Page 77 of Unloaded
“Yes.”
“Amelia is safe,” he answers cagily. “What’s your interest in her?”
“What’syourinterest in her?” I ask angrily. “Although I have a pretty good idea from what she’s told us about you.” Nicolai’s eyes narrow at me.
“Why would Amelia be talking toyouabout me?”
“She’s been hiding from you and Vena for years,” I growl. “Now bring her to me before I lose what little patience I have left.” Caprice’s jaw ticks as he scowls at me.
“Do you know who you’re talking to?” Caprice demands.
“Yes, I fucking know who you?—"
“Rosco,” Bo says in a warning tone, before turning to Caprice. “We’d like to see Rachel to ensure she’s all right.” A knock on the door draws everyone’s attention.
“Enter!” Caprice commands. A graying man, about Caprice’s age enters the room. He has a stethoscope around his neck.
“Well?” Caprice demands. “What did you find?”
“I’ve placed her in a room with monitoring equipment,” the man says to Caprice, glancing at us. My entire body tenses as I realize they’re talking about Rachel. “She has a concussion and needs to rest, but she’s going to be fine.”
Caprice’s relief is as immediate and obvious as my own. I don’t want to admit it, but it’s clear he is concerned about Rachel’s wellbeing.
“Where is she?” I ask in a calmer tone than I thought I could manage. “Please, I need to see her to know she’s really okay.” Caprice seems to debate the pros and cons of granting my request.
“Give me a moment,” Caprice says before leaving the room. I resume my pacing. The woman and man share a look but don’t comment. After what seems like an eternity, Caprice returns.
“Follow me,” he grumbles and leads us down a short hallway and through the open foyer where we’d entered when we first arrived. We get on the elevator and drop one floor before being led down another hallway to a closed door at the end.
He pauses and knocks softly.
“Yes?” my angel’s voice calls out.
“It’s me,” Caprice says, “May I come in?” I’m shocked that he’s being so considerate of her.
“Yes.”
“Wait here,” he commands. Caprice opens the door and enters the room, leaving us to stand in the hall. He pushes the door to nearly closed, but doesn’t shut us out, which I find shocking.
I glance over my shoulder at Bo and notice the man, who appears to be a doctor and the woman are hovering nearby. I guess that’s why he’s fine with leaving us unguarded, because we aren’t.
“How are you feeling?” Nicolai asks, concern evident in his tone.
“A little better,” Rachel answers softly. “The nausea is mostly gone. Dr. Michael gave me some medication that’s helping with both the pain and nausea.”
“Very good,” Caprice murmurs. “I’m glad to hear it. You have some visitors who are very anxious to see you.”
“Visitors?” Rachel questions. “Who even knows I’m here?”
“They claim they know you,” Caprice answers. “They even say you fear me and have been hiding from me for years.” I can hear the accusation in his voice. Yet he chuckles, and it angers me enough that I push into the room, uncaring of the consequences with Bo hot on my heels.
“Rosco!” Rachel exclaims, confusion on her face briefly before relief. My eyes land on her the instant I’m in the room. I push past Caprice, hurrying to her side, uncaring about my own safety. Bo will have my back if Caprice decides to attack.
“Angel!” The word rips from me, sounding as tortured as I feel. She’s laying on a large bed surrounded by medical equipment that’s beeping softly in the background.
Her face is battered and bruised and the left side of her lower lip is split and swollen. I don’t see any fresh blood, but it’s clear she’s been through hell. Despite her battered appearance, she’s as beautiful to me as ever. Her brown hair is hanging soft and loose as if she’s freshly bathed.
“What happened to you?” I ask and glare over my shoulder at Caprice. I kneel down next to the bed, too afraid to touch her for fear of hurting her further. Rachel’s hand on my face draws my attention back to her.
