18. Chapter 18
Chapter 18
L una
When Roman took a phone call a few minutes later, I quickly gathered my things and escaped the building. When he called me that evening, I didn’t answer.
My mind was in a daze, and I felt distracted and torn. Roman’s kisses and dirty promises ran through my head, and my breasts throbbed with need when I thought of him licking my nipples through the lace of my bra.
I couldn’t sleep, and I lay there aroused and conflicted as thoughts raced through my mind. Even in daylight, my brain wouldn’t shut down or stop replaying what happened in his office. Finally, I grabbed my trusty Cherry Box vibrator from my nightstand to try and get some relief, but afterward, I still felt edgy and needy.
On Wednesday afternoon, I almost wept in relief when the professor ended my last class early. Ten minutes later, when I walked into the parking garage alone and distracted, I didn’t register the two men who came up from behind to flank me until it was too late. One of them grabbed my forearm and the other yanked viciously on my hair.
Pain radiated through my skull, and I cried out. Then I let out a long, loud scream. “Help me!” I turned my head and recognized Lionel Strack. His taller, muscular accomplice wrapped his arms around me from behind and lifted me up, then started walking toward a van.
They were not going to take me. I knew the statistics of survival if they got me into their vehicle, so I screamed and thrashed, throwing my head back and clipping the man on his chin. Then I kicked with all my might, aiming for his groin. He cursed and dropped me, but before I could run, Lionel grabbed my arm and wrenched it hard. I screamed out in pain as he punched me in the stomach, and when I doubled over, he grabbed my hair again and held up my head.
“You’re gonna love what we have planned for you, little cunt-bitch. There are a lot of men who want a piece of you before we finish you off,” he sneered in my face, spittle hitting my cheek. I jabbed him in the neck as Kilian had taught me, but my strength was waning. He gasped and gurgled, his grip loosening.
“Get the fuck away from her!” someone yelled. Footsteps pounded toward us. “Call the police!” a man shouted. The voice sounded familiar, and other voices yelled back. I knew then we’d been spotted. My body was yanked forward, so I stood facing Lionel Strack’s ugly, blotchy face. Before I could put my arm up or get another hit in, he slammed his fist into my jaw, causing everything to go black.
The next thing I knew, I lay on my back, surrounded by two EMTs and Jared Gardner, his pinched face staring down at me.
“What happened?” I mumbled. An EMT held a cold gel pack to the side of my jaw and several people milled around, but a campus security guard held them back.
Jared knelt beside me. “Two men tried to kidnap you in the parking garage, I was trying to catch up with you when I saw them grab you.”
My whole body ached, and a few tears leaked out. “Thank you. Thank you so much.” My jaw hurt to talk, and I wanted to break down, but I needed to keep it together. “Will you find my backpack?” I didn’t like Jared Gardner much, but right then I was so glad to see him.
“Yeah. What’s going on, Luna? I know that Fowler asshole has something to do with this.”
I shook my head, and pain radiated from my face so I stopped. “I got myself into this mess, Jared,” I murmured. Roman may have put me in Lionel Strack’s path, but I’d attacked him and grabbed his stupid ponytail.
Gazing around, I looked for my backpack but jostled my elbow and cried out in pain. One of the EMTs found it and sat it beside me. Laying back on the stretcher, I tried to gather my thoughts, but my mind felt unfocused and fuzzy from the hit to my head. I gazed up into the brilliant blue Las Vegas sky, and tears started coming.
Several hours later, I lay in a hospital bed surrounded by Sylvie, Alexa, and Ezra while a second doctor examined me. The nurse had wrapped and elevated my elbow, then instructed me to keep an icepack on it, along with my jaw. They couldn’t do much about the big bruise on my stomach. I was hooked up to an IV and several monitors, and they’d tried to give me a catheter, but I’d declined.
After a police officer took my statement, I was tired, high on pain medication, and could hardly hold my eyes open. Why would I need two doctors? This second one seemed callous and rough as he moved my elbow around and probed my jaw too hard. I groaned in pain, even with the medication in my system.
He pushed his glasses up on his head. “You’ve got a sprained elbow, a severely bruised jaw, and probably a concussion from the blow. I can’t say you’re lucky, but it could have been much worse.”
Ezra muttered under his breath, and Sylvie smirked. “Nothing like stating the obvious. Why are you here, again? Dr. Penrod already came in and gave Luna the same diagnosis.”
Alexa watched the man suspiciously.
