“Her uncle mentioned her traumatic past. And what she’s been through now, I’d be surprised if she didn’t have nightmares. The sedative prevents her from opening her stitches.”
“Will it stop, though?”
Dr. Maharaj tucked the clipboard with Aria’s chart under his arm, turned away from her and eyed Reece briefly. “Son, nightmares are a coping mechanism at times. It may take time to stop, yet some women get over them far quicker than others. Challenging as the ordeal might have been for her, something tells me Aria is a strong woman.”
“She is,” Reece’s whisper made the doctor smile.
“Aria escaped with minimum injury, son. I can’t say the same for the other girl, though. The man did a serious number on her, and I think—”
“Other girl?” Reece’s brow creased in confusion.
“No one told you?”
“Told me what?”
“The police brought Aria in with another girl, Leila. If I’m not mistaken, she’s the reason Aria made it to the hospital.”
Shocked, he raked a hand through his hair. “Can I see Leila?”
Dr. Maharaj contemplated the request before he nodded. “She’s a little skittish at the moment. I’m sure it would be all right.”
“I don’t want to frighten her, just thank her.”
“C’ mon, she’s down the passage.”
Reece kissed Aria’s brow then followed the doctor. Three doors away, the doctor stopped outside a room and turned. “Leila’s sensitive about her looks right now, so please don’t stare, okay.” Baffled by the warning, he nodded and followed the doctor inside.
“Leila?” The doctor approached the bed while Reece hung back. “Hey, sweetheart, I brought you a visitor.”
A petite woman sat up in bed and looked at the doctor. Her face and arms, the little Reece saw, were a mass of bandages. He cringed.
“I don’t want to see anyone, doctor,” Leila’s whisper barely hid her apparent panic.
“It’s okay, Leila. Reece is Aria’s boyfriend. He wants to thank you for getting her to the hospital.”
“Oh. Okay.” Her smile came through in her voice.
When the doctor gestured for him to approach, Reece stepped toward the bed with a gentle smile. “Hi.”
“Hello.” Soft brown eyes, sharp in intensity, stared at him. “How’s Aria?”
“She’s doin’ fine, I guess.” Reece glanced at the doctor for confirmation.
Dr. Maharaj chuckled. “Both my ladies are doing just fine—nothing to worry about, Leila. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve another patient to attend. Reece, nice meeting you.” The doctor reached out a hand. Reece accepted the firm shake. “Don’t tire her out, okay. Leila, I’ll see you later.”
“Bye, doc.” She waved at him then turned her attention on Reece. “Aria mentioned you. Never thought I’d meet you, though.”
Her words made his heart sing. Even in her agony, Aria had thought of him. “Do you mind?” He pointed at the foot of the bed. When she shook her head, Reece sat down. “Leila, I don’t know what Jay’s done to you or Aria, but I’m grateful you helped get her here. And I’m just as sorry for what you’ve been through.”
Leila shrugged. “A case of the wrong place wrong time with Jay and right place right time with Aria.”
“How did you escape?”
“We shot the man.” She giggled and dropped her gaze to her hands. “Aria was the real hero, though. If it weren’t for her, I’d probably be dead.”
“Hey, don’t think about what-ifs. You’re safe now. Wanna talk about it?”
She lifted her gaze from her hands. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears. Reece’s gut twisted, knowing he’d never understand her pain.
