“What do I need to do to get out of here?” I ask. “I justwant to go home.”
Axel’s expression falters. His jaw tightens, a deep crease appearing between his brows. I already know I’m not going to like whatever he says next.
“The police need your statement,” he says carefully. “And photos for evidence. The hospital also needs to check you out more thoroughly. When you were admitted, they did a basic evaluation, but they weren’t sure if more tests were necessary.”
I nod. “Call a nurse. I want to get it over with.”
He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze and stands to leave. As the door closes behind him, I sit straighter in bed and start to armor up. If I’m going to get through this, I need to compartmentalize, and separate the present from the past. One crack in that wall and I’ll unravel.
A minute later, Axel returns with a nurse. I don’t catch her name. She’s middle-aged, competent, and clearly exhausted from a long shift. She checks my vitals, glancing between me and Axel before asking him to leave the room.
“No,” I cut in quickly. “He stays.”
She pauses, looking uncertain. “These are personal questions. Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” My conviction doesn’t waver.
Axel quietly resumes his seat beside me, folding his arms, bracing himself to be my anchor. The nurse purses her lips but drops it.
“All right. First things first, do we need to perform a rape kit?”
I close my eyes, breathing through the weight of the question before forcing the word out. “No.”
At my side, Axel releases a long, relieved breath, but the nurse isn’t finished, and I sense he won’t be feeling the same by the end of this.
“I saw bruising on your knees and neck. Any possible internal injuries? Did you hit your head at any point?”
I search my memory. Darren had slammed me back against the stall, but… “I don’t think so. No.”
She nods, jotting something down.
“Last thing. Anything in your medical history? Prior abuse or sexual assault?”
My gaze flickers to Axel, then drops to my hands in my lap.
God this is hard.
My throat closes around the answer, but I force it out.
“Yes.”
“Yes, for which?”
“Both.”
The nurse gives a tight nod. “Thank you for telling me.”
She steps out to notify the police I’m ready.
I can’t look at Axel. It’s one thing for him to suspect. It’s another for him toknow.
He speaks softly. “Do you still want me here for this next part?”
“I don’t think you’re going to want to hear it.”
“That’s not the point.” His voice is steady, resolute. “It doesn’t matter what I want. Ifyouneed me, I’m here. Always.”
He offers his hand with no pressure, no expectancy, just pure support. It’s a silent offering, and I take it, clinging tightly like it’s the only thing tethering me to the ground.
