It didn’t take them too long. I was halfway through my pint when Fiona appeared in the doorway—followed by a blonde girl in pink scrubs. I almost didn’t recognize Erica, and a smile spread across my lips. Fiona headed in my direction with her arm around Erica’s shoulder and gave me a dirty look.
“What are you smiling at?” she asked.
“Nothing, it’s just—”
Fiona leaned toward me and slapped a palm down on the table. “Listen to me, you dickhead. I decided I like this girl, and we’re going to be friends, so you’re going to treat her like a queen. You follow her orders, you give her whatever she wants, and you don’t cross any ethical or moral boundaries. Understood?”
I gave her a bemused laughed. “Absolutely.”
“Good.” She stood up straight. I glanced at Erica, and she was stifling a laugh. “Now, I’m heading back before I get in trouble, but I’m coming over to your place in the morning to check on her. And I swear to god, Gavin, if she reports any bullshit, you’re dead.”
“Roger that. And hey, seriously, Fiona, thank you.”
She gave me a look and her expression softened. “Yeah, well, you’re helping someone, and I’m not going to be the asshole that stands in the way.”
Without another word, she turned and stormed out.
Erica stood there, watching her go, then turned to me. “Wow, she’s pretty intense.”
“You’re not kidding.” I looked over at Erica as she lingered awkwardly in front of the table. I finished my beer then stood. “Should we head home?”
“Uh, right, sure.” She cleared her throat. “You’re sure this is okay? I mean, I’m not an imposition.”
I waved her off. “Come on. My place isn’t far.”
“You live in this neighborhood?”
I nodded as we left Revel and hit the sidewalk. “Perks of being a single doctor.”
She laughed and drifted along behind me. I was tempted to take her hand and lean in close—but I didn’t know the girl, and I wasn’t about to risk Fiona’s wrath. Besides, I could tell she was delicate at the moment, even if that was wrapped up and buried under layers of murderous rage.
At least she was trying to trust me and giving me the chance to step up. I still didn’t know where this would lead, but I had to try something, anything, to make sure I didn’t let someone else get swallowed by up violent bastards that thought they could do whatever they wanted—to whomever they wanted—whenever they wanted.6EricaI woke up in a strange bed the next morning and stretched my legs out. The sheets were soft, the mattress was like a pillow, and I’d slept better than expected. I sat up and ran a hand through my hair, looking at my surroundings—gray walls, tasteful black and white photographs in simple silver frames, a bureau with a candle and fake flowers, a nightstand with a clock, and a door that led into a small but modern bathroom.
I got up and washed my face. I looked at myself in the mirror then lifted up my shirt and marveled at the bruises. I took it off and turned side to side, staring at the yellow and black that bloomed over my ribs. I wondered if they’d ever heal or if there’d always be a scar there, always some proof of what had happened, always there to remind me that I was never, ever safe.
There was a knock at the door. I stooped to grab my shirt as it opened and Gavin poked his head inside. “Hey, I thought you’d want some—”
He turned in my direction and spotted me bent over in only a bra. His eyes looked at my face, then down to my chest. I stood up straight, clutching my shirt. “You can’t just come into my room, you know,” I said, covering my chest.
He looked at the floor. “Fuck. I’m sorry. I heard you were up and wanted to see if you were hungry.”
“You still need to wait until I say it’s okay to come in.”
“Right.” His eyes looked up again and I saw them drift down to my body—but not at my chest this time. “Would you mind if I took a look at those bruises?”
I glared at him. “Yes, I would mind. Want me to tell Fiona about this?”
He smiled a touch. “Go ahead. She’d be happy someone looked you over.” He stood up straight and stepped into my room, but turned his back on me. “Put your shirt on. I can examine you while you’re covered.”
I hesitated, but he was right, the bruises did hurt. I pulled the shirt over my head. “Okay, fine, but don’t get any ideas.”
He walked over to me and I stepped back until my ass pressed against the counter. He stood inches from me wearing a pair of dark jeans and a light t-shirt that showed off his defined chest and muscular arms. I felt my heart do a quick leap as he looked down at me and gently lifted my shirt. I sucked in a breath and thought he was about to looked at my chest again, but he stopped at the bruise along my right side.