Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
“Probably not the kind you like. I know women prefer certain brushes,” I said with a smile. “But better than your fingers.”
She offered me a timid smile. It changed her face, making her even prettier. She had a dimple to the right of one eye that deepened and made her look adorable. I imagined before this happened her smile had lit up a room.
I hoped it would again one day.
And strangely enough, I hoped I was around to see it.
All I could get her to eat was toast. Sip a little tea I added too much sugar to. I wanted her to eat more, but her terror lingered. She jumped at every noise, casting her eyes around the room as if waiting to be attacked. The lights bothered her, and I turned them down when she explained she needed to get used to the light again.
“It was so dark there,” she murmured, pulling the blanket around her tighter. “My eyes hurt a little.”
There was a knock at the door, and her eyes went wide. I stood, laying a hand on her shoulder.
“The doctor,” I soothed, then headed over and let him in.
Dr. Barnes sat across from her, smiling kindly. “Hello. You must be Anna.”
She nodded.
He drew in a patient breath. “You’ve been through a terrible ordeal, and I’ve been instructed to check on your physical health. Would you allow me to look you over?”
I saw her chest start to pump rapidly, the way her fingers gripped the blanket.
“I’ll be right here, mo mhuirnín.”
I blinked at the endearment that slipped out, then mentally shrugged. I was tired and used an expression I had heard often growing up. She had no idea what it meant.
But she relaxed a little, and Dr. Barnes did a quick exam, tsking over the bruises, asking her questions. He sat back, looking distressed.
“Well?” I demanded, worried.
“Physically, I am not surprised with my findings.” He addressed Anna. “You, my dear, are dehydrated, malnourished, and it is indicative of the traumas you have experienced. You are rather tender on the right side. Were you struck there often?”
“He-he liked to kick me.”
Rage began to boil again. I knew who the he was, and I could only hope he had bled out slowly, watching as his sick obsession was carried away from him.
Dr. Barnes leaned close, asking Anna something. She shook her head wildly. “No,” she said, her voice insistent.
Dr. Barnes nodded and sat back.
“I don’t think your ribs are broken, but you’ll be sore for a while. I want you to take some vitamins, eat well, and drink as much as you can. I also suggest some electrolytes. No alcohol or too much caffeine for a few days. Lots of rest. No stress.”
“I’ll make sure of it,” I assured him, then wanted to kick myself. I wasn’t her caregiver.
Yet the thought of someone else caring for her didn’t sit well with me.
He left some painkillers, a list of vitamins and supplements, plus the name of the same therapist he’d given Finn for Una. “Watch her, Niall. If she complains of pain in her ribs past the next couple of days, we’ll do an X-ray.”
“Maybe we should do one anyway.”
He shook his head. “If I thought they were broken, I would, but I think just very bruised and sore. She will be very, ah, vulnerable for the next while.”
“Vulnerable?” I asked.
“Emotional. Maybe clingy.”
“I understand.”
He left, and I rested my head on the door as I closed it.
I didn’t really understand at all. I had no idea how to care for someone who was vulnerable. Emotional. Clingy.
Then it hit me that no one was asking me to. Now that she was clean, dressed, and had seen a doctor, I could take her downstairs and hand her over to the team. They would help her, get her back on her feet.
My phone buzzed with a message from Finn.
Have you taken Anna downstairs?
I looked at the screen, then over to the woman on the sofa. Defenseless, scared, and unsure. But looking at me with total and complete trust.
No. She’s staying here.
CHAPTER TWO
NIALL
Finn showed up with Una, informing me she wanted to see Anna. From Anna’s response to her, it was obvious the feeling was mutual. We left them together on the sofa, their hands clasped, talking quietly.
We sat at the table, sipping whiskey. Finn’s gaze kept straying to Una as if he were worried she’d suddenly disappear.
“She’s safe,” I assured him, touching his shoulder. “We got her.”
He sighed, visibly relaxing as if he’d needed to hear the words.
“I’m never letting her out of my sight again.”
“I understand.” I stared at Anna for a moment, meeting Finn’s questioning gaze. I shook my head. “I can’t get more than five feet from her and she becomes upset,” I explained, keeping my voice low. “I couldn’t take her downstairs. I stood inside the fucking bathroom facing the door while she showered to keep her calm.”