I glance at Hank, unable to stop the smirk that tugs at my bruised lip. Then I turn and head for the clubhouse. I’m almost to the door when a hand grabs my arm. I glance back to see it’s Earl. His grip is firm, heavy with unspoken weight. “Did they…?” he asks quietly.
I know exactly what he means without him saying the words.
“She said they never did that,” I tell him.
The relief that flashes across his face lasts only a second.
“But they beat her up,” I continue,. “And something else…something she hasn’t said yet.”
His teeth grit together as he stares off into the distance, eyes dark with promise.
“They’ll be made to pay.” Every word sounds like a death sentence.
His hand drops from my arm. Without another word, he turns and walks away.
I shove the clubhouse door open and head inside, my heart pounding as I rush down the hallway to my woman.
Chapter 34
Vee
Theroomsmellslikeantiseptic and clean cotton. It’s too bright. Too quiet. My body feels heavy and wrong, like it doesn’t belong to me anymore. But I’m free. I’m not being held captive and I’m somewhere familiar.
Josh smiles sweetly at me as he lifts the warm, damp cloth in his hand to my cheek. Pain radiates with his touch, and before I can stop myself, I flinch. I see the hurt in his eyes and I know I hurt him. He must think I don’t want him touching me.
“I’m sorry,” he murmurs immediately, his voice soft, careful, like every word might bruise me if he says it wrong. “I didn’t mean to hurt you more. I know you’re in pain.”
“It’s okay,” I whisper, though my throat feels raw. It makes me feel better that his reaction wasn’t because he thought I didn’t want him to touch me.
He starts again, his large hands gentle as he wipes away the dried blood from my face. He’s careful with every touch, making sure not to cause any more pain than necessary. The cloth drags lightly across the cut at my lip and I suck in a sharp breath. His jaw tightens.
“Almost done,” he says quietly. “I just need to feel the bones around your nose and eyes.” He sets the cloth to the side on the little table he has with supplies on it.
I nod.
I take a deep breath, whimpering as he presses his fingers to my face. He’s being cautious as he moves his fingers across my skin, but it still hurts, and as much as I want to hold back, I can’t help but show that it hurts.
“Nothing feels broken. But you’re going to have a lot of pain. If you want to be sure, we can go to the hospital and get some x-rays taken.”
“No, I’m okay if you say I’m good.” There’s no way I want to go to the hospital right now. Too many people, and I know I’ll get stared at. I also don’t want to have to tell anyone I don’t know what happened. I’m not sure I want to tell the people I do know.
“Luca?” I ask.
“He’s with them,” he tells me. “He’ll be here to see you once he has them handled.”
I nod and let out a sigh. Josh reaches out, picking up a bottle and shakes out a couple of pills into his hand.
“You need to take these,” he says.
I shake my head immediately. “No.”
“It’s just pain medication. It’ll help with the pain and help you to sleep.”
“I don’t…” My voice breaks. “I don’t want it.” Memories of being drugged and not in control are too overwhelming right now. And it hurts too much to think.
His eyes meet mine, steady and patient.
“You shouldn’t have to suffer,” he says gently. “We’re going to be right here with you. Luke and I are not going to leave your side.”
