Chapter 6
There isa knock on the door a second before it swings open, and the doctor comes in like a mini-tornado. “Good morning, how is my favorite patient?” Before I have a chance to respond, she has the sheet off my body, and she is poking and prodding at my wounds. “Oh, those are looking so much better. Are you getting up and around like I told you? Is your pain tolerable? I’ve been told you have been refusing the pain medicine.” I swear she has been in my room for twenty seconds and has already had a thirty-minute conversation with herself as well as given me a full examination. “Well?” she asks impatiently.
“I am doing much better, doc. Honestly, the pain isn’t bad enough to take those pills. They make me feel woozy.” In response to her asking if I have been getting up and around, I raise up to a sitting position and gingerly climb off the bed. “In fact, I am finally able to wear some clothes again,” I say proudly as I slip the light dress over my head to cover my nudity.
“Good, good! Well, I will tell Master Bennett you’re well enough to go home, please continue with the antibiotics until they are all gone, we don’t need any nasty infections. Oh, and the salve will help the scarring, so you will want to use that as well. Would you like to follow up with me in a week, or will you be seeing your own doctor?”
I don’t really know how to answer that, I don’t have a doctor. I go to the free clinic, and I’m not sure how they would react to seeing this particular injury. I have no money, so going to her isn’t an option, I do something I hate doing. I lie. “I will go to my normal doctor, thank you very much for everything.”
She smiles at me brightly, “It was my pleasure.” For the first time since I met her, she seems to be struggling with what to say next. After several awkward silent minutes, she finally speaks, “I normally would mind my own business, but I can’t stand to see abuse like this. Be careful with who you trust. I know it seems silly, but before you commit to someone, especially a dominant, ask for references. Set limits, use a safe word… just be safe, okay?”
I study my feet. “Um, I honestly doubt I will ever do this again.” I look back up at her. “It isn’t something I found remotely pleasurable. Plus, Damon scared me. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to do this again, even if I wanted.”
“I understand, well, if you ever need me, you know how to find me. Good luck, Rose.” She unexpectedly pulls me into a gentle hug.
Once I am alone again, I curl up on the lounger in front of the big windows and pick up my book. One of the nurses brought me a few things to help pass the time, plus some hand-me-down clothes and shoes. I lose myself in a world of vampires and werewolves. Sometime later, I am startled awake when Matthew takes the book off my chest. I apparently dozed off while reading. I must’ve slept for a long while because the sun is low on the horizon outside the window.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you, I was just going to carry you to the bed. I hear that Dr. Martinez gave the go-ahead to send you home. You must be excited to get out of here.”
I nod. “Yes, she said so long as I keep up with the antibiotics and the salve that I should be good as new soon.” I avoid the topic of home altogether since I don’t have one. I’m hopeful Matthew will let me stay the night. I’m not too keen on being on the streets after dark, especially with the only clothing that I can comfortably wear being flimsy cotton dresses.
“That’s great. Would you like to stay here for the night, or I could have my driver take you home if you’d rather?” He seems reluctant to offer his driver. I wonder if it’s because he doesn’t want me to leave or if it’s because he is tired of taking care of me, and the driver is just one more thing.
I chew it over for a few minutes, while I fiddle with putting the throw pillows back into their places. “If it’s not any trouble, I would like to stay here another night. I’m pretty wiped out. That is if it’s really okay?”
I’m rewarded with a breathtaking smile. Matthew seems genuinely happy and maybe even relieved by my answer. “Absolutely, you can stay. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight? I know I’ve been busy a lot the last few days, but I don’t have any business to handle this evening.” He looks like a hopeful kid in a candy shop that’s just asked his mom for a lollipop.
Without any thought at all, I agree to spend the evening with him. “I would love to.” He smiles down at me and grabs my hand pulling me toward the door. After the not-so-secret knock, the door swings open, and we’re heading down a sterile hall. This is the first I have been out of my room since I was brought here, so I’m a little surprised to see that this is very much set up like a miniature hospital. There’s a desk with several monitors where Nancy, one of the nurses, is sitting looking through a chart. Matthew leads me further down the hallway, I count five doors. When we pass one, I see that it is a room just like mine.
“How many rooms do you have here?”
