Page 37 of Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You
A blank expression crosses his face before he cocks his eyebrow and smirks at her. “Fine. Just be sure you can finish what you start. Your father’s not here to protect you anymore.”
Shae trembles as he walks backward out of the room, winking at her before the door closes. All this time, she thought they were free of Spencer. His sudden disappearance had been a welcome relief, easy to accept as permanent when there were so many other problems to try to overcome. Now, he’s back, seemingly even more deranged with his new-found power. She swallows, trying to speak through the bitter film glazing the inside of her mouth. “What’s he doing here?”
The woman rolls her eyes. “Ricardo? He works for Juan.”
She shakes her head. Even in her wooziness, she knows that’s not right. “No, his name’s Spencer. He drugged Nick and almost killed him.”
“Oh, shit. Are you kidding me?” Her eyes widen in realization of something only she understands. She drops her voice almost as if she talks to herself, “It all makes sense now.”
“What?”
“Nothing.” She blows out a deep breath. “We can’t worry about him right now.”
Gentle fingers slide under her back and lift her up while Shae pushes down the soiled fabric with her feet. Free of the dress, she leans on the woman as she helps her walk to the bathroom and sits her on the bench in the shower. “I guess I’d better get naked too, since I know I’m going to end up soaked.”
Shae clutches the bench with her fingers to keep from tipping over. Or falling apart. Trying to stop the panic from engulfing her, she concentrates on her new friend. The woman strips down in front of her, bare except for the small, orange lily on her left hip. “I like your tattoo.”
“Thanks.” She reaches over her and turns on the water, shaking her head. “This is like fucking bad porn—two chicks in the shower together.”
Warm water streams over her, the first sense of normalcy she’s felt since realizing her nightmare is real. A small blessing she’s not alone. “Thank you for helping me.”
“You’re welcome. Would you like me to wash your hair?”
“Yes, please. That would be wonderful.”
She leans forward as the woman massages her head, fingernails gently scraping her scalp. Her body shudders when they brush against the lump on the back of her head.
“Sorry!”
Tears prick her eyes again as she nods. The sting of her wound not as strong as the pain clenching her heart. All she wanted was to find Nick, and now he and Max might both be gone. Unable to resist any longer, she takes the risk of knowing the truth and shattering her heart. “Is it true? Is Nick really…” She can’t bring herself to say the word, holding her breath waiting for the answer.
The woman swallows hard, her voice almost lost in the hiss of the shower. “I don’t know. That idiot took my phone, and I haven’t been able to talk to anyone.”
Pink, bubbly water runs down her body, floating over the dried red streaks caking her chest and arms. Juan’s blood. Mixed with hers. He’s dead, and maybe they are too.
The woman jumps back as she gags again. “Shit! Warn a person when you’re going to do that!”
A few more dry heaves, and the nausea passes. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I don’t feel so great myself.” She squats in front of her, gentle concern filling her cocoa eyes. “All done?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, then let me help you wash.” Like a mother with her child, she gently cleanses Shae’s body, scrubbing the proof of Juan’s demise off her skin. After rinsing her, the woman gives herself a quick wash before turning off the water and wrapping them both in towels. “Let me get dressed, and then I’ll help you.”
As she pulls on her capris, a knock sounds on the door. A soft voice speaks a beautiful language that sounds like music. “Is that Spanish?”
“No, Portuguese. My mother’s from Brazil, and some of the staff are from her country.”
The door swings open, and Rosita comes in carrying a small stack of clothes and a toothbrush. She sets them on the counter and motions toward Shae. They help her dress and brush her teeth before taking her into another bedroom. Trying to slow the spinning of her head, she lies back on the pillow and closes her eyes. “Will you stay with me please?”
“Sure.”
The woman lies next to her on the bed and pats her arm before rolling onto her side. After a few minutes, Rosita brings in a tray with soup, crackers, and a bottle of water. Grateful for her kindness, Shae smiles at her. “Thank you.”
Rosita returns the sentiment and nods before leaving. With a shaky hand, she lifts the bottle and brings it to her mouth. The cool liquid helps settle the spinning in her stomach. “Where are we?”
“Juan’s house, north of LA.”
