Page 78 of Rock

Surprisingly, the hallway cleared, and four officers in uniform came into view.

Rock pulled Lyla back another foot, giving the police room to get through.

Jackson moved with them, closer toward the rear exit next to the men’s room.

Lyla tried to stop shaking, but she couldn’t. She trembled violently while everything happened in slow motion around her. Carl was hauled off the floor and escorted out of the bathroom and then out of sight. The police asked a lot of questions, which Rock and Jackson fielded.

A paramedic joined them. “Let me look at your neck, ma’am.”

Rock removed his shirt from the wound and tipped her head into the light.

The paramedic took a quick look and then nodded toward the door. “My partner is bringing the ambulance around behind the coffee shop. Let’s go out there. I need to see the wound better.”

Rock and Jackson flanked her as they led her out of the door and toward the awaiting ambulance.

The paramedic opened the rear door and reached in to drag a first-aid kit to the edge. “Let’s have another look, ma’am.”

Lyla felt like she was underwater. Everyone’s voices were muted.

“I think she’s in shock,” Rock said. He hopped up onto the back of the open ambulance, sat, and lifted her into his lap. His lips came to her ear. “I’ve got you. You’re safe. Let the medic look at your neck.”

The paramedic gently tipped her head to the side.

Lyla winced when something cold touched her.

“Sorry. I’m just cleaning the area. It’s a tiny nick. I promise. No need to worry. I’m going to put one butterfly bandage over it. You’ll be fine in no time. It won’t even scar.” The man was very kind, and he took care to keep his motions slow.

Lyla was panting. Her world was spinning.

“There. All done.”

Rock guided her head upright. He cupped her face. “You’re okay, Baby girl.”

She wasn’t, though. That was twice Carl had attacked her. She was shaking with fear. Rationally, she knew he’d been taken into custody, but she wasn’t feeling rational at the moment.

Jackson handed Rock an open bottle of water, and Rock helped her take several sips. He kissed her temple.

“The police need to speak to her,” Jackson said, looking leery. His brows were drawn together as though he didn’t think she was capable.

Lyla took in a deep breath and fought for inner strength. She couldn’t let Carl get to her like this. He was nobody. An asshole who’d tried to terrorize her. She needed to take back her power.

She nodded. “I’m okay.”

“You sure?” Rock asked. “We can wait a while if you need more time.”

She shook her head. “No, I’m good.”

The two officers who’d come to the house the night Carl attacked her stepped closer.

Susan was the first to speak. “Lyla, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

Lyla nodded. “I will be.”

“Can you tell us what happened?” Susan asked.

“I went to the bathroom, and as I was coming out, that guy attacked me. He slammed me into the wall and demanded to know where I put his stuff. Just like last time. I don’t have any idea what his stuff is.” Apparently, the guy was Carl Houseman,but she had no personal way of confirming that. She couldn’t remember him well from high school.

“Wedo,” Susan said.

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