Page 66 of Isabela

“I’m okay,” I sniffle. “I let myself imagine a life without the two of you in it, and realized that reality really sucked. I’m sorry I even let myself pretend.”

Gael’s jaw is dropped open, and I think I’ve finally managed to flummox him. Dragging my palms over my face to dry my tears, I shrug my shoulders apologetically. I’m a hot mess.

“At least I know I’m not going to need to fight you about coming home with us,” he mutters. “I’m going to go find the doctor. Your nurse is a judgemental bitch.”

I shake my head as he strides out the door, sighing.

“We may fuck up,” Aria says after he’s gone. “Check us, tell us, don’t stay quiet, Isa. If something triggers you, immediately say something, and we’ll find our way through it. Things could crop up when you least expect it.”

Staring at her, I decide to take her at her word. “Can you help remind me sex isn’t a dirty thing? The way Charles used sex as a weapon makes my skin physically crawl when I think about it. I’m worried I may never enjoy it again,” I confess. “I remember thinking how lucky I was that I wasn’t a virgin, because I may be broken now.”

“Broken how?” she asks.

“He didn’t rape me, but the way he touched me and spoke to me, forced me to choose between impossible things. All I can think about is what could have happened, the way he used fear to make me do things,” I explain. “I just don’t know if I’m capable of enjoying the things I used to.”

Aria stares at me as she processes that, taking a shaky breath. “If you don’t like those things, we’ll find new things, Isa. We adore you. I don’t know if he’s said it yet, but we’re in this for the long haul. That may be scary?—”

“I think it scared me before,” I rasp. “The ‘me’ after Charles kidnapped me realizes that life is short. I think I may find myself caring less what people think.”

“Good,” she murmurs. “Small minded people judge. You’re brilliant and beautiful. I’m so excited to watch the world kneel for you, baby.”

Gael comes back into the room with the doctor close behind him, and I have to drag my eyes away from Aria to focus on them. I want to be the person she sees.

“Hello, Isabela. I’m Dr. Rangel. I’m sending you home with a round of antibiotics just in case and a probiotic. Please make sure to take the full course of antibiotics. It’s a precaution only. You have a few bumps, so I want you to pay attention to your body,” he says. “If you feel lightheaded or can’t seem to stay awake, I want you to come right back, alright? Dr. Murphy here knows what the symptoms for a concussion are, so he’ll help monitor you. Otherwise, you’re free to go. Unfortunately, you will have to be wheeled out in a wheelchair for liability reasons. Any questions?”

“I brought clothes,” Aria chimes in.

“No questions,” I tell him. I was a little worried about not having anything to wear, but Aria has me covered there. The doctor leaves with a nod, and Gael and she help me get dressed. It is starting to feel a little less weird, so that’s something.

The nurse knocks on the now closed door once I’m dressed, and Gael opens it.

“I’m here to help the patient out in the wheelchair,” she says. The nurse is super professional now, and I look at her suspiciously.

“That’s not necessary, thank you. I’ll help her into the chair and wheel her out,” Gael confirms. “Bye now.”

Despite her huff of annoyance, she leaves, and Gael lifts me out of the bed and into the chair.

“We’re breaking you out, baby,” he teases me as he pushes me from the room. Aria follows us closely, the strap of the bag slung over her shoulder.

“Are you hungry?” she asks. “We can pick something up or I can make food.”

My stomach growls, making me groan as I rub it. I can’t even remember the last time I ate.

“I’m starving,” I whimper. “I don’t even know what sounds good outside of things like fried rice and chicken.”

“I think you know exactly what you want, Isa.” Gael chuckles because I guess I was oddly specific. “Do you want Chinese food then?”

“God, that sounds really good, but with an egg roll too,” I tell them.

Aria smirks as she pulls her phone out to put in the order. “There’s a place not far from here that’s open twenty-four hours. We’ll grab the takeout on the way home,” she says.

The way she says that with such ease makes my heart settle. There are so many emotions I can’t express yet, but I may be falling in love with Gael and Aria. I don’t know if I’m a worthy person of loving right now, but I hope to be.

Charles Markship is dead, his body ashes in the wind. It’s too bad his sins aren’t as easily erased.

Chapter Sixteen

GAEL

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