Chapter 22 #2
The nurse that had given Jordan the pain meds approached them. “She’ll be asleep for four or five hours if you want to get some rest while you can. You can leave your number at the nurse’s station, and someone will call you when she’s awake.”
“Thank you,” Nikki said.
After the nurse walked away, Nikki glanced at Riley. “What do you want to do?”
“I’m with you. Whatever you want. If you want to hang here, we can.”
“We may as well get some sleep while we can. Where’s Davy?”
“He went to get coffee. He’ll be right back.”
“I’ll text him.” She pulled out her phone and dashed off a text.
Davy came back a minute later—without coffee. “Figured if we’re going to get some shut-eye, we don’t need coffee.”
“Good call,” Riley said.
“I’m just going to check on her one more time,” Nikki said.
“I’ll be right out.” She went into the room where Jordan was sleeping peacefully.
Leaning over the bed, she kissed her sister’s forehead.
“I’ll be back in a little while.” She gently smoothed some stray hairs, aching once again at the bruises that darkened Jordan’s pretty face. “Love you.”
Feeling bruised on the inside, Nikki forced herself to walk away so they could all get some rest. When she stepped out of the room, Riley put his arm around her and kept it there until he helped her into the car.
“Found a place that’s close,” Davy said, handing them hotel keycards.
Riley took them from him.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, Davy,” Nikki said.
“Least I could do. And besides, better I help you than find Zane and wring his fucking neck.”
“True,” Nikki said, “although a little neck-wringing might do him some good.”
“For what it’s worth, all his boys are fed up. We love Jordan, and after what he did to her… He’s got a rude awakening coming his way.”
“That’s good to know, but I’m sorry that I don’t really care what happens to him.”
“Fair enough.”
They traveled a couple of blocks and pulled into a hotel parking lot.
“I can leave you the car keys,” Davy said when they prepared to part ways.
“We can walk back,” Nikki said, giving the other man a quick hug. “Thanks again for everything.”
“Call me when you’re ready to get out of here. I’ll make the plane available to take you anywhere you and Jordan want to go.”
“Appreciate it. We’ll be in touch.”
Riley carried both their bags and ushered her inside.
Nikki was too emotionally drained to do anything but follow his lead. Inside the nondescript hotel room, Nikki sat at the foot of the king-sized bed, more exhausted than she’d been in years.
“So, I took a look online while you were in with Jordan,” Riley said, sitting next to her. “I really think you ought to call your grandmother as soon as possible.”
“It’s bad?”
“It’s everywhere.”
“She’ll panic if I call her now.”
“What if she can’t sleep and turns on the TV?”
“You’re right. I’ll call her.”
He handed over her phone.
She had no memory of giving it to him. God only knew where it would be if he wasn’t there to make sure she didn’t lose her phone or her mind. Finding her grandmother’s number at the top of her list of favorites, she made the call and held her breath, waiting for Evelyn to answer.
“Nicole?”
“Everything’s fine.”
“Clearly that’s not true, or you wouldn’t be calling me in the middle of the night.”
“Jordan’s in the hospital. There was a… situation with Zane. It’s all over the news, and I didn’t want you to hear it that way.”
“What kind of situation?”
“The kind that puts her in the hospital and lands him in jail.”
“That son of a bitch.”
“My thoughts exactly. I’m with her in Charlotte. Davy sent the plane for me and has been super nice and helpful.”
“Which is the least he can do as the chief enabler of that bastard.”
“He’s quitting. Zane doesn’t know it yet, but Davy is done. He and the rest of Zane’s posse are really upset about Jordan getting hurt. They all love her.”
“Of course they do. What’re her injuries?”
“Concussion, broken arm, bruises on her face.”
“Oh my God. I want to come there and murder him.”
“I know the feeling, but I’d rather act like he’s dead to us.”
“That’s a better plan. How long will she be in the hospital?”
“I’m not sure yet, but Davy said we can have the plane to get out of here as soon as she feels up to it.”
“And how are you holding up?”
“I’m good. Riley came with me. He’s been a big help.”
“Is that right?” Evelyn said, sounding thrilled. “I’m so glad to hear you’re not alone.”
Nikki glanced at Riley, who gave her a small smile. “I’m definitely not alone.” After promising to update her grandmother as soon as she had more information, she said good night.
“Come on, sweetheart.” He stood and gave her a tug to bring her with him. “Let’s get you into bed. You’re about to topple over.”
For a woman who prided herself on competence and independence, Nikki was more than willing to let him help undress her, put one of his oversized T-shirts on her and walk her into the bathroom to brush her teeth before tucking her into bed. He kissed her cheek. “Close your eyes. I’ll be right here.”
When he slid into bed next to her a few minutes later, Nikki curled up to him, grateful for his love, his strength, his support and, most of all, his friendship. “Thanks for coming.”
“Nowhere else I’d rather be than wherever you are.”