~Chapter 6~
A gentle knock rouses me from sleep. It takes me a couple of minutes to push out of my sleep-addled brain and look around. Danny is gone, the side of the bed he was lying on is now cold, and I find myself frowning.
Another knock pulls me from my strange reaction, and I shake my head, hoping to clear it a little more. “C-Come in,” I weakly call out. I still have no idea where I am. I’m injured, and it’s not like I can defend myself, so my heart rate doubles as the door swings open.
But, the reassuring smile from the man before me makes me feel instantly at ease.
“Hi, Doc.” I last met Doc after the guys saved me from a meet-up gone wrong. He patched me up while I was in a dissociative state. Thankfully, he also left his information to reach out if I had questions or wanted a rape kit conducted. A few days later, I made the decision to call. His voice on the phone was soothing, almost paternal, and I was oddly comforted by his demeanor. I agreed to meet with him for a slew of tests, needing to make sure I didn’t get anything from the jerks I encountered that night. While I was pretty sure the one guy didn't get a chance to insert anything more than his fingers, there was a lot of bloodshed that night. And, a girl can never be too careful.
Doc’s wide smile instantly puts me at ease, and I try scooting to sit up in bed. With a long hiss of pain, and a lot of inching like a fat caterpillar, I finally get into a comfortable position, leaning up against the headboard.
“How are you doing, young lady?” I playfully scoff at his identifier, rolling my eyes heavenward.
“I’m fine, Doc. We really should stop meeting like this.” I give him a self-deprecating smile and try to shrug a shoulder, although that ends with me wincing in pain.
“Easy, there,” He admonishes me, stepping forward. He removes the stethoscope from his neck and asks permission to check me over.
Fifteen minutes later, I’ve been poked, prodded, and seen every scratch, burn, and cut along my body. I am utterly worn out. Thankfully, I had my catheter removed, as well.
Doc’s just finishing with the instructions for my medication regimen and plans to meet at his clinic in a few weeks to scan my arm and leg to make sure they’re healing properly.
Turning towards me, he silently assesses me. I squirm under his gaze, fiddling with my fingers in my lap.
When the silence becomes too much, I blurt out, “Where am I? And why am I here ?”
He gives me a gentle smile and inhales deeply. I’m already bracing myself for his answer, knowing it’s not going to be as cut and dry as what I want. “The guys are very protective of those they care for. Bringing you here; they can help you heal and recover.”
I feel the V between my brows deepen as I tilt my head. I’m not even sure which part of that I’m more confused about.
Doc doesn’t give me an opportunity to figure it out before he adds, “You’ll have to ask them for more information, but you must be something special for them to bring you here. Besides, given the opposing arm and leg casts, you will need a lot of help. Anyway, I must get going. If you need anything, the guys can ring.”
He wraps a hand around the now unplugged heart monitor and begins rolling it toward the door.
Just when I think he’s going to walk right out and leave me alone in a place with near strangers, he suddenly stops in the doorway. Turning his head back towards me, he sighs heavily and draws his brows together, like he’s nervous about something. “I know they don’t always show it, but they’re good guys. And, once they bring someone in, they move heaven and hell to protect them. Just remember that before you rip their balls off.” He smirks like he’s imagining it before winking.
Then, he turns from the door and disappears.
Male voices carry through the house, causing goosebumps to break out all over my body. I remember Danny being here earlier. Does that mean I’m in their house? With all of them? How did I even get here?
Unfortunately, I don’t have time to overthink it; yet. The last dose of meds Doc gave me are slithering their way through my system, and my eyes are becoming heavy.
With a few whimpers and groans, I finally relax into the bed and let sleep claim me.