Page 28 of Catch My Fall

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“Well, the test results for any signs of STDs are all negative, so that’s some good news,” Doctor Fowler begins. “The fracture to your arm seems to be healing well and the cuts and burns to your body are also beginning to heal nicely without any worries of infection. This may be a little uncomfortable, but may I check the injuries to your vagina and anus?”

My stomach bottoms out as the memory of all the depraved things they did to me hits me full force, but I guess she has a job to do.

For the next few minutes, she has me shift to various positions so she can examine me, and even after everything I’ve been through lately, my cheeks still burn with embarrassment.

“Your stitches are healing well. How is your abdomen?” she asks.

“It’s uncomfortable, but not as bad as it was at first. It still hurts a little to walk.”

“That’s to be expected following a hysterectomy, you will feel some discomfort for another month or so, and when you are discharged, I recommend lots of bed rest, no strenuous activities and I recommend refraining from intercourse for four to six weeks at least.”

“There’ll be no problem with that.” Sex is the last thing on my mind right now.

Doctor Fowler sets down her clipboard and moves closer to me. “Sierra, I have treated a number of women who have been sexually assaulted, none of which, I have to admit, to the degree that you have. Some of them found it helps to talk to someone, a professional.”

I shake my head. “I don’t think so.”

“You might not feel like it now, but just know that there is help out there should you need it.”

I don’t really see how hashing out my feelings will magically make me better, but I force a smile to keep her happy.

“When can I go home?” I ask.

“Right now, I’m pleased with your progress. I’d like to monitor you a little longer but I would say in two to three days you could be back in your own bed.”

Thank God.

“I’ll leave you to enjoy your book,” she says with a knowing smile as she eyes the paperback on the table. “It’s a good one. Put it this way, if that man was real, my husband wouldn’t stand a chance.” She winks.

I snort a laugh as she retreats from the room, and just as I’m about to dive back into my book, my door opens, and Alec steps into the room.

His shirt and jeans are clean and wrinkle free, his hair washed and perfectly styled, and his face freshly shaven, though I have to admit, I kinda liked the rough, stubbled look.

I close my book. “You’re supposed to be sleeping.”

He smirks. “I slept for four hours, that’s more than I did most nights in the Marines.” He steps further into the room. “You don’t have to worry, princess, you leave the worrying to me, okay?”

“Where are my brothers?” I’ve tortured them by putting off seeing them for long enough, and I suppose now is as good a time as any.

“They’re having a bite to eat in the cafeteria downstairs.”

“I need to see them, but not in here. I was thinking of going out into the garden, this room is getting a little stuffy.” I need a change of scenery and some fresh fucking air.

“I’ll go grab you a wheelchair.”

I shoot him a look. “Seriously?”

First I had a doctor poke every single orifice in my body and now this? Is there no end to the humiliation today?

“It’s either the wheelchair or I carry you. Your choice.” He grins, a grin that has my belly flipping, and I’m half tempted to accept his offer to carry me.

He takes my silence as an answer and returns a minute later with a wheelchair. “I’ve told them to meet us there when they’re done.”

“Thanks, Alec.”

Determined to make it on my own, I shuffle off my bed, then grab the chunky knit cardigan Reese packed for me and throw it around my shoulders to cover my Disney pyjamas. I drop into the wheelchair with a sigh of defeat.

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