“Thank you. Where did you learn to do that? An old girlfriend?”
He scoffs, returning the things to the bathroom. “Hardly. I’ve never cared about any of them enough. Alex was the only one I loved, and although he’s had different styles, Fabio locks was not one of them. I used to do my sister’s hair for her. The old battle axe nanny she had would always yank at the knots, and she would cry, so I took over. I’m just going to run down to my room and get a change of clothes. I’ll be back shortly.”
“No!” I can’t stop the words from flying out. “Please don’t go.” Panic has my body tight with tension as I try to sit up in the bed. “Don’t leave me,” I beg, but before he can respond, the doorbell to the suite rings.
“That will be Riku. I’ll just let him in.” The panic slowly subsides as I nod and slide back down under the covers. It doesn’t take him long to return, and he brings my bodyguard with me. Riku’s cheek is bruised, and his lip is split.
“Oh my god, what happened?” Once more, I’m struggling to sit up. He rushes over to help me, putting a pillow behind me to lean against. He sits down next to me, and I reach up with my hand.
He grabs it and kisses it. “I’m okay. How are you? I’ve been so worried. I failed you. Won’t be surprised if your dad finds another company after this.”
“Fuck that. Riku got jumped by four of Matthew’s mates, and he still managed to kick their asses. It allowed him just enough time to get at you. Don’t worry, mate. I got there before he did anything, well, anything truly evil.”
“Matthew messed with the wrong fucking family. He’s going to wish he’d never heard of the Summers by the time I’m done with him,” I growl, anger infusing my being. “Did the police arrest him?”
“Yes, charged him with assault and attempted rape. There’s an officer waiting downstairs to take your statement. He’s giving you a chance to see the doctor first so you can be examined. He was thinking we might have needed to do a rape kit.”
“No, he didn’t get that far thanks to Ash,” I explain as the doorbell rings again.
“That should be the doctor and Forrest,” Riku says.
Ash disappears, returning with Dr. Casey, our family’s private physician, and Forrest.
“I swear you Summers are going to be the death of me,” Forrest complains, wringing his hands together. “I really need to start bringing one of the junior partners along with me. I’m getting too old for this shit.”
Grimacing, I apologize to the man who has really earned his firm’s retainer over the last few months.
He waves a hand at me. “Rubbish, none of it has been any of your fault. Now, how about we let Dr. Casey examine her? I want to get your version of the story, Lord Lavington, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Ash follows him out into the living area, but Riku hesitates.
“I’m okay. You can go,” I assure him, and he follows after the other two.
“Well, missy, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you.” Dr. Casey sits down on the bed next to me, placing his bag at his feet. His hair is a little grayer since the last time I saw him, but apart from that, he hasn’t changed a bit. He still has kind eyes and a jovial smile. “Forrest said that you had been in trouble. Roofied?” the doctor asks, his eyes creasing with his worry.
“Yeah, something in my drink,” I confirm, my voice low with shame. “I feel so stupid, and Ash is blaming himself.”
The doctor pats my hand, the familiar gesture still giving me as much comfort as it did when I was younger. “No one is to blame but the person who drugged you. Don’t you dare blame yourself. Now, did he get very far?” he asks.
I shake my head. “No, Ash got to him before he could do anything.”
“So I won’t need to do a rape kit?” Again, I answer no. “Okay, well, I’d like to draw some blood, so we can get it tested for exactly what he drugged you with, then I’d like to give you an IV with electrolytes to help flush the remainder of the drugs through your system. Maybe two bags.”
“I’m flying to New Orleans in the morning.” Yeah, alright, I’ll admit that probably shouldn’t be my first concern after I narrowly escaped being raped, but it’s some semblance of normalcy. I need to keep my schedule, if only to ensure that I don’t completely fall apart again.
“I’ll return and remove the drip before you have to leave, I promise, but this will help you feel better.” With that said, I don’t have anything else to argue. With quick, efficient movements, the doc takes care of everything he mentioned. “Okay, I’ll get this blood tested and let the police know the results.”
“Doc, I’m assuming this is all falling under doctor-patient confidentiality?” I ask, and he gives me a gentle smile. That makes me feel a tiny bit better. At least I know for sure that the knowledge of what drugs Matthew gave me, as well as the ones I put into my system myself, will be kept private unless I give permission for it to be disclosed.
“Of course, Jazzy, but I’m sure your family would like to know so they can help you through it.”
“I’ll tell them, but in my own time.” He looks a little unhappy about that, but he doesn’t argue, respecting my right to decide who knows about what’s happened to me. After a little more small talk, he leaves.
After he does, Forrest escorts the detective in. It’s the same man we had dealt with during Harlow’s stalker drama. He takes my statement in a professional and sympathetic way, assuring me the charges should stick, so Matthew won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Apparently, he had more Molly and Rohypnol in his pocket when he was arrested.
Once he leaves, Riku and Ash return, the latter now wearing sweats instead of a towel. He must have run to his room while I was distracted. “Oh good, that will help you feel better in the morning.” He nods at the drip in my arm.
“And I’ve got the next bag,” Riku says, holding it up. “I’ve changed them out before, so the doctor left me to do it. I also know how to remove it, so you and I will be playing doctor and patient in the morning.” He winks and wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, and I manage a small smile. It’s kind of ridiculous to see that expression on the normally serious man.
