Page 52 of My Salvation
Sitting me down on the bed, he pulls out a T-shirt from his drawers and helps me change into it. Stripping me down to my bra, he puts on the shirt, then reaches under to unclasp and pull off my bra. Helping me lie down, he pulls off my shoes and pants and tucks me into bed. I’m asleep before he finishes.
Two hours later, he wakes me up to take a painkiller, then I’m out again. He does this a couple more times during the night.
In the morning, I wake to find him sleeping beside me, holding me tight. His big, warm body wrapped around me. He must have fallen asleep. Shifting, I try to move farther away, but his arms tighten like steel bands.
“Shaw. Let me up. I need to go to the bathroom.”
Waking immediately, he stands beside the bed and rubs his hand across his face. I feel myself blush as I notice his morning wood. Without saying a word, he reaches down and lifts me into his arms.
“Whoa, I can walk.”
He just keeps walking towards the bathroom. Setting me down, he points out the extra toothbrush under the sink and washcloths in case I want to freshen up. Closing the door, he tells me he will be waiting outside.
Looking into the mirror, I see bruises forming on my face and arms. One big black mark is on my left shoulder, where the seatbelt had caught me. My left arm is throbbing from the break, and it’s about time for more painkillers. Hurrying, I finish up, open the door, and see Shaw leaning against the wall, waiting for me. Taking a second to look at him, I notice his wide shoulders, tapered lean waist, and thick thighs. And, of course, his thick cock still waving at me from his boxer briefs.
He straightens, picks me up, and carries me back to bed. After giving me a painkiller, he slips into bed beside me and pulls me close. Stiffening, I lay there for a few minutes. His hard body is a reminder of just how close to naked he is right now. Feeling my tension, his hands rub up and down my back in a soothing manner. I am too exhausted to say anything. After finally relaxing, I’m out in just a few minutes.
Waking a few hours later, I notice Shaw is gone and I’m alone. Easing my sore body into a sitting position, I look around the room.
Hmmm, this must be Shaw’s room.
The masculine tones of black and maroon suit him. It’s sparse, but that’s not surprising. Unlike Lev and Lowell’s room, he has two ginormous chairs instead of a couch, and an ottoman, in front of an imposing fireplace. I bet that’s a cozy reading spot in the winter. A glass of wine, and it would be heaven.
He comes striding in as I’m thinking about that cozy chair. And he’s gotten dressed this time, which helps keep me from jumping his bones.
“How are you feeling? Would you like to use the restroom? What about something to eat? I can make some breakfast for you.”
Knowing I can’t leave yet, I agree to both. After carrying me to the restroom, he waits until I finish and takes me back to bed. Twenty minutes later, he comes back with scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon. Setting down the tray, he pours me a fresh glass of orange juice.
“Wow, this looks incredible. You didn’t have to go to all this trouble. A piece of toast is usually breakfast for me.”
“It’s no trouble.” He runs his hands through his hair. Sitting on the side of the bed, he gives me the bad news. “Lev and Lowell are both stuck. They’ve grounded flights in both cities due to storms. So, you’re stuck with me for today.”
Great...wait.“I can call Sarah. She’s qualified to look after me. Then you can go back to whatever you were doing this weekend.”
Instead of looking relieved, he frowns heavily. “If that’s what you want.”
Picking up my phone, I call Sarah. She doesn’t answer, so I leave a message. “Hey Sarah, it’s Kate. I had a minor accident last night. I’m okay, but I have a slight concussion and need someone to stay with me. If you are free tonight, give me call. Thanks!”
Shaw waits as I finish breakfast before handing me another two painkillers. Shifting slowly in the bed, I ease back down. The painkillers knock me out pretty quickly.
***
IHEAR BEEPING AS Iwake. Tubes and machines are scattered around me, giving essential fluids and readings. What? How did I end up in the hospital?
Thinking back, I remember hearing gunshots and falling to the floor. Gasping, my hands flutter to my chest, which is wrapped tightly with bandages. “I’m alive.” Crying, I am thankful for just a second before I remember... “Collin.”
Hitting the button for the nurse repeatedly, I’m crying as I think about the placements of the shots. As the nurse arrives, I grab her hand. “Did my husband survive?”
As she gives me a sedative, the nurse reassures me that Collin is alive. Something in her voice tells me she is hiding something from me. My thoughts become foggy again as the sedative works its magic.
***
“COLLIN!” TEARS STREAMdown my face as a deep voice implores me to wake up.
“Kate, Angel, wake up. It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
Slowly, I surface from the dream. Except it’s not a dream. It’s a memory. A memory of the exact moment I realized I survived the shooting. Tears stream down my face. It had been a long time since I had thought of that terrible time. It must have been the hospital visit that triggered it.
