Page 56 of Depraved Truths

“You know she can’t go home, right?”

“Yeah, I know,” I say softly, staring at the ceiling, as the first light of dawn begins to creep in through the windows, casting soft rays across the room. “Let’s go get our girl.”

Chapter 38

Iknock on Allie’s hospital room door while Eli goes to fetch the nurse and grab a wheelchair. Stepping inside, I see Allie sitting in the bedside chair, wearing a pair of pale blue sweats—some fancy designer brand she loves. A few personal items are packed into a clear plastic bag on the bed.

She sits, staring out the window. Her dark hair falling in waves, framing her face, likely an attempt to cover the bruises. Allie possesses a natural beauty, her features perfectly symmetrical, with full, pouty lips and a pert nose. I step further into the room, yet she hasn’t acknowledged my presence.

“Alls?”

Her striking blue eyes snap up to mine, confusion flickering before clearing, as if she’s been lost in thought. Or dissociating. That wouldn't surprise me, given everything she’s been through.

“Hey,” she murmurs, unshed tears flooding her eyes before she bites her lip and looks away.

The nurse bustles in to go over discharge instructions while Eli hangs back with Allie. As he looks at his cousin—my bestfriend—the sadness and concern in his eyes only make me more certain of my feelings for him.

Love. The word still feels so foreign in my brain but that’s what this is. Eli is a good man who accepts my darkness, while also nurturing my need to right some wrongs in this world, and if anyone can save me from falling too deeply into the abyss, it’s him.

“So, Dr. Sparks, Allie will be in your care?” the nurse asks, snapping my attention back to the present.

“Yes.” I nod as Allie says, “No.”

I look at her, confused.

“I want to go home.”

“Alls, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I don’t want you to be alone right now.”

“But I want to be alone,” she snaps, her eyes flashing with defiance. It’s the first sign of fight I’ve seen in her in days, but I wish it weren’t directed at me. She’s not going to win this battle. Not today.

“Allie, please. Don’t argue with Tess about this.” Eli speaks softly, but there’s authority in his voice.

She looks at him, surprise written all over her face. “No…I don’t want to be in the way. I don’t want to intrude on you two.”

“You will not be intruding. We want to be here for you,” he replies firmly and then turns to address the nurse. “Yes, she’ll be going home under Tessa’s care. And mine,” he adds.

And there he goes again, shocking the hell out of me. I love this side of him—the side he rarely shows. His authoritative tone might offend some women, but I’m practically melting. And so is the nurse, judging by the quick intake of breath and theswoon in her eyes.

“Oh—yes, okay. Let me grab that prescription for painkillers, and she can be released,” the nurse stammers, cheeks flushed. I smirk at her. If only she knew how much I understand her reaction. But the difference is, he’s mine.

Allie looks at Eli with an unreadable expression before relenting. “I’ll stay for a day or two until I figure out what I want to do next.”

The young nurse’s attempts to flirt with Eli on the elevator ride down are cute but dissipate abruptly when he wraps his arm around my waist. It’s a smart move on his part, as I’m two seconds away from stabbing her with my thoughts alone.

As if reading my mind, Eli flashes a knowing smile in my direction before taking my hand as we exit the lobby. After ensuring Allie is seated comfortably in the back seat, the nurse smartly returns to her shift, and we pull out of the parking lot.

“I need to go to my house and grab a few things,” Allie says, her voice barely audible.

“Are you sure?” I ask. “I can always go pack a bag for you or order some things to be delivered.”

“Yes. I need to do this.”

“Okay, we’ll go there first,” I agree, nodding at Eli’s silent approval. I know she needs this for herself. I’m just grateful she’s agreeing to come to my house willingly. Kidnapping her isn’t on my to-do list for today.

We arrive at her house, and I see the police tape across the door. The cops have come and gone, but the tape remains—an ominous reminder of the depravity that occurred here. I’ve already arranged for a new front door to be installed later today.

Allie hops out of the truck before I can get out and stands, staring at the doorway. Her eyes are haunted. I reach over andsqueeze her hand, silently offering my reassurance. She takes a deep breath, swallowing back her emotions while Eli cuts the yellow tape off the door.

---