Page 44 of Coty

“I don’t belong here. I shouldn’t have come,” Kira tries for the door again.

“You don’t belong in Knoxville, either.” Lily’s words cause Kira to pause at the door.

I walk over and gently place my hand over hers on the doorknob. “I know it’s all a little scary right now, but trust me. They can help. I wouldn’t have brought you here if I weren’t sure of it.”

“They helped me,” Lily speaks in a soft, even tone. She’s come a long way since meeting Jack. “And Kayla’s right. We can help you. You won’t have to go back to an abusive relationship.”

“How can you help?” Kira lets go of the doorknob.

“First, I’m going to treat your injuries and decide if you need to see a doctor. Then, we’ll talk about your situation with Jacob.”

Kira’s eyes bounce between Lily and me. “Who’s Jacob?”

“He’s in charge and will explain everything. If you decide you want our help, we’ll start your journey to a better life.” Lily motions to one of the leather chairs. “I’m a nurse. If you’ll sit and show me your injuries, I’ll take care of them.”

“Okay, but I don’t need a doctor.”

Wow. Lily’s starting to step into her role as the future Queen of this club. I’m so proud of her. Jack’s a good influence on her. He can be a bad one, too, but in a good way. Lily will never complain about that side of Jack. More than half the women in this town secretly have a crush on him. It warms my heart to see her so happy. She’s a woman in love and not ashamed to show it.

Kira sits on the edge of the chair. She lays her jacket on the seat and pushes up her sleeve. Lily moves a straight chair between Kira and the desk. She sits and pulls medical supplies from the black bag.

“I’m going to clean these marks and apply an ointment. It will help with the pain and the healing process. The skin is red, raised, and a little swollen. I have ice packs and some ibuprofen. It’ll also help with any pain you may have.” Lily follows the marks on Kira’s right arm. “These marks are…” She pauses and looks Kira in the eye.

“From a belt,” Kira replies softly to the unspoken question.

Lily goes back to treating the wounds. “Okay. Do you have marks or injuries in more places?”

“Um.” Kira glances at me. I slightly shake my head. Lily notices but remains quiet. “Maybe on my back. I’m not sure. He pushed me into the corner and took off his belt. I dropped to the floor and covered my head.”

A light knock comes on the door, startling Kira and me. Lily doesn’t flinch or look up.

“That should be Nanny,” Lily says.

I ease over and slightly open the door. Sure enough, it’s Jack’s mother.

“Hi, Kayla. May I come in?” She’s not really asking.

“Yes, ma’am.” I step aside and let her enter. Refusing the club’s Queen would get me kicked out and banned quickly.

Mack, Worley, Jack, Jay, and Hendrix line the wall, waiting to speak to Kira. I close the door when Coty walks around the corner. Of course, he’s here. Coty usually goes everywhere Jack does. Jack’s little journey around the country is why Coty left Willow Creek for two years.

“Hello, angel.” Nanny sits in the leather chair beside Kira. “I’m Evelyn. You can call me Nanny. Everyone else does. After Lily finishes, we’ll talk about your situation.”

Thankfully, most of Kira’s injuries are on her arms from where she blocked the blows. Lily had her remove her shirt to be sure they treated all her injuries. My heart broke when we saw the old bruises and marks on her back and ribs. I turned away and pressed my fingers to my mouth so Kira wouldn’t see me cry. Tonight wasn’t the first time he’s hurt her.

“How far along are you?” Lily asks as Kira puts her shirt back on.

Kira freezes and glances at me. I knew it. I asked several times, but she wouldn’t admit it.

“About seven or eight weeks.” Kira drops her head.

Lily presses her lips together and nods. She turns to Nanny. “I don’t sense any signs of distress, but she should probably have an ultrasound to make sure everything is okay.”

“Very well. We can arrange that.” Nanny takes Kira’s hand and lightly squeezes it. “We’re here to help you and your baby.”

Lily closes the doctor’s bag and rushes over to me. “I’m so glad you’re back.” Before I can stop her, she throws her arms around me.

I wince and cry out. “Oh, no,” I whisper.

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