He glanced at Sylvie. “We just want to be thorough. Speaking of which, only two people are allowed at a time in a patient’s room, and visiting hours end soon.”
Ezra stood, bent over, and kissed my forehead. “I need to go anyway, let me know when you’re discharged. I think it’s a good idea for you to stay at Fenn’s compound for now.”
“I’ll think about it,” I croaked.
The doctor stood as well. “We’re keeping her overnight for observation. She’ll probably be discharged tomorrow morning.”
When he walked out, I was glad to see him go. Before leaving, Ezra turned to Sylvie and Alexa. “One of you needs to stay with her tonight.”
Sylvie nodded. “I’ll take the first shift.”
Alexa stood. “There are a few things I want to look into. Call me if you two need anything.”
My mind drifted in and out as they talked around me, the painkillers swimming through my system, making me groggy and high.
The next time I woke, Roman stood next to my bed, leaning over me and examining my face. When he saw I was awake, he ran his fingers along my uninjured jaw.
“You look like you went through a meat grinder. You’ll do anything to avoid coming into the office, won’t you?”
Sylvie huffed from the visitor chair.
I grinned, then groaned in pain. “Don’t make me laugh or smile.”
“Does it hurt to talk?”
“Not too much.”
He pushed loose strands of hair behind my ears. “Tell me what happened.”
So I told him. “One of my classmates saved me. Jared yelled for help and chased them off.”
Roman sat on the side of my bed and trailed his fingers along my forearm. “I owe him, whoever he is. I’m sorry. We had a man on you, but he didn’t know your last class of the day had been cut short. Lionel got out early this afternoon, and he lost our tail. We underestimated his eagerness to get to you.”
“You had a man on me? What does that mean? Where’s Lionel now?” I wouldn’t admit it out loud, but I was scared.
“He’s in the wind, but we’re looking for him.” He took my hand without the IV line and rubbed his thumb across my wrist. “You walked into the parking garage alone. We discussed this.” He turned to Sylvie. “Will you get her a fresh ice pack and some water?”
Sylvie ignored him. “Do you want fresh water?” she asked me.
“Ice chips sound better. My tongue feels like it’s been freeze-dried.”
Roman glanced at Sylvie. “I need to talk to her alone. Don’t worry, I’ll keep her safe.”
She glared back. “You’ve done a shit job so far. Do better or we’re taking over.” Then she turned and strode out.
Roman took my face in his hands. “Luna, I need to keep you safe. Will you let me do that?” He seemed so intent, and the usual coldness in his eyes was gone.
“How?”
“Any way I can, and you may not like it.” He let go of my face and seconds later, the same doctor who’d examined me the second time stepped in.
“What is he doing here?” I asked, trying to sit up. “I don’t want this doctor.”
He didn’t look at me. “I’ve got her dose.” Then he pulled out a syringe and quickly plunged its contents into my IV line.
“What are you doing?” My voice rose and I turned to Roman in panic. “What did he just give me?”
“It’s alright. He’s with me.”
That didn’t make me feel better, and I started pulling the tape off the back of my hand to remove the IV tube, but Roman stood.
“I’m sorry.” He held my hands immobile while the drug worked. The sudden appearance of that doctor threw me so much that I didn’t start struggling until I felt the contents of that syringe hit my system. Roman slipped something on my finger as I tried to get my hands out from under his.
“Roman, what are you doing? Don’t let him… Please help me.” My mind started to lose focus and my eyelids drooped.
“Shh. I’ve got you.” The door opened again, and I expected to see Sylvie with ice chips, but Ivan and Xander strode in as the doctor left.
Ivan looked at my bruised face and grimaced. “Looks like you’ve had a rough day. We’re going to find Lionel.”
My tongue felt heavy, and I couldn’t lift my arms for some reason. “Wha… wha’s happening?”
Xander frowned at Roman. “For fuck’s sake. You know she has to voluntarily say yes.”
“Yes?” I asked slowly.
Roman took my left hand and held it up. “Look, she’s wearing an engagement ring, isn’t she?”
Ivan smirked. “You had that in your pocket thirty seconds ago.”
Roman scowled at Ivan. “Shut up, you aren’t helping me convince him.”
Studying my left hand, I wondered where the thick gold band had come from.
Xander wiped his hand down his face, then pointed to Roman. “If I could think of a better way to protect her, I’d kick your ass.”
I slumped over on my side and started sliding off the bed like an overcooked noodle.
