Page 84 of Samuel

Jake took a step closer to Sam and crossed his arms over his chest. “Go out in the hallway and wait for me to come get you. Now.”

Sam looked at Evie. Was he waiting for her permission to go?

“It’s fine,” she finally said. “I’ll be okay.”

Sam nodded and walked out of her apartment, closing the door behind him.

Evie closed her eyes as Jake sat down on the couch next to her, taking her wrist into his hand.

“Your pulse is good.” He nodded as if he was trying to think of what to say next. “Was it Sam? Are you safe here?”

Her stomach rolled as she blinked him into focus. “What? No! No, it was not Sam. I can’t believe you would even think that. He’s your friend!”

“Yes, he’s my friend. Has been for a really long time, so I’d like to think I know his character. But after what happenedlast night, I wasn’t sure if you two were in a good place. And in this moment, beyond any friendships, you are my patient. My priority is making sure you and your baby are physically well and safe.”

“I appreciate that so much, but I’m safe with Sam. In fact, he might be the only person I feel truly safe with right now, and I’d like for you to let him back in, please.”

He smiled. “No problem. Give me one second to get him and then I’d like to take a closer look at your injuries.”

A minute later, Sam was sitting next to her on the sofa. Jake prodded and poked at her cheek, and each time she winced, she felt Sam stiffen beside her.

“What happened, Evie?” Jake asked as he looked at the bruises.

“I can’t tell you.”

“Can’t?” His eyebrow shot up. “Or won’t?”

She shook her head, hating the way the pain made her shudder.

“I’ve had a small headache and felt a bit nauseous since… well…” She gave herself a second to take a deep breath and then continued. “But I protected my belly and didn’t let him hurt the baby.”

She’d known the instant Sam registered what she’d said.

“Him? Him who?” he questioned. “Who the fuck else was here if it wasn’t Derrick who did that to you?”

“I already told you it wasn’t. I’m not lying.” She looked around her apartment, praying she thought to check everywhere for any device the guy might have left behind.

“If you aren’t comfortable talking about it right now, that’s okay.” Jake reassured her. “That bruise is going to get worse before it gets better. You can put ice on it for fifteen minutes at a time if it’s still bothering you once I leave.”

“Can I cover it with makeup?”

Jake nodded. “Just know it’ll be tender for the next fewdays. And I’d stay away from putting anything on your lip. It’s closed up nicely, but it’s in a spot that will be easy to reopen if you aren’t careful.”

“Okay.”

“Now, I brought my fetal Doppler with me. Would it be okay to listen to the baby’s heartbeat?”

She nodded. “I’d love that.”

“Good. And you said you didn’t hit your abdomen?”

“No. I fell on the sofa but I protected my belly. She’s been moving around like normal.”

“Alright. No cramping or bleeding?”

“Nothing. Honestly, it’s just my lip that’s bothering me.”

Jake nodded and she followed his line of sight to Sam, who was sitting with his back ramrod straight, his fists clenched tightly in his lap.

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