Page 35 of Forbidden Passion

Tessa didn’t want one and didn’t think she needed one, but she was too tired to argue.

Michelle patted her arm. “I’ll wait here for Dominik.”

“Thank you,” Tessa said as they wheeled her away.

Thirty minutes later, they were wheeling her back. Her first look at Dominik made her stomach tighten. It looked like he was about ready to lose it. He visibly relaxed when he saw her and took her hand when they got her in place.

“Jesus, Angel. How do you feel?”

“I’m going to be just fine. My head hurts a bit, but they’ll give me pain meds as soon as the doctor sees the scan.”

His eyes traveled over her face, and he was careful when he touched her cheek.

She knew she probably looked like a mess.

“I received your scan,” the doctor said. “It looks fine, so I can give you something for the pain. I also won’t keep you overnight if you have someone with you.”

“I’ll be there with her every minute,” Dominik said without looking at the other man.

“Good.” The doctor said something to the nurse.

Tessa relaxed when she felt the medicine the nurse had given her start to mask the pain in her body.

“Is she hurt anywhere else?” Dominik asked.

“Mostly her head and arms, but you’ll find a few bruises on her legs. Her whole body will be sore tomorrow,” the doctor said. “I’ll send home a few pain pills if she needs them. She can also use Tylenol for the pain.”

Dominik nodded but still didn’t take his eyes off her.

The doctor handed the nurse a chart. “She’ll be ready to leave once the IV bag has emptied. I don’t want her to go to work for at least three days.”

She opened her mouth to argue but saw the determined look on Dominik’s face and stayed silent.

Michelle came closer and gripped her arm. “I’m going to head back up to our floor. Please call if there is anything I can do.”

Tessa smiled. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The cubicle was silent as the nurse walked out but said she’d be back to check on the IV.

“I really need you to hold me,” she said.

He carefully picked her up and stepped over to the only chair in the room. She arranged her across his lap, making sure the IV wasn’t pulling. She tucked her face against his throat, relaxed, and fell asleep. The adrenaline and pain medicine they gave her made it impossible to stay awake. She heard voices and felt the tape being taken off her hand and then the needle sliding out.

“Take the blanket, and I’ll grab the bag her friend brought down and follow you out,” the nurse said.

She felt him tuck her into the seat of his truck and put the seat belt on her. The rhythmic sound of the tires on the pavement put her deeper asleep. The next thing she knew, she was on their bed, and he was carefully taking her clothes off.

Tessa watched as he cataloged every scratch and bruise she received.

“Can I have a shower?”

He stared at her and then nodded. “I’ll be in there with you. You’re not strong enough to do it yourself.”

“That’s fine.” She was glad he would help her because she was still so drowsy and knew she wouldn’t be able to stand onher own for long.

Tessa thanked God for giving Dominik to her. She couldn’t see her life without him.

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