Chapter Three
Jenna stood under the water as it beat down on her shoulders and back. The hot water soothed any injuries or tight muscles she had, and she knew there had to be a few bruises because of the fight she put up.
She was careful around the bump on her head and scrubbed her hair twice to get all the gunk she had on her from the disgusting alley.
When she finished washing, she turned off the water and wrung it out of her hair before twisting it up in a towel. She grabbed another towel and dried off quickly. She looked through the cabinets until she found lotion and slathered it all over her body, which made her feel more human.
She didn’t want to put onthe robe she’d been wearing because she could see the grime she’d gotten on it, so she reached for another, making sure the belt was tied securely.
A grimace crossed her face when she got a good look at herself. She could see the scraps on one cheek, and it looked like a bruise on her neck.
She pulled the towel off and combed her hair. She gasped when the comb hit her tender head. It was a small sound but enough for Rowan to burst through the door with a concerned frown on his face.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“It’s nothing. I just accidentally hit the bump on my head.”
He nodded. “Is there anything I can do?”
She was starting to shake. “No, I think…”
He was behind her with an arm around her waist when her legs started to sag. “Easy. I’ve got you. Can I help dry your hair so you can rest?”
“I should be getting home.”
He shook his head. “Sweetheart, Payne is going to know where you live. You’re not safe until my brother and I take care of him.”
God, the thought of having to see the man again made her nauseous. A thought popped into her head. “Oh, my God. My roommate. Will he hurt her?”
“Give me your address, and I’ll send someone over to get her. We’ll put her in another place until this is resolved.”
“Can’t we stay together?” she asked.
“No. It will be easier to protect you if you’re in different parts of the city,” he said.
Jenna didn’t really understand but kept quiet. She gave him her address. “Maybe I should call to give her a heads-up. My friend Nicole will fight anyone she doesn’t know.”
He sat her down on the toilet seat. “Are you okay sitting here for a second?”
She nodded and rested her elbow on the counter for support. She heard him in the bedroom talking to someone, and then he walked back in.
“I’ve sent one of my men to her. Here.” He handed her his phone. “Call her and tell her you’re being looked after and that my pack … I mean, family, will take care of the situation.”
Jenna didn’t say anything about him calling his people “pack,” and called her friend. It rang several times before Nicole’s voicemail came on. Jenna called again and got the same thing.
“She’s not answering. I’m scared, Rowan. She always answers.”
He reached for his phone and made another call. “Go as quickly as you can. Her friend might be in danger.”
Rowan set the phone to the side, took out the blow-dryer, and plugged itin. He was careful around the bump, but it was very nice to have someone take care of her now.
“Let’s get you back in bed. I changed the sheets and blanket so they’re clean.”
“Thank you.”
Rowan smiled and helped her to her feet. He wrapped an arm around her waist and led her back into the bedroom. He got her situated under the blanket.
“I’m going to shower, but I’ll have the phone with me, so I won’t miss a call. You just relax. Okay?”
She nodded.
She closed her eyes. She must have dozed because a sound woke her, and she saw Rowan in shorts with wet hairon the phone. She couldn’t tell what was being said, if it was good or bad, because his expression stayed blank.
She knew something had happened when he came to herandsat by her hip. “My men got to her in time, but she was beaten. She’s not seriously hurt, so they’re going to take her to another apartment. They’ll bring in a doctor if they think it’s necessary.”
Oh my God. “How bad?” she asked, wiping the tears from her face.
“She’ll have a black eye, bruising, and a few cuts. She doesn’t have a head injury like you do, so we don’t have to worry about that.”
“Did they catch the guy?”
She couldn’t decipher his expression, but then he nodded.
“Yes, he’s been taken care of,” Rowan said.
“The police arrested him?”
Rowan paused. “Yes. He won’t be hurting anyone ever again.”
That sounded more ominous than being arrested. There was always a chance the man could get bail, but the tone of his voice made her believe him. She and her friend would never have to deal with at least that guy again. She didn’t need to know the whole truth.
“I’d like to talk to her.”
He nodded. “Hold on. I’ll see if it’s possible.”
Jenna tried to relax, but she knew she wouldn’t feel content until she talked to her friend.
Rowan talked to the person for a moment before handing it to her. “She’s groggy but otherwise okay.”
She nodded. “Nicole?”
“Hey, Jenna,” Nicole said.
“I’m so sorry,” Jenna said and started crying.
“Why are you sorry? You didn’t do this,” Nicole said.
“We think it might be that guy at The Gin Room I told you about. The creepy one,” Jenna said.
Nicole exhaled. “Even if it is, it’s still not your fault, Jenna.”
“Are you in much pain?”
“No. Dillion gave me some awesome painkillers.”
Jenna relaxed in relief and smiled when Nicole laughed.
“When will I be able to see you?” Nicole asked.
Jenna looked at Rowan. “When can we see each other?”
Rowan shook his head. “Not right now. Besides the fact you’re both injured, we need to track down this bastard, Payne, and get him off the street before I feel okay with you exposed.”
Jenna nodded. “Nicole, Rowan said not right now. They want to make sure it’s safe for us.”
“Yeah, I get that. Am I supposed to stay with these guys?”
Rowan must have heard her because he nodded.
“Rowan said yes,” Jenna told her friend.
Nicole sighed. “Fine. I guess my job is over.”
Damn, Nicole really likes that job. “I’m sorry. We’ll find another one.”
“Tell her that my pa—family—has lived here all our lives, so we know this city like the back of our hands. We also own several businesses. We might be able to find a job for her.”
“Nicole, did you hear that?”
“Yes. We’ll see what happens.”
“Get some rest. We’ll talk later,” Jenna said. She hung up and handed the phone to Rowan.
She couldn’t get over the fact that her friend could have been killed because of her.
Rowan sat down next to her on the mattress. “This is not your fault. You didn’t ask for Payne to pay attention to you. The man is a monster. He doesn’t care who he hurts.”
Jenna sighed. “Thank you. That helps a little.”
He smoothed the hair off her face. “Everything will be okay. Just trust me. I know it’s a lot to ask since we just met, but please know we have your best interest at heart.”
“You keep saying we. Who’s the we ?” she asked.
“It’s my brother.”
“Will I get to meet him?”
Rowan nodded. “Yes. Soon. He doesn’t know about you yet.”
That sounded a bit strange, but she was too tired to ask questions.
“Sleep.”
“Where will you be?” she asked, suddenly anxious at the thought he’d leave her.
“I’ll be right here.”
“Okay.” She turned to her side and closed her eyes. She’d wait until she woke up to ask the questions she wanted.