Page 4 of Mine to Keep

Roland’s eyebrows rose. If she could articulate that well, she wasn’t as slow as his father made her out to be.

His grip on her leg tightened when Daniel made her cry out in pain as she checked her eyes.

“I know, I’m sorry.” Daniel did a few more things before he pulled a syringe out of his bag.

“What’s that?” Roland asked.

“It’s for her pain. It’s the fastest way to make her feel better.”

Roland nodded.

“We’re going to turn you on your side so I can give you a shot in your buttocks,” Daniel said.

She opened her mouth. “But…”

“It will take away the pain,” Roland said.

She settled and nodded.

Roland pulled the blanket down, turned her on her side, and lifted the shirt. He watched Daniel pull a corner of her panties down and give her a shot. She acted like she hadn’t felt it.

“That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?” Daniel asked.

“No,” Laila said.

Roland covered her back up.

Daniel put the things away before pulling out a small bag of pills. “Here are some pain relievers, and if after six hours she’s still in pain, give her one of these. If she still doesn’t feel well after that, give me a call.”

Roland nodded. “She’ll be taken care of.”

“From the look on your face, I don’t doubt it. You probably don’t want to leave her side, so call me when you get a chance later. I’ve got a few questions.”

“I will. Thank you for coming,” Roland said and shook the other man’s hand.

Daniel touched Laila’s shoulder. “It was nice to meet you.”

“Thank you for coming,” she murmured.

“You’re welcome.” Daniel smiled. “She has a charming accent, doesn’t she?”

Roland nodded and listened to the door close behind him without taking his eyes off Laila, his fiancée. God, even thinking that should have scared him, but spending the little time he had with her, he knew he wanted her.

“Rest, Laila. I’ll be here.”

“Could I have some water, please?”

“Sure. Do you think you could eat anything?”

“No.”

“Okay. Let me get you that water.”

He stood and walked into the bathroom. He grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it with cool water. In the bedroom, he set the glass on the nightstand, lifted her to a sitting position, braced against his chest, and then handed her the water.

Her hand was shaking so hard the water sloshed over the side. “Here, let me help.”

Roland took the glass from her and brought it up to her mouth. She drank it down and sighed. “Would you like somemore?” he asked.

---