Free Safer With You by Trisha Madley Page B

Christ sake. “I’m fine.” The reminder helps my feet to move.
    As we walk, my cell phone vibrates. I remove it from my jacket; I’m not even sure when I put my jacket back on. What a fucked up day.
    “Jase, are you at the hospital yet? We can’t get a cab yet. We’re stuck at the airport. I called Uncle Joe; he just got home from his friends, and the police won’t let him leave the house.”
    Bastards, they pulled that shit with me too. I’m surprised, though; he has more influence in this town than I do.  
    “Yeah, I’m headed to her room right now. Let Jenny know she’s al…okay, she’s stable.” I say with hesitation and the nurse nods in confirmation.
    Max lets out a breath. “Thank God, we’ve been going crazy. I’ve got a million questions, but I have a favor to ask.”
    I already know what he is asking. “Max, as soon as I see her with my own eyes, I’ll take care of it.”
    I’m not leaving for the city until I find out who is responsible for hurting Nora and accomplishing this malicious assault on my family’s property. Uncle Joe surely must have some information that I am unaware of. His place is equipped with the newest security system, not to mention my team and some of the best security officers were on location last night.
    Breaking into my thoughts, the nurse with the reassuring smile says, “She’s in ICU. You can stay for a few minutes. I can’t tell you about her condition, but she is lucky to be alive.”
    Standing at the entrance to her room, I take a deep breath and enter the room.  
    Nora’s tiny frame is lost in the large bed, hooked up to beeping monitors and several bags of fluids pumping into her.
    Nora looks nothing like she did last night. She’s bruised; purple and black color her face. The staff hasn’t even taken the time to clean the blood out of her hair. I’m grateful that the wound on her stomach is covered by a blanket. Honestly, her face is more than enough.
    The nurse follows me in and walks over to adjust her IV, making sure she is comfortable.  
    I finally catch the nurse’s name tag, Betsy. Betsy says softly, “Hun, she sustained a head trauma and she hasn’t opened her eyes yet, but if you talk to her, I’m sure she can hear you.”
    A head trauma? Christ, what did this asshole put her through? I sit on the chair beside her and keep my eyes on the nurse finishing up some paper work. Looking at Nora is becoming harder, and I’m not sure why.
    Yes, I’m attracted to her, but this feels so different. I’m not sure if it’s because she’s hurt or something else. I need to keep my shit together and do what I’m good at. I’ll find out who this fucker is and make him pay.
    Betsy finally leaves. I’m alone with Nora. I’m unsettled and unsure what to do next. I don’t know her, really. I started out last night hoping to get laid and maybe take her on a few dates, like I usually do, but between last night and today something strange has happened. I don’t have the words for it, but I have an overwhelming desire to protect her.
    Looking at her blood-stained hands, I reach out without hesitation to touch her hand. It’s soft and warm. I bring her hand up to my lips. This makes me feel better, but the guilt I feel for leaving her last night is overwhelming.
    I can’t help but say my thoughts out loud to her, “I’m so sorry, Nora. I shouldn’t have left last night. Things would have been so different.”
    I have no idea how long I’ve been in here when Betsy clears her throat to get my attention. “Dear, she needs her rest. You can join the family in the waiting room.”
    I nod and let go of Nora’s hand. I glance up at her face. She looks peaceful and content. No sign of pain, but the bruises and blood tell a different story.
    I pass Betsy and she points me in the direction of the waiting room. Max and Jenny are sitting on the black leather chairs. The room immediately makes me feel uncomfortable. It’s very sterile and quiet, too quiet.