Free A Knight for Nurse Hart by Laura Iding Page A

date-rape drug than just alcoholalone. Men used it specifically so that the women they preyed upon couldn’t remember anything incriminating.
    To hide the extent of their crime.
    â€œWe need to contact the police,” Raine said softly, knowing Helen wasn’t going to like having to retell her story to the authorities. She wanted to say something reassuring, but couldn’t think of a thing.
    She knew better than most, there was no easy way to get through everything facing Helen from this point forward. Especially if there were long-term ramifications, like becoming pregnant.
    Her patient didn’t have a chance to respond to the news because at that moment the glass door slid open and Caleb walked in.
    â€œDr. Stewart, this is Helen Shore,” Raine said, maintaining her professionalism with an effort. “We believe she’s been sexually assaulted. We need an order for a drug screen and the SANE nurse.” She stared at a spot over his left ear, hoping he couldn’t tell how she was barely hanging onto her composure.
    â€œAlready done,” he said. “Yvonne filled me in and the SANE nurse has already arrived. As soon as you’re ready for the exam, she’ll come in.”
    Raine froze. Oh, God. No. There was no way she could stay, not for this. She forced herself to meet his gaze. “Will you ask Yvonne to accompany Helen during the exam?”
    He flashed a puzzled look, but nodded. “Sure.”
    Thank heavens. Raine released her death grip on the bed and walked towards the door.
    But she didn’t quite make it to the opening before her world went black.
    Â 
    Caleb reached out and grabbed Raine, hauling her upright before she hit the floor.
    She was out cold, her head lolling against the crook of his arm, her dark red hair and smattering of freckles creating a stark contrast against her pale skin.
    â€œWhat the—?” He swung her limp body into his arms and carried her to the only open bed they had on their team, room five. There was a minor burn patient from the waiting room slotted to be admitted in there, but he didn’t care. At the moment Raine took priority. Gently, he set her on the bed.
    Within seconds her eyelids fluttered open and she stared up at him in confusion. “What happened?”
    â€œYou tell me,” he muttered, his voice grim. He was glad she’d come round so quickly, but couldn’t help the sharp flash of concern and annoyance at how she obviously wasn’t taking very good care of herself. He hadn’t liked the awful way she’d looked awful earlier in his dad’s room and now this. “You fainted. When’s the last time you had something to eat?”
    She winced and avoided his direct gaze. “I…um…ate before my shift.”
    He didn’t believe her. “Take a break. Now.” Caleb dragged a hand through his hair. She’d taken ten years off his life when she’d crumpled like a rag doll.
    â€œI’m fine,” she protested, pushing up on her elbows to sit upright. She ran a hand over her forehead and he could see the faint sheen of sweat dampening her fingertips. Her pulse was racing and her blood pressure was probably non-existent. “I never faint.”
    â€œCould have fooled me,” he said, stepping forwardto put a hand on her shoulder to keep her in place. “Give yourself a few minutes’ rest before going back to work, would you? I’d rather arrange for someone to come in to give you a full physical exam. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you look like hell.”
    Her eyes widened in horror at the suggestion. “No. I’m fine. I don’t want an exam.”
    â€œRaine.” He stared at her until she met his gaze. “I’m not kidding. Tell me what’s going on. What’s wrong?”
    â€œNothing.” She avoided his gaze in a way that made him grind his teeth in helpless frustration. Why wouldn’t