“We have ten, though we’ve never needed more than a few at a time. It’s always better to be prepared. The rooms aren’t only used for health emergencies. The five down by where you are staying are often used by staff if they are pulling a double shift or if the weather is bad and they can’t drive home,” Matthew explains. “As I’m sure you’ve noticed, we have a fulltime staff of five nurses that work on rotation, and we have two doctors on call for when we have cases that require more than rest and cleaning up.”
“Wow, so I wasn’t far off in thinking that this is like a mini-hospital.” I can’t keep the awe out of my voice because the amount of money that he put into having this kind of set up for a BDSM club is just insane. Thinking about money is an unpleasant reminder of my current situation and, well, lack of money. I don’t have a clue what I am going to do tomorrow when I leave here. Damon has all of my things. It’s not much, just a few clothes and personal things I didn’t want to leave behind when I ran away, but it’s all I have in the world, and it saddens me to know it’s all gone. The dinging of the elevator brings me out of my morose thoughts.
We step in, and Matthew enters a code into the keypad then pushes the button labeled PH, go figure. The club not only has a hospital but a penthouse too. The elevator raises so quickly it makes my stomach do a little flip, and my knees feel weak. Picking up on my unsteadiness, Matthew puts his arm through mine, letting me lean on him.
“Sorry, I guess I’m still a bit off balance.”
He looks down at me with one of his sexy half grins, “It’s okay, love. You’ve been through the wringer. You’re allowed to be a bit off.” His words soothe my embarrassment, and the way he looks at me with those velvety blue eyes of his make my stomach flip for a totally different reason. I’m so lost in his gaze that I don’t even notice the doors sliding open or the person standing on the other side until that person clears his throat. I look up to see who interrupted our moment, and then I look up some more and then some more. Good God, he’s enormous.
“Hey boss, dinner has been set out on the balcony, and Chef Gordon said if you need anything to just call down,” the giant says. “I’m going to head down to the club, Slade called up and said that there was a bit of trouble.”
I don’t know if I should be upset or thankful that the giant doesn’t even acknowledge my presence. He’s huge, I would have to say over six five, and it looks like his muscles have muscles. Not someone to mess with for sure. His black hair is styled in a messy Mohawk. The sides are completely shaved, showing off some kind of tattoo. He has black disk type earrings in his ears, and his lower lip is pierced straight through the center. Looking at his nose, I can tell it’s been broken, probably more than once. All of this would make the man stand out in a crowd as someone to be scared of, but his eyes tell a different story. They say that even though he looks like a menace to society, he isn’t. They are the softest, warmest melted chocolate color I’ve ever seen, reminding me of a big cuddly teddy bear. I instantly trust him. I would put my life in this man’s hands.
“Thank you, Daniels. I would like you to meet Rose. Rose, this is Kisten Daniels, my right-hand man.”
I look up at Daniels and smile shyly. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
Daniels barks a huge, uproarious laugh causing me to blush ten shades of red. “I’m not your ‘sir’ that’s Matthew. You can call me Kisten,” he says through his laughter. “I like this one, Bennett.” He side-steps past us into the elevator. I can still hear his laughter even after the doors slide shut.
“Sorry about that. Daniels doesn’t have any manners, that’s why I usually keep him in back,” Matthew says, his eyes dancing with amusement. I can tell he is holding back his laughter. I wish he wouldn’t. I would give anything to hear it. “Come.”
The room he leads me through is extravagant. In fact, it’s even nicer than the mansion Damon lives in, and that is saying something since that place is like a palace. I take everything from the exquisite art hanging on the walls, to the plush leather furniture that looks soft as butter. The wood floors are stained dark with a high shine finish, and the far wall that we are walking toward is floor to ceiling windows that open up to a balcony overlooking the city.
The view literally takes my breath away. Matthew leads me to a small table that’s set up like a gourmet restaurant. He pulls out a chair and helps me to sit. I’m slightly embarrassed because I notice that my chair is the only one that’s cushioned. I’m grateful, though, because sitting in one of these beautiful wrought iron masterpieces would have killed my bottom and back. He takes the seat next to me and pulls the lids off our plates.
“I hope you like fish, it’s the special in the restaurant tonight. Grilled sea bass on a bed of rice pilaf with spring vegetables.”
I chew my bottom lip, self-consciously. I’m mortified that Matthew has gone to such trouble, and I not only hate fish, but I am highly allergic. I debate for a minute on if I should tell him or just eat it and pray that we get me back to my room before I suffer from the consequences. I’m leaning toward just eating it because I don’t want to put him out any more than I already have. I owe him so much already—my life.
