I turn away from the door, dropping my voice low. “It’s an arranged marriage. They want me to examine her like—fuck, like she’s livestock and remove her IUD so she can get pregnant.”
Damon’s uncharacteristically silent on the other end. I’m sure he’s just as shocked as I am.
“What do you want to do? This isn’t what we thought it would be. Do you?—”
“We can’t just leave her here.”
“I know, but?—”
“Her family signed a contract, Damon. She’s being sold off like property.” My hands are shaking now. “We can’t abandon her. I doubt she wants this.”
He’s quiet again, thinking. “Then we get her out. Stick to the plan… it’s just easier, I guess. One vic, no guards.”
“Exactly,” I say as murmured voices drift through the closed door. “Shit, they’re coming.”
I straighten and force myself into doctor mode. Professional and calm. Inside… not even close.
The door opens and the woman in black enters first with her hand wrapped around the arm of a young woman who looks like she’s barely holding herself together. Behind them, there’s a man—maybe in his thirties, built like a house. He positions himself just inside the doorway and crosses his arms. I spot the outline of a concealed gun beneath his shirt.
That’s not good.
So the whole no guards thing was definitely not accurate. I’ll need to warn Damon.
My patient is beautiful, with long dark hair pulled back, fair skin, and a face that screams innocence. The white silk robe she’s wearing probably costs more than my entire wardrobe. But when I look into her dark eyes, my heart sinks. They’re empty and hollow. Like she’s already endured so much at her young age.
“Miss L,” the woman says flatly. “This is Dr. Hyland. She’ll be conducting your examination.”
Miss L doesn’t meet my gaze. Her face stays angled at the floor and her jaw clenches.
“Coleman will remain in the room for security purposes.” The woman’s grip tightens on Miss L’s arm before releasing her. “You will cooperate fully with the doctor. Do you understand?”
She gives a small, tight nod.
“Excuse me,” I interrupt. “I wasn’t told there’d be a guard present? This is a breach of?—”
“It’s a non-negotiable.” She grimaces as she stares down Miss L again. “Trust me, you’ll be grateful.”
Whatever that’s supposed to mean.
I don’t get a chance to ask. She’s out the door as Damon’s in my ear. “There’s a guard in there with you?”
The only response I can give with Coleman’s eyes on me is an upbeat hum. I take a slow step toward L, keeping my hands in front of me, making myself look as non-threatening as possible. With whatever she’s gone through, I’m sure she’s not quick to trust.
“Hi, my name is Blake.”
Her eyes flick up to meet mine for just a second before dropping back to the floor.
“I know this is difficult,” I say, keeping my voice soft. “But we’re going to get through this together, okay?”
I get nothing. No reaction. Understandably.
Behind me, the guard shifts his weight, and I see her visibly tense.
“Miss L,” I try again. “Can you tell me your first name? I prefer to use names when I work with patients.”
It takes a moment, but she finally whispers, “Lexi.”
“Lexi.” I force a comforting smile, although she’s still looking down. “That’s a beautiful name.”
