“No. My brother.” What a piece of shit. I’d never lay a hand on a woman even when they’re nuts like my former assistant.
“There’s more you’re not telling me, but we’ll get there.” I brush her hair behind her ear to assess the damage to her stunning face.
“Winston, nix the hotel, Violet needs the hospital.”
“Oh no, please. I don’t want to go back. They’re going to think you did this to me.”
“Look at me. If you start feeling bad, I’m taking you in, you understand?” She nods and rests her bruise free side on my chest. “To the hotel, Winston.”
“Yes, sir.” I reach into the mini fridge and pull out some ice, wrapping it in a towel from the mini bar inside the limo. Gently pressing it to her bruise, she whimpers, and I want his head.
My heart’s breaking for my queen. I knew firsthand that family didn’t mean love. Those who hung around were the ones who became family. My step-father became the best father I could have ever asked for. And I’m sure they’ll love Violet like I do. It’s crazy but I know immediately that this is the fabled love at first sight. “I’m so damn sorry, Violet. I won’t let anything happen to you again.” I kiss her temple and hold her close as we drive to the hotel.
Once we pull up to the entrance, I step out first then bring my girl with me. I’d love to carry her inside, but I don’t want to embarrass her any more than she is by drawing attention to her.
As soon as I open the door to my suite, I carry my woman inside. “Why are you carrying me now?”
“Over the threshold.”
“We’re not married.” Maybe not yet, but by morning the system will be hacked, and Ms. Violet Flowers will become Mrs. Violet Ryan.
“Yet.” I kiss her lips gently and take her into the living room area.
“Please sit. Would you like a drink? Wait, never mind the medicine.”
“Oh goodness. I don’t have any medicine. That’s what the fight was over. My brother stole my purse because the ring he stole was worthless and then he found the pills from the hospital. They’re nothing special, but he took them from me anyway.”
“It’s okay. I’ll make sure you get what you need.”
“Just some over the counter painkillers, please. I don’t need to be like him.” I bend down in front of her, waiting for her gaze to meet mine.
When she does, I smile and make a promise, “I won’t let you get hooked even if you wanted the stronger meds. From the second I saw you, I felt a shift in me that I’ve waited my whole life for. There’s nothing I won’t do to keep us together and to make you happy and safe.”
“I’m tired, Micah. Is there somewhere I can lay down?”
“Sure.” I carry her to our bed. “Let me get you something to sleep in.” I leave her there and dig out a tee-shirt that will fit her like a dress. She is exhausted, so I assist, doing my best not to pay too much attention to her slipping off her bra. She pushes her shorts down, stumbling over the material. Breaking her fall, I place her on the bed and slide the shirt over her head as she slips her arms through. God, she’s beautiful.
Still, I’m worried that she’s hurt more than she thinks. I look at my watch and see it’s safe to give her some medicine. I dig in my bag and pull out some Advil. Getting some water, I come back and find her wrapped up under the sheets into an adorable ball.
“Love, you need to wake up and take some medicine, then you can go back to bed.” She sits up and does what I ask. Damn, she’s worn out. Kicking off my shoes, I head into the bathroom before getting ready to settle in. Before I start working, I need to order some food for us. We never did finish our lunch and I need to make sure my love eats and is taken care of properly after the day she’s had.
I call down to the restaurant and place the order, apologizing for the abrupt exit. Winston comes into check on me, bringing me a drink. This is a full suite with two bedrooms, so he has the other one.
“I’m going to go call my daughter and then read.”
“Okay. I ordered food. Did you want me to add something for you?”
“No. I ate at a little Cuban restaurant down by the detailers.”
“Good. We’re going to be staying in for the rest of the night.” He nods with a huge grin and walks away into the other room. He’s just picked up the latest crime novel from Ian Rankin and has been itching to read it.