“What’s the matter?” he asks, obviously picking up on my inner debate.
Again, I can feel the blush creeping up my neck and cheeks, I decide on honesty. “Um, I’m actually allergic to fish,” I whisper then hurry on to say, “but these vegetables look fantastic.” I smile up at him, trying to not make this a big deal.
“Nonsense, I will have something else brought up for you. Any other food allergies I should make the chef aware of?” He doesn’t show any signs of annoyance at the inconvenience.
I chew my lip again and nod. “Most types of berries and seafood.”
He swipes his finger across the screen on his phone for a few moments before laying it on the table and covering our plates. “Would you like a drink while we wait?” he asks.
“Water would be lovely. Doc said no alcohol with my medicine.”
He opens a sparkling water and pours some in both of our wine glasses. I can’t help but smile at him curiously, picking up again on my line of thinking he answers my unspoken question. “I don’t drink when I’m at the club.”
After a few minutes of awkward silence, the elevator dings and a drop-dead gorgeous woman brings two covered dishes to our table. She sets them down, removes the covers, and takes away the old plates before quickly disappearing after a nod of thanks from Matthew. He gets better service in his home than I’ve ever gotten in a restaurant. Not that I’ve been in many.
I look down at the new plate at the most delicious looking piece of steak and huge baked potato loaded with all the fixings. My mouth waters.
“This looks fantastic,” I say as I pick up my knife and fork. The knife cuts through the steak like its butter. I put the morsel in my mouth, and I swear it melts on my tongue. It tastes even better than it looks. I can’t hold back the groan of satisfaction and quickly cut away another piece and pop it in my mouth. Several bites later, I look up and notice Matthew is sitting there watching me eat and hasn’t taken a single bite of his own food. I set my knife and fork down and lift my glass to my lips, trying to hide my embarrassment. I’ve never had a meal this good.
Don’t get me wrong they brought me food to my room three times a day while I’ve been here, but I haven’t been able to keep much down since the medicine makes me sick. This is the first I’ve had an appetite since what happened with Damon. I peek over the rim of my glass at Matthew, he is still watching me, and my discomfort is rising by the second.
With shaky hands, I set my glass back down, before I can pull my hand back, Matthew reaches out and takes my hand in his. “Don’t be embarrassed, love. It’s good to see you finally eating. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” His voice is rough with some emotion that I can’t quite place. He lets my hand go and slowly pulls his hand back to his side of the table, never taking his eyes off me as he lifts his knife and fork.
I smile shyly and resume eating at a more dignified pace. Several times I catch myself groaning in satisfaction because the truth of it is this is the most scrumptious food I have ever tasted. It’s leaps and bounds from the ramen noodles and peanut butter sandwiches I am used to. If he only knew. But no one knows. Well, Damon knows because telling him my story was part of our deal. I wonder how much he told Matthew when he bought my contract. I still haven’t a clue what to think about that one
The rest of the meal passes in comfortable silence. I eat until it feels like I might burst. With my stomach almost uncomfortably full, I can’t fight the drowsiness that plagues me. I yawn several times, apologizing each time. Matthew tells me to stop apologizing and offers to walk me back to my room.
The room is dark when we get back downstairs. I hate the idea of being alone again. Spending an hour with Matthew isn’t enough. He’s been busy with work the last few days, and I haven’t seen much of him. He’s come in and checked on me a couple times throughout the day but couldn’t stay long. I’m not sure how it’s possible, but I miss him. How do you miss someone you barely know?
All I know is that I’ve never felt safe with any man in my entire life until Matthew. He came to my rescue when I needed it most and has given me so much without asking for anything in return. And my time here is nearly up. Tomorrow, it’s back to reality.
He flicks on the lamp, leaving the brighter overhead lights off. “So you’ll be going home tomorrow?” I’m not sure if it is a question or a statement of fact.
“I suppose so.” I try to sound excited. Someone getting out of a hospital-like environment should be excited to finally go home, but I know my tone falls flat when a frown creases his brow.
“You don’t sound happy about that,” he points out.
Releasing a sigh, I explain part of my reasoning for not wanting to leave. “You’re right, I’m not looking forward to leaving.”
“Why’s that?” he asks curiously.
“Well, one reason is that I realized earlier today that I’m going to have to go to Damon’s house to get my things. I’m not really looking forward to that.”
