Page 34 of Last One Standing
He followed so closely on each step, ready to catch me if I fell. Pika was behind us, and Shep walked in front. I laughed at how everyone here was so concerned about me, when just a short time ago the other place full of men hadn’t given two shits about me.
I couldn’t even call the floor we went to a basement because it didn’t look anything like one, was fit to be like a sort of clinic. I knew there was more to the space I couldn’t see, but what I could was insane. I had to tilt my head up to get the best view since my lids were still somewhat swollen.
Angel had gotten me a step stool to get up on the bed and once I was situated, he pulled up a chair.
“Before I do an exam, which I promise won’t be invasive, I thought I’d talk to you about what I’d be doing here.”
I smiled. He was so sincere. I could absolutely see the terrifying man that lay beneath his umber skin, but those eyestold his story. Every emotion shone through them. Right now, it was concern and kindness.
“I appreciate that.”
He nodded once. “And, while you don’t want to tell me everything that happened to you with Brick, I hope you’ll feel comfortable enough to discuss it with someone. I only say that because, if he did something the scans or my minor exam doesn’t catch, I’d hate for you to be suffering if you don’t have to.”
I sighed. “I don’t want to talk about it to anyone, but you’re not stupid, Angel. I knew the second I told you I had a right to say no to anything, I saw your expression shift, so you know what he did to me. It wasn’t the first time, but I’m hopeful it’s the last.”
I could see the way his jaw clenched, his hands curled into fists. He wanted to beat Brick to a pulp. I shouldn’t find that hot, but alas, I did.
“Fair enough, and yes it was the last time, I promise you that. I won’t prod where you don’t want me to, but perhaps I can at least press on your abdomen, just ask a few questions. In case you need something, I can get it for you.”
Where was this man when I’d been lost on the street with an eight-year-old and not a dollar to my name? If he’d helped me, I wouldn’t be in this situation.
“That’s fine.”
“Okay. First, I’d like to draw some blood, and do vitals, you know, blood pressure, check your heart and lungs. Afterward, I really want to get scans of your head and your body.” He pointed behind himself where there was a hallway. “This floor spans the entirety of the house, and don’t ask how or why, but we do have an MRI machine. We got it a couple of months ago, and we had to secure a special room for it and everything. Kind of insane, but it’s a bit of a walk. I’ll roll you close and then I’d like to get a full-body scan. It’ll be easier than doing a ton of tests.”
I crinkled my nose. “I don’t like tight places.”
“I understand. I have headphones you can wear that are safe with the machine to listen to music. It’ll block out the loudness, and at any time if you’re uncomfortable we can stop.”
He lifted his arm and I thought for a moment he was going to take my hand in his, but he dropped it. “An MRI will tell us the story of what’s going on without a lot of poking and prodding.”
I nodded. “Okay, I will be a good little patient.”
The corner of his mouth curled, and I found myself longing for a smile. “Thank you. Let’s get started.”
Pika sat off to the side, watching every move Angel made. Shep was also there, but he was on his phone doing something. I knew he was present in case he was needed and Angel couldn’t do it on his own. Neither Pika nor Shep spoke while Angel did everything.
The MRI was pretty awful, but I endured. It took about two hours and when it was complete, I felt as if I could sleep for a year. I’d been down here for at least three hours in total and was done.
“I’m tired.”
“I know.” Angel gently squeezed my shoulder and for the first time in a long time, a man’s touch didn’t make me want to throw up. “I’m done.”
“Thank goodness.”
Angel looked at Pika. “Your brother mentioned you’d like to shower or take a bath. Phoenix offered some loose swim trunks to wear—that way someone else can be with you if you need assistance.”
My grin hurt, but I couldn’t help it. Angel was exactly as his moniker. “I think a bath would be perfect. The clubhouse only had a shower and to be honest, soaking would likely help my muscles relax.”
“Of course. We have bubble baths and Epsom salts too.”
“A bubble bath sounds heavenly.” I stared into Angel’s caring eyes. “I don’t need the trunks. It wouldn’t be a proper bath that way. I think between Pika and you, I can get in and out of the tub.”
I knew I was telling Angel I was okay with him seeing me nude. I also knew he’d see every mark on my body that Brick had left behind. But Angel comforted the chaos running rampant within me. My chest hurt, but he breathed life into me. He was safe, and that was something I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Whatever you’re comfortable with. I’ll get some cool compresses for your eyes, and an anti-inflammatory. They’ll help.”
“Sounds great.”
