself relaxed. I don’t death-glare the older woman across the room who keeps glancing at Luca and clutching her metaphorical pearls. I don’t tell the dad of the little boy coughing his head off that he should teach his son it’s not polite to stare. I want to, don’t get me wrong. God, do I want to. I know Luca can feel their eyes on him, and I know it has to be making him uncomfortable. But it’s not worth it. If anything, it would probably embarrass him more.
“Luca Pierce,” a woman calls from a door to the side of the emergency room.
Luca’s eyes snap up, and Pearl Clutcher looks away quickly. About time. I stand, waiting for Luca to do the same, and after a second, he does. I can tell it hurts him. Thatmovinghurts him.
How the fuck did this become his life? How did he get to this point? I have no idea, and maybe I never will, but I’ll forever be thankful he called me. That we kept in touch and he had someonetocall.
I follow him through the double doors and into the room the woman leads us to.
Her eyes dart between the two of us, concern and a bit of anger reflecting in them.
Luca looks up at her. “This man isn’t my abuser. He’s getting me away from him. So if you would be so kind as to hurry it up and stop silently judging so I can get out of here and safely out of this fucking state, I’d appreciate it.”
I can’t help the tiny grin that forms on my lips. There’s my Luca. She shakes her head quickly, then jumps into action. “I’m just going to check your vitals real quick.”
I watch as she wraps a cuff around his upper arm. I’m expecting both his blood pressure and his heart rate to be high, so it’s no surprise when she tells him his heart rate is ninety-eight beats per minute and that his blood pressure is slightly elevated.
After taking his temperature, she walks to the door. “The doctor will be in shortly.”
“Thanks,” Luca mumbles.
When the door closes behind her with a soft click, he turns to me. “I’m sorry that everyone is looking at you like you’re some kind of monster.”
I shrug. “It’s not a big deal to me, Luc. They can think whatever they want.”
“God, my head hurts so fucking bad,” he says, squeezing his eyes closed and dropping his face into his hands.
“What else hurts?” I can’t help but ask.
Luca groans. “Head, mostly. But my stomach’s queasy, probably because of my head. My ribs, my throat.” He stops and clears his throat. “I should probably have the doctor check for rectal damage…”
My stomach drops like a lead weight, my heart damn near punching its way out of my chest. I try to swallow past the burning lump in my throat.
“Is that something he does to you a lot?” I ask carefully. Luca doesn’t answer. I guess it doesn’t really matter. Once is enough. It’s too many. “Were you awake when this happened?”
He glances up at me, anger flashing in his eyes. “I don’t fucking know, Austin. I woke up with cum on my thighs. Does that makeyou happy? Do you wantallthe sordid details of my life?”
As soon as the words leave his mouth, his expression shifts to panic. “I’m sorry. I—I’m so sorry. Please don’t—”
I cut him off. “Luca.” When he stops his rambling apologies, he stares at me with wide, terrified eyes. “I will never hurt you,” I say slowly, trying to make sure he really hears me. “I’m very sorry for asking you intrusive questions. It’s none of my business.”
He hangs his head, letting out a pained laugh. “I asked you to come here. I literally invited you in and asked you to save me. I think you’re owed at least a little bit of an explanation.”
I’m not sure that I like that. I take a deep breath, closing my eyes against the anger burning in my chest. “Actually, I’m notowedanything. I’m deeply thankful you called me. I’m glad you trusted me. I’m glad you knew youcould, but I’m not owed a fucking thing. I’m sure that’s what he conditioned you to think, but it’s not the truth.”
Luca presses his chin to his chest, breathing in deeply through his nose for a second. “I’ll be so glad to get out of here.”
I feel the same way. There’s a knock at the door, and then it’s being pushed in. “Hello, I’m Doctor Moran.”
Luca exhales slowly. “I’m Luca.” He lifts his gaze to the doctor. “I’ve gotta be honest, Doc, I need to get out of here. How quickly can we get this done?”
I pat my thighs. “Luca.” He looks at me. “I’m going to give you privacy for the exam, okay?” I glance at the doctor. “Can I sit right outside the door?”
