She coughed, and I lifted the cup of water sitting on her bedside table to her lips, helping her take a few small sips.
“He found you when you were trying on the dress, didn’t he?”
She blinked. “How did you know?”
“Cam said it was the only time she wasn’t with you.”
Her gaze wouldn’t meet mine. It lowered to the blanket covering her lower body. She seemed nervous. Fidgety. Like she wasn’t telling me everything.
“Nylah, kitten, whatever it is, you can tell me.”
She lifted a tortured gaze to mine. “He kissed me.”
“What!?” I exploded, yanking my hand from hers.
She cried harder, and I felt like an asshole.
“I didn’t want it. I was so shocked,” she blubbered. “I’m so sorry, Rael.”
I pulled her into my arms, holding her close as I told my Reaper and Berserker to back the fuck off. They reacted so fiercely that it would upset her even more. “Hey, I know that. Are you worried I’ll be upset with you?”
She nodded, burying her face in my neck.
“Kitten. I know you wouldn’t invite or want another man. There’s no worry about that. It would never occur to me. Let that go. My rage is focused entirely on this motherfucker who thought he had the right to touch you.”
“But,” she faltered. “I didn’t push him away fast enough.”
“You said you were shocked. I believe you, Nylah.” I leaned back and tilted her head up, pressing a soft kiss on her lips. Not only because I had to erase any trace of him from her mouth, but also because she needed to know there wasn’t any hesitation on my part. She was a victim, not a cheater.
Her fingers gripped my cut. “I love you, Rael. So much.”
“I know.” I kissed her again. “That’s why we’re getting married on Valentine’s Day.”
“Even now?”
“Of course.” I frowned. Was she having second thoughts?
“That makes me happy.”
Relieved, I finally inhaled and exhaled a full breath. “Good. Now tell me all you know about Tony Brock.”
It turned out she didn’t remember anything important except his physical description. She described his tattoos, and that was all she could tell me. Because of HIPAA, Nylah couldn’t disclose his address. I didn’t need it. My Reaper and Berserker would find him.
I could smell his scent on her. It was male, unknown, and burned my nostrils. He wore a cheap cologne.
I didn’t tell Nylah. She seemed tired. Exhausted in a way that didn’t make sense. Did he give her something? Force anything into her mouth?
The doctor walked into the room before I could ask her and greeted us. His warm smile comforted everyone inside, which now included Mimi, Chrome, and Cam. “Hello. I’m Dr. Rajah. I see you’ve had a bit of a tumble.”
Nylah actually cracked a smile, her cheeks turning pink. “You could say that.”
“I think you can be discharged today, but I’d like you to check in with your primary. Your iron is still a little low.”
“I thought so,” she admitted.
“Are you taking your supplement daily?”
“Yes.”
