Page 159 of Renard's Deliverance

“B-barney. Where is he?” she asked hoarsely. She tried to move her head as though she expected him to suddenly appear.

“It’s all right, baby. He’s not here. He’s been arrested. You’re safe.” He reached over and grabbed something, pressing it.

“Barney. Arrested. Safe.”

“Yes, baby. You’re safe. I’m here and I’m not leaving you.”

She tried to lick her lips, but her lip stung where she touched the corner of her mouth.

Ouch.

“You’re here. Not leaving.” She glanced around and coughed before groaning.

He grabbed a glass with a straw and placed the straw in her mouth just as someone walked into the room. She took a sip, choking on it as a surge of fear ran through her.

Shit.

What was with that?

She could see that the person was a nurse. There was no reason to be afraid, yet her heart was racing, and she was struggling to breathe after choking on some water.

“I’m sorry, Opal,” the nurse said. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m Abby, your nurse.”

Renard leaned her forward carefully so he could rub her back.

Damn.

That was embarrassing.

Choking on water because a nurse walked into the room.

“Are you all right, Gem?” Renard asked.

“Yep. Just . . . you know . . . humiliated.”

He helped her sit back, and she sunk into the pillows. Abby stayed at the end of the bed, watching her with too-knowing eyes. Opal didn’t like the sympathy she could see in the other woman’s eyes. She hated being pitied.

“No need to be embarrassed,” Abby told her.

“Course not,” Renard grumbled. “Wanna try some water again?”

She shook her head. She’d try later, once they were on their own again.

“I’m so glad to see you awake, Opal. How are you feeling?” Abby asked.

“Like I’ve been run over by a truck.”

Abby nodded. “Thought you would. Let me just take your vitals, then I’m going to tell the doctor that you’re awake, okay?”

She nodded, then regretted the movement as pain shot through her skull.

The nurse left after checking her over and she slowly turned to look at Renard. “Guessing I look pretty bad, huh?”

“Baby, you’re in rough shape, but it doesn’t mean you’re still not the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Oh God.

It was worse than she’d thought.

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