Page 56 of Honest With You

I pull her close, gently avoiding any areas that might be bruised.

“You’re my best friend, Van. The person who saved my life on the first day of school and welcomed me into her life like a long-lost sister. No one hurts you and gets away with it. I promise you. I got you.”

She nods into my neck, her forehead resting on my shoulder. “Thank you.” I feel her tears slide along my arm and down my lap. Sensing this is what she needs right now, I let her cry and hold her until she felt emptied of the dam bursting in her chest.

I feel Jesse and Ryder step back, and when I look up, I find them sitting on opposite sides of my room. Jesse is sitting in my alcove while Ryder has planted himself at my desk. Both of them are doing their best to give us privacy while also letting us know their presence is there.

“Ava.”

We all turn to look at the door where my brother is leaning on the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest.

“The doctor is here to check on you both.”

“I-I thought you already checked me.” Vanessa stutters, suddenly gripping my arm unsteadily. I turn back to look at her and she looks absolutely terrified at the idea of another person touching her. And after what she went through, I don’t blame her.

But then, what she says registers and my head swings back to my brother.

“You checked her?”

My brother’s features had softened but he suddenly straightened at my question. “I did. I’m glad I did or I wouldn’t be able to make sure she iced the bruises to reduce swelling and inflammation. Waiting too long to do so will cause the bruises to stay on the skin longer.”

He turns to Vanessa and his voice gentles, “I made sure to call a female doctor. She’s Ava and Reese’s personal doctor. You’ll like her. She’s gentle, straight to the point and discreet.”

Vanessa’s shoulders sag in obvious relief.

I hold my hand out. “My phone?”

He tips his head behind him. “I’ve shut it off, per dad. Let’s talk over breakfast. Yaya Ella has everything prepared.” A shuddering breath escapes him. “Fair warning, Dad called in the cavalry. It’s going to be chaotic, so eat before they all come.”

“Is-is Dad coming?”

Stephen taps the doorframe, rolling his eyes. “Nope, but both Cain and Figgs are.”

Mr. Cain is my dad’s head publicist while Mr. Figgs is my dad’s in-house lawyer.

He turns his gaze towards Vanessa and he sticks a thumb over a shoulder. “Come on. I’ll take you girls to the doctor.”

* * *

I find Jesse waiting for me on my bed. He’s running his hand through his hair, frustratedly scrolling his phone, no doubt reading what’s been posted about me, when I exit the bathroom. He looks up when I re-enter the room and his eyes gentle at the sight of me in a new set of pajamas, an affectionate smile playing on his lips.

“I thought you were gonna head down with everyone for breakfast?”

Tossing his phone behind him, he pats his thigh, an invitation for me to sit.

“I thought we could talk. I wanted to check in on you. Make sure you are alright. After…you know–” His eyes make a journey up and down my body, stopping at certain areas that leave no room to misinterpret what he was trying to say.

I find myself flush with the memory and he smirks, holding his arms out for a hug.

I sit on his lap, my arms going around his neck.

His lips find mine and instantly I’m lost in the calmness that only his presence provides. He pulls back, only to swoop in for another quick kiss like he couldn’t have just one.

“Are you okay? How are you feeling?”

“I’m more than okay.” Sighing, I lean my cheek on his chest, my head fitting in the crook of his neck like it was molded exactly to fit me.

“Thank you for taking care of me last night.”

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