"So... When did this happen?" My mother asks, gesturing between us.
"When she picked me up from the airport. Nine months proved I couldn’t be without her.” Lucian says. I mean, it isn’t a total lie. He leans over and kisses me on the head.
The doctor cuts in, "Miss. Miller, we have to do one more MRI to make sure there isn’t any swelling from the concussion, but as long as everything is clear on the MRI, we think you can go home as soon as tomorrow morning. A few officers will be stopping by to get your statement as well. And I strongly recommend talking to someone professional about your... incident."
"Thank God," I say. "I just want to sleep in my own bed."
"Nope, you are coming back with me. At least for a little bit while you heal. Ok? Please, Cass. Let me help you."
"Oh, ok. But can we stop by my apartment first so I can get some stuff?" Damnit. I have to figure out a way to get away from him. He can’t find out about the deal with Theo. He would kill him if he did.
"Of course." He leans and kisses me on the forehead again. I wish I could say that I could get used to this. We still have a lot to talk about, like why he was at the club, how he knew it was me, and how the fuck Jayme had 450k to spend on me. Oh dear God, I technically fooled around with Jayme, too. My entire face gets red. I also need to get the info on Jayme that Theo wants. That’s the only way I can guarantee Lucian’s safety.
"What’s up, Cass. You're looking as red as a tomato. You, ok?" Jayme laughs. He fucking knows I know now. Smug bastard.
"Just flushed and very tired. I’m ok, though. I appreciate your concern." I give him my sweetest smile. He winks. Yep, he definitely knows.
"All right, hunny. We are going to head home. But call us if you need anything. We love you. And Lucian, watch over her, please. I can’t bear the thought of losing her." My mom tears up as she hugs me. Dad gives me a quick hug, and then they leave. Leaving me, Lucian, and Jayme alone.
"Soooooo. How are you feeling, sweetheart?" Jayme asks.
"You mean, how do I feel now that I found out it was you two that night?" He looks down all bashfully.
"Yeah, I guess we could start there. Or we could start with how you got mixed up with that piece of shit Blackmore." He says—a hint of anger in his voice, which I don’t think was directed at me.
"Actually, would it be ok if I slept for a bit? I’m exhausted, and my head still hurts." I lean against Lucian’s chest.
"Of course, sweetheart. We will both be here when you wake up, and we can talk then." I definitely should have recognized him calling me sweetheart that night.
Lucian starts to stroke my head, lulling me to sleep on his chest. I wish there were a way to run away with Lucian. Start a new life—one where Theo Blackmore doesn’t exist. The only place is in my mind, in my dreams. That’s where I plan to live for the inevitable future that I am locked into. I need to leave Lucian a note before I go. I hope he doesn’t hate me for disappearing. If only he could know, maybe he would hate me less after what I am about to do.
53. Lucian
Her wet, naked body. That kiss. Fuck I would have given anything to make that moment in the bathroom last longer. Oh well, we have all the time in the world now. It’s dark outside. The doctor said they would be back in a few hours for her for the last tests. Hopefully, we can go home in the morning. Home. My home. I can’t believe she is coming to live with me. I mean, sure, it might only be temporary, but that gives me time to test out the whole "move to California with me" speech.
She’s currently snuggled into my chest with her arm wrapped around me. Her poor fingers have splints on them. She’s such a strong woman. Most people would have fainted from the pain alone, but she fought. She fought him hard, too. They found DNA under her nails, but it will disappear in the evidence lock-up, most likely.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"Hello. I’m here to take her for the cat scan." The nurse says.
"Cassie, hunny. Wake up." She barely stirs. "Cass." She shoots upright. She was panicked like she was just in a nightmare.
"What? What happened?"
"Nothing, baby. You're ok. The nurse is just here to take you for the CAT scan."
"Oh. Okay. What time is it even?"
"Close to midnight, I think. I’ll be here when you get back, so don’t worry." Jayme is currently snoring on the couch. "Jaymewill be too." She smiles. I love it when her nose crinkles when she smiles. It’s adorable and makes her look so innocent.
The nurse helps her get into the wheelchair and takes her away.
The sound of the door closing wakes Jayme.
"Hm, Lucian? What time is it?" Jayme yawns and stretches. Thankfully, the couches aren’t too uncomfortable here.
"Almost midnight. Cassie will be back in a bit; they took her for the cat scan."