He sucks in a breath, and fury flashes through his eyes, followed by worry. “I didn’t realize your things were in his home, you lived there?”
“Um, well, that was part of the agreement. I was Damon’s for six months,” I pause, trying to collect myself since I can feel the anxiety lapping at the pit of my stomach. “All day, every day. I didn’t bring much to his place, but he didn’t let me bring anything to the club except the heels and trench coat I was wearing. My bag with all of my identification,” I conveniently leave out that it’s my newly acquired identification that Damon acquired from somewhere for me, “as well as my clothes and some personal effects are all at his home. Unless he tossed it all.” Which I wouldn’t put past him, he’s a real bastard.
Without a word, Matthew pulls his phone out of his pocket and has it to his ear before I can even ask what he is up to. “Daniels,” he says curtly. “Get in touch with Damon and arrange to collect Rose’s things from him.” There’s a pause as he listens to Kisten. “I agree. Quite convenient, he forgot to mention it.” Another pause as he listens. “She is due to leave tomorrow, so don’t let that fucker dick you around.” Another pause, but whatever is said, this time turns his scowl into a terrible smile. “Oh, yes, any means Kist. Any means.” I can’t hold in the shudder at the tone in his voice. This is not a man to mess with at all. In fact, this is a man that I would normally want to stay far, far away from, but for some reason, I want to stay right here with him.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I whisper. “You’ve done too much for me already. I’ll never be able to repay my debt to you.” I don’t even realize that a couple traitorous tears have slipped from my eyes until he wipes them away with his thumb. He gently cups my face between his two strong hands. He could do a world of damage to me with those hands, but he holds me like a fragile shell that could fracture and break with the slightest grip.
“Listen to me, I didn’t do any of this because I expect repayment. I righted a wrong by helping you.” Matthew’s voice is filled with conviction. “It’s getting late, and you’re still healing. Let’s get you settled, and don’t you worry about Damon. Daniels will get your stuff, and in the morning, this will all be a fading memory.” He pulls the light blanket down to the foot of the bed and guides me over to it. I awkwardly reach down to pull my dress off, but the tightness in my healing skin causes me to suck in a breath. I usually call the nurse for this part, it’s much easier to dress than to undress for some reason. Without my asking, he reaches down and tugs my dress off in one quick motion. I’m almost embarrassed, but he’s seen me naked more often than clothed in the days I’ve been here, so I can’t find it in me to be shy.
He grabs my elbow and helps steady me as I climb onto the soft bed, then he pulls the light blanket over my body, letting it rest just below my shoulder blades. It’s been a long while since anyone has cared enough about me to tuck me into bed, my heart constricts at the thought that this is the last time I will have with my hero. I’ve seriously grown attached to him and still refer to him in my thoughts as my hero instead of by his name.
“Sleep sweet, love.” He leans over and presses a kiss to my forehead. Before he can pull away, and before my brain even registers what I’m doing, my hand latches onto his arm. He looks down at me in question. I honestly don’t know what I’m doing, but my heart is breaking at the thought that he’s leaving me.
That this is the last time I’ll have with him. The thought is unbearable.
“Please, Matthew, will you stay tonight? Will you lay here with me? I just… I don’t want to be alone.”
He pulls away from me, and my heart breaks with the knowledge that he’s going to walk away. I’m surprised when, instead, he toes off his shoes, then slips out of his shirt and pants folding them neatly on what I think of as his chair. I suck in a breath as I take him in. Without a bit of self-consciousness, he stands in front of me in nothing but a tight pair of black boxer briefs.
He’s gorgeous. Perfectly defined muscles and a trim waist. He’s drool-worthy, and I’m almost disappointed that I don’t get to look my fill. The disappointment only lasts for a moment, because then he’s crawling onto the bed beside me. I’m not sure what I expected but being pulled onto his chest and practically draped over his body, isn’t it.
I’m stiff for a minute, but then he weaves his fingers into my hair, and starts massaging my head and I sink into him. My ear is directly over his rapidly thudding heart, my arm thrown over his tight stomach. I wiggle around, trying to find the most comfortable position for my still injured backside. By the time I’m settled in, my leg ends up tangled between his. Careful of my still healing wounds, he runs his fingers lightly down the length of my body. It’s like he memorized where every single whelp is on my body and knows just where to touch me in order to avoid each and every painful mark.
Lost in his arms, I quickly fall asleep. For the first time in longer than I can remember, my sleep isn’t plagued with nightmares.