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“I did, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
“I understand why you didn’t.”
“You do?
“I might’ve gotten her killed.” He looked over at Luisa, her sister, and mother. “I almost did anyway,” he said under his breath.
“While I don’t know exactly what went down, I do know you saved her life, my friend. So, who did tell you?”
“Doc. It was better that way.” His shoulders slouched forward, and his tears continued. “I should get back inside.”
“Go ahead. We’ll be in shortly.”
He nodded. “Jada needs her,” he said, motioning to Luisa.
“Understood.”
I followed as the women walked arm in arm toward the house. When they reached the porch steps, Luisa let go and turned around.
“I need you with me, Press.”
“Of course.” I took her hand, and we walked up to the front door. Sorcha and Laird had gone back inside. I put my hand on the doorknob, but Luisa hesitated. “You can do this, pet,” I said, squeezing her hand. “I’ll be right beside you.”
She nodded, and we went inside, where Doc was waiting.
“Before I take you back, I want you to know what to expect.” He motioned us to the sofa. The three of us sat, Luisa between him and me. “Zin said he told you Jada hasn’t spoken.”
“He did,” I responded when Luisa didn’t.
“Dalton started an IV, administered pain medication, then conducted a thorough examination. The wounds on Jada’s back were caused by a cat o’ nine tails. There are some lacerations. However, the majority of them are not deep. The implement Al Zaabi used is more consistent with what’s known as BDSM impact play. While it is not designed the same way as the weapon used historically to inflict severe physical punishment, repeated thrashings on the same area can result in the lacerations I mentioned. Some of them required stitches, but not all. Our main concern now is preventing infection.”
The longer Doc spoke, the tighter Luisa gripped my hand. I watched as she listened, wishing Doc hadn’t gone into as much detail as he did, but accepting she needed to know before she saw her friend.
“You mentioned Dalton administered pain medication. Is Jada awake presently?” I asked.
“She was when I came out. However, I would anticipate her going in and out of sleep.”
I squeezed Luisa’s hand rather than ask if she was ready to see her. She nodded, and we stood, following Doc.
He stopped at the door and turned to her.
“I’m ready,” she said.
Zin was sitting on the far side of the bed, stroking Jada’s hair. Bones, who’d been standing beside Zin, walked around us. “I’ll be right outside,” he said.
Luisa grabbed his hand, and he stopped.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He gave her a head nod and left the room.
“Sweetheart, Luisa is here,” Zin whispered.
My eyes met his when Jada’s eyes opened and she reached for Luisa’s hand.
“Leave us,” Jada whispered when she sat in the chair at the side of her bed.
“Go ahead,” Luisa said, looking at Zin, then over her shoulder at me.