Roman lunged for me, grabbing my hospital gown and pulling me back into the bed. “We don’t have long, let’s get started.”
Xander sighed, then straightened and started reciting words. “Do you, Roman Fowler, take Luna Cross as your wife, and solemnly pledge–”
My heavy eyes flared, and I tugged drunkenly on Roman’s sleeve. “Your wife ?” I slurred.
“Yes, love.”
“Why’s he…?”
“Because we’re getting married. Xander, keep going.”
“Do you, Roman Fowler, solemnly pledge to love and care for Luna, in sickness and health, to take her for your lawfully wedded wife?”
“Yes,” Roman clipped. I started struggling weakly, my brain screaming at me through whatever drug Dr. Douchebag had pumped into my IV.
Ivan sighed loudly next to Xander. “I can’t lie and say I don’t appreciate the titillating view, but your bride’s hospital gown is wide open, and she’s flashing us her tits. It’s distracting. You’re a lucky man, by the way.”
Xander nodded and looked up at the ceiling.
“For fuck’s sake, don’t look ,” Roman growled. He pulled the ends of my hospital gown closed, then sat me on his lap and wrapped his palm around my chin to keep my head from flopping over.
“We’re trying not to,” Ivan shot back.
Xander kept doggedly going. “Do you, Luna Cross, solemnly pledge to love and care–”
“Skip to the yes part,” Roman urged.
“Do you take Roman as your lawfully wedded husband?”
I stared at Xander, trying to figure out what he was blathering on about and why he asked me about…. I didn’t know. My eyes drifted shut.
Roman nibbled on my neck, whispering in my ear. “Do you remember what we did in my office yesterday?” I nodded. “Did you like it? Say yes, Sweetness.”
I sighed. “Yes.”
Xander’s voice rose. “I now pronounce you man and wife.”
My eyes flared open, and I tried to get my brain to understand what was happening.
Ivan stepped forward and laid… something on the bedside table. “You need to have her sign this.”
Roman sat behind me, cradling my body between his legs. “I’ll help you. Just sign right here.” He put the pen in my hand and wrapped his own around it.
“I… read…” I slurred, then trailed off, closing my eyes and forgetting what I wanted to say. “So tired.”
“You can sleep after you sign it. You can shut your eyes then,” Roman murmured.
I rested my heavy head back against Roman’s chest and felt him move my hand with his own, signing the paper with me. Their voices sounded far away, and I couldn’t think anymore.
Roman gently picked me up and laid me in the bed as he spoke to his men. “Ivan, see if you can get this filed tonight. The marriage license office in Downtown Vegas closes at midnight. Can you get there in twenty minutes?”
I opened my eyes to see Ivan nod and grin down at me. “That was the strangest wedding ceremony I’ve ever witnessed. Enjoy your honeymoon, Mrs. Fowler.” He strode out as Roman told him to fuck off.
I could still hear Roman talking, but my brain couldn’t process their words anymore, and I slipped into unconsciousness.
When I woke the next morning, weak sunlight crept through the blinds. Someone warm and solid lay behind me, and an arm draped over my waist—an arm with an expensive-looking cufflink and a sleek watch. Sylvie slept on a chair in the corner of the hospital room, and I relaxed when I saw her. My dreams had been hazy and strange, and I felt hungover and groggy.
A dull ache throbbed in my elbow and stomach, my jaw hurt, and I needed to use the bathroom. Then I remembered the strange second doctor coming in last night when Roman had been here, and I froze. Did I dream that? I slowly looked over my shoulder and noticed Roman staring down at me. He had a five o’clock shadow, and he looked bleary-eyed and rumpled. Had he slept here last night?
“What are you doing here?” My voice sounded raspy and weak.
His eyebrow raised. “Do you need to use the bathroom?”
I nodded when my bladder reminded me why I’d woken up.
“Do you need help?”
“No.” I regretted not agreeing to the catheter when I thought of him having to help me in the bathroom. That got me moving, and I carefully sat up and steadied myself. When the room stopped spinning, I stood as Roman put his arm around my waist and gathered my IV cart. Then he helped me shuffle into the small restroom.
I held my gown closed in front and stared up at him. “I can manage from here.”
His eyes swept over me, zeroing in on my jaw, and his eyebrows narrowed. “Leave the door unlocked, just in case.”
