Martha’s small, soft hand moved away from mine and with the heat and weight gone, I was able to move my fingers. “Did you see that?” Kaden sounded excited.
“What?” Martha and Brad asked in unison.
“Her fingers moved.”
“No, they didn’t. I moved my hand away.” Martha explained.
Kaden stood up, casting a shadow over me from where he stood at my side. I heard a sharp intake of breath as he moved, obviously still in some discomfort and pain.
My eyes were wide open, the foreignness of bright light caused them to water, blurring my vision.
My throat was dry, a tube was in it, I couldn’t speak.
“Gracie?” Kaden’s stunning face appeared above me, shielding my eyes from the intrusive lighting. It felt like it had been a lifetime since I’d laid eyes on his. They were eyes of comfort and I instantly felt safe.
“Her eyes are open.” My man sounded elated.
“I’ll call the nurse and doctor.” Brad spoke excitedly.
Hospital. I was in the hospital.
A whoosh of air fell around me as Martha appeared in my sight, her soft fingers linked in mine, squeezing them. “Gracie, can you hear me?” Kade’s grip on my hand was tight and painful. I felt like he was crushing my bones, but the pain was nothing compared to that which had woken me.
He was holding on as if I was about to disappear from him. I blinked and slowly moved my head, every movement felt so stiff. Sore and heavy. “Just don’t move, okay? Brad’s getting a nurse and the doctor. Just stay awake, okay? Babe, just keep those beautiful eyes open.”
I wanted to smile at Kaden’s words but couldn’t. If only he knew, I had no plans on closing my eyes while I could stare up at him.
After the beating, when Ben had walked away, I’d thought I wouldn’t survive. I wouldn’t see Kaden again.
My eyes stared at the man I never wanted to let go. It had been his face which had kept me going through the dark, but something wasn’t right. He was pale, looked thinner, had a scruffy beard and his jaw was clenched. It looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks.
Oh my god how long had I been out of it? Was I even alive?
Surely, I was. I felt real. I felt the pain and everyone moved around me and spoke to me like I was real.
As I questioned reality, the curtain was thrust aside and Chris, accompanied by several nurses, rushed in.
It seemed everyone was eager to see me. The tube was removed from my throat, I was poked, prodded and asked several questions which I answered with a nod or shake of my head. Chris thrust a straw at me and I gratefully took a few sips of water, the cool liquid settling the fire in my throat.
After a few moments, I wanted them to leave, give me some quiet and alone time with Kaden. I wanted to drift off to sleep in his arms where nothing else but our being together mattered.
Chris and another doctor were informing me of what they had done and how they had repaired this and that. At that point in time, I didn’t give a fuck.
“Do you remember what happened to you, Gracie?” Kaden asked gently.
“Yes, I remember every painful moment. I thought I was going to die and never see you again.”
“Do you know where he would have gone?”
“No, he has friends now who are pathetic bottom dwellers, they would probably protect him. How did you find me? How did I get here?”
My throat felt raw; I could taste blood as I spoke. “Water, please can I have more water.”
I’d barely finished speaking when two glasses were shoved in my face, one from Kaden, the other from Chris. I saw the hate in the doctor’s eyes when I accepted the glass from the man I loved.
I listened as everyone talked and shared glances and nods. I felt un-human and hated it. It was the last thing I ever wanted to happen - my colleagues seeing me beaten and battered. I had managed to hide it for so long, talk about bringing it into the open with a bang.
And Kaden, I felt ashamed he had to see me this way. Not even Martha had been aware of the extent of the beatings.
