Page 112 of The Retreat

Oliver cocks his head. “I understand now.”

Isaac turns on Oliver and half shoves him. “Manners! And what even are you talking about?”

I flinch at the unexpected movement.

Isaac freezes, tears filling his eyes. “I’m so sorry.” His tone is soft, and he reaches for my hand slowly. “Hey, you’re okay now.”

I squeeze his hand, unable to look him in the eyes. The last thing I want is for anyone to see me like this.”

“We’re going to take you home, okay? The spare room is made up for you.”

“My spare room is a fencing studio at the moment.” What is he talking about? Am I sleeping in there? Would Owen really kick me out of a room he barely sleeps in? My throat burns with unshed tears. I’m so damn tired of crying. I am not a fucking victim. I’m a survivor, and that’s not changing today.

All I need is to sleep. Tomorrow I’ll be stronger. Not as broken.

Brittany brings me some scrubs to change into since my clothes are ruined, but she hands the bag to Oliver, who stares at it.

“Throw that away.”

She flicks her gaze to me, and after getting my shoes out of it. I tell her it’s fine. I don’t want to see those clothes again either. She gives them my discharge instructions, and Oliver asks some questions like it’s a fucking job. I don’t have the energy to argue with him, so I let it go. I’m shocked he’s being this nice.

“What about sex?” Oliver asks her with a straight face.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I assume his sex life doesn’t include as much impact as playing hockey, but does he need to abstain from orgasms during the healing process?”

What. The. Fuck?

“Oliver!” Isaac snaps. “I’m sure if it’s a concern, Colin can ask his doctor in a few days.”

“He should definitely check in with his primary care in a day or two. He needs to be monitored, and those stitches will need to come out,” she says as she hands him the paperwork. “He has prescriptions to pick up at the pharmacy. If any of his symptoms get worse, bring him back immediately.”

I’m wheeled out to Oliver’s waiting driver and helped into the car. Luckily, I’m given something for the nausea so I only want to die a little with all the movement.

“Your father?” Oliver demands when the doors close.

“Leave him alone,” Isaac hisses. “Can’t you see he needs to rest?”

“My brother is in booking, kitten. I need to know why, since he won’t tell me.”

“Yes—” My voice cracks, and I’m forced to stop talking. I can’t look at him. I’m sure he’s never been in a position like I currently am. He can’t possibly understand. “Thank you.” I force the words out, defeated by the fact that I need his fucking help.

“For what?”

“This. Picking me up.”

Isaac moves to sit next to me and holds my hand. I tense when he gets close, but I don’t stop him.

“You’re family now. I’d do anything for family.” Oliver is typing on his phone. What he’s doing is anyone’s guess.

I blink, but I’m too tired to question why I’m family now and not when I married Owen. I let Isaac comfort me. He’s a little mother hen sometimes, and right now, I need to feel like someone cares.

“No wonder Owen’s in jail. It’s good he controls himself better than I do. If it were me, your father would be dead. But he won’t get away with this.”

My eyes dart to Oliver.“What does that mean?”

“It means that if I can’t have him murdered, I’ll ruin him. Destroy everything he thinks he’s built.”

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