“Okay.” I shut the door in his face but didn’t lock it. The overnight backpack Alexa had brought me yesterday sat on the counter, and I used the bathroom, cleaned up, and brushed my teeth. Then I tackled my hair, pulling a brush through my tangled strands–until I noticed something glittery on my left hand. I held it out and saw a thick gold band with a large square-cut emerald winking back at me. It looked like a gorgeous, expensive-as-hell wedding ring.
My brush clattered to the counter, and I brought the back of my hand closer to my face. Roman pushed the door open and quickly scanned the bathroom. “Are you alright?”
“What’s on my hand?” I asked hoarsely.
He gazed at me staring at my finger. “A wedding ring. We got married last night.”
“What?” Foggy bits and pieces of the night before had been floating in the back of my brain, even while I slept. My mind seemed clearer now, but I was still confused.
“Why? I don’t understand. Why would you do that?”
He stepped inside and closed the door. “Because it’s the best way to protect you.”
I stared at him. “There have to be other ways.”
His eyes narrowed and he folded his arms. “Look at your face, and you’re lucky Lionel didn’t break your fucking arm, or your jaw.” His eyes narrowed dangerously. “You’ve been beaten and had your arm broken before, and I let you get hurt again. No more.” His hand slashed through the air.
“It’s not your job, or your responsibility.” I looked back at the ring and noticed my shaking hand.
“Yes, it is. If Lionel had kidnapped you, he and his men would’ve taken turns raping and cutting you up.” He stalked closer to me. “Then he probably would have sliced your throat open or cut your veins and watched you bleed out. By then, you would’ve begged for death.”
“Okay, that got dark fast,” I mumbled, holding my stomach.
“Your life just got dark. And like it or not, you’re my responsibility for the foreseeable future.”
Adrenaline hit my system, and an ache built in my chest when I absorbed my situation. I used to imagine what my husband would be like. When I was younger–before my father sold his soul and my parents threw me away like trash–I wondered if he’d be funny and kind, tall or short, blond or dark-haired. I also imagined how we’d meet, what our wedding would be like, and where we’d have it. A generic hospital room in Las Vegas had never been one of my wedding venue choices though.
My body ached, but my mind was now clear of the painkillers, so I tried to reason with Roman.
“There have to be other alternatives, another way. We’re both intelligent people, we can figure out something besides this.” I held up my hand with the ring on it. “You had no right. I never planned to get married, I… I don’t want to end up like her.” My voice broke, and I turned and braced my hands against the sink, my head hanging. The flash of anger had drained me, and I felt shaky and unsteady.
As I got older and started to understand the dynamics of my parents’ marriage, I doubted I’d ever get married. My mother was a selfish, cruel doormat. Had she always been like that, or had it happened over time as my father slowly chipped away at her independence and self-worth? By the time my father left me in that closet to die, my mother did nothing. She hadn’t been home when he’d raged and beaten me, but she never came after me. So I vowed I’d never be like her, even if that meant living and dying alone.
Roman turned me around and gathered me in his arms, tucking my head under his chin. “If we’re married, the Stracks can’t risk the exposure, or bringing the wrath of The Firm down on them, and even that’s not guaranteed since they’re unhinged and psychotic. To work with a drug syndicate, they’d have to be crazy. This is the best protection I’ve got to offer you.”
“You should have talked to me.” My voice was muffled against his shirt.
“We heard from an informant they were already planning another kidnapping attempt, and you’re putting your friends and Ezra in danger by going back to the mortuary and dragging them into this.”
A long sigh escaped me. Roman knew what angle to argue to get his way since he’d had a lot of practice, and he was a cut-throat attorney.
I pushed out of his arms and looked up at him. “Alright, I get it. I don’t agree with how you went about it, but I understand your reasoning. I’m still so fucking mad at you.” My voice broke a little.
His lip tipped up. “I’ll have to work on helping you get over your anger then.”
I glared at him. “When this is all over, we’ll get the marriage annulled.”
His grin died a fast death, and his voice was quiet and final. “There won’t be an annulment.”
“What?” I expected him to agree immediately and then we’d discuss a possible time frame and parameters. I even had an outside hope that if Lionel got caught right away, I could be back at the mortuary in a week, maybe less.
“We’ll talk about it when I get you safely home. Not in a hospital bathroom with your friend asleep in the other room.”
“We need to talk–”
A knock sounded, and Sylvie spoke through the door. “Luna, are you okay in there?”
“No. I mean, yes. God, I don’t know. Physically, I’m okay.”
Sylvie opened the door and peered inside. I leaned heavily on the bathroom counter and raised my left hand. “It appears Roman and I got married last night.”