Page 25 of Protecting Talia

A shiver rocked through her, and she mumbled something but was having trouble speaking. Another police car stopped, and two women got out. More tears came.

“Miss, can we call someone?”

She glanced up, seeing the officer standing above her. She whimpered and pulled away. The two women officers were there, and one sat on the step below her.

“Do you have your phone?”

The officer’s soft question drew her in. She nodded and reached into her pocket, glad it hadn’t been damaged during the fight.

“Do you have someone you want to call? Family?”

She shook her head and then thought about Zip. She opened her phone and hit his name, initiating the call. She didn’t move the phone to her ear, so the officer took it when Zip answered.

“Hello. This is Officer Gorman. I’m with—what’s your name, honey?”

Talia stared at the officer, trying to form words. “T-T-Talia.”

“I’m with Talia. I think she needs to go to the hospital. Yes, sir, she’s not unconscious, but she’s not talking. The ambulance just showed up. You should meet her at the hospital.”

Talia closed her eyes, a shudder ripping through her. Somehow, she was in the ambulance. She guessed Zip would meet her, or maybe he would realize she wasn’t worth the trouble. This was just a small dose of what would happen, and it would happen again and again, just like it had happened before. Then he would run, and it would ruin any chance they had.

16

Zip had his clothes on and was out the door in minutes. He didn’t speed on his way to the hospital, but it was close. Worry filled him as he glanced over and spied an ambulance arriving.

He hurried into the hospital, trying to keep his emotions under control as he asked to see Talia. It took almost thirty minutes for him to be called back. When he stepped into the curtained off area with her bed, the emotions were almost too much. He didn’t know what happened, but he could see the sadness and fear on Talia’s face. His heart squeezed and all he wanted was to protect her.

He moved to her, leaning in close. “I’m here.”

Tears slipped out of her eyes. The curtain opened behind him and he looked up to see a man in a long-sleeve shirt and tie.

“I’m Detective Huett. The man who attacked you was out on bail. I’m fairly certain the judge will revoke his bail, but maybe there is somewhere else you can stay for a while.”

Zip didn’t hesitate. “She can stay with me.”

“And you are?”

“Lewis Hodge.”

The detective met Talia’s gaze. “Is that okay—you staying with him?”

She nodded. “Yes.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Okay. I’ll get your information, sir. I just want to know where she is if that jerk gets released.”

Zip nodded as he pushed his anger down, trying to keep it under control as he held Talia’s hand. “I’ll keep her safe.”

The detective sized him up then nodded. “Good.”

After the detective left, he held her hand, waiting for the paperwork to release her. She didn’t say much, even when he asked her questions. He hated the dead look in her eyes. She was funny and snarky, but all that pep was gone. He wanted it back but forcing her to be happy wasn’t realistic.

It took them a few hours before she was free to go. She was okay but had a mild concussion. The doctors wanted her to rest, and he would make sure she didn’t have to worry about anything this weekend. They would figure out everything else later once they had time to talk.

17

Talia slowly opened her eyes, and then the memory hit as she saw she wasn’t at her place. She’d been through too much shit, but she was safe right now. Zip had brought her to his home and had held her as she fell asleep. He hadn’t asked any questions, just held her as she drifted off.

She found a new toothbrush in the bathroom, then an oversized shirt and some sweats that kind of fit. When she stepped out of the bedroom, Zip stood and moved to her. He brushed his fingers against her cheek and then pulled her into a hug. She was grateful he didn’t ask questions.

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