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Chapter Fourteen
Carnage
This couch deserves a spot in hell. It was made by the devil himself. I should have put up with the smell and taken the old people's bed. It’s not like they’ll be needing it anytime soon. Attempting to move makes me wince. Everything is sore. Sharp pain zaps through my veins. A burning in my abdomen draws my attention there. It’s covered in bandages—real ones this time. I feel weak and rough as hell, but I don’t feel like I’m fucking dying anymore.
My gaze shifts to the side of the couch. Ruby’s curled in the fetal position asleep on the carpet next to me.
Damn, how long has she been on the floor? I faintly remember her talking to me, calling my name, but the pull into darkness was too strong to fight.
“You’re awake. That’s a good sign,” a blonde woman says, coming in from the kitchen, jarring my attention to her. She’s wearing scrubs like a nurse and rubbing something into her hands.
“I’m Dr. Monroe. Melanie,” she offers when I don’t say anything. I’m not sure what to do. My instincts tell me to kill the threat…or at least prevent her from having a free reign of the house.
“And…?” I ask, wanting more information. What the hell is she doing here, and who the fuck is she?
“I’m Ruby’s sister-in-law of sorts. You passed out from an infection in those wounds.” Her chin gestures to my stomach. “I’ve cleaned them, given you a dose of antibiotics, and re-stitched you up.”
Silence.
“I’ll be back later to check on you and bring more antibiotics to clear up the infection. You’re lucky she called me,” she adds.
“You’re the brother’s woman,” I state.
“Do you know who her brother is?” She folds her arms, studying me. Should I know him?
“Do you know who I am?” I let out gruffly.
“I don’t intimidate easy, Ezekiel,” she says with a smile.
Did Ruby tell her my name? Moving toward me, she sits on the edge of the coffee table, looking down at Ruby. It’s not often prey gets close to the predator, but even if I showed her my teeth, I get the impression this woman wouldn’t flinch.
“She cares about you.” Her words are soft, honest. Playing with a ring on her finger, she adds, “But in your condition, you can’t protect her from whatever the hell is going on.”
“I got her this far,” I growl.
“You were unconscious when I arrived. I could have been anyone. I’m giving her twenty-four hours to come to her senses and call her brother. If she doesn’t, I’m going to have to tell her brother she’s here.”
Pulling myself into a sitting position, I narrow my eyes on the doc. “I appreciate what you did for me, but don’t think for one second I’d let anything happen to her. I’d die first.”
“You nearly did,” she points out. Getting to her feet, she picks a bag up and slings it over her shoulder. “I gave her mother a sedative. She should be out for a while.”
“Is she still locked in that room?” I ask, not wanting her to wake up free to flee.
“Yes.” She points to a scratch down her right cheek. “She wasn’t happy about it.”
“She’s a cunt,” I grunt.
“We didn’t know what was going on. But I assure you that women will be dealt with. I’ll be back soon.” She nods her head. “Get some rest.”
I don’t say anything, just watch her retreat and turn my focus on Ruby. She looks so young, innocent, the worry gone from her features as she dreams. I’m an asshole. She needs to be safe, and although I hate to admit it, I’m compromised and need to heal. Maybe her brother can keep her safe until I get my shit together enough to take all those fuckers out.
A light groan filters from her, her eyes fluttering before fully opening. “Hey,” she croaks, a smile tugging her thick lips.
“Hey.” I lean a hand down and swipe hair from her face. Her skin is soft, inviting. The warmth of her palm closing over my hand, not letting me drawback, makes me want more from her.
Her lips kiss my palm. “I was so worried about you. How are you feeling?” Getting to a sitting position, she doesn’t release my hand, holding on tight like she’s scared to let go.
“I met the doc,” I inform her.
“Where is she?” She’s suddenly fully awake, looking around the room, her eyes wide.
“She left. Said she’ll back with medicine.”
“I had to call her. I didn’t know what else to do. We can trust her.” Her hand squeezes mine.
“She gave us a twenty-four-hour window before she’s calling your brother. She makes him out to be important. Like he could protect you from the shit we’re in.”
A pale sheen washes over her features. “It’s complicated.”
“Uncomplicate it. If it’s just about him finding out about your mother, he probably knows that, and this is way bigger than her, Ruby. If he can keep you safe, get you out of this mess—”
