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Reid shuddered, laughed, and I grinned in return.
“You never did mix your words, Sin,” Reid said, still chuckling. But Reid picked up his fork and began eating again. My shoulders relaxed as tension fled from them, pressure I wasn’t even aware I was feeling. I changed the subject.
“Shall we check at the sales from the auction? When I checked at the hospital, the figures were putting us solidly into the black. The auction should even cover your excess in England,” I teased Reid, and he gave me a rueful glance.
“You’re going to love the items I got my mitts on. Sin, I bought some great first and second editions and three signed copies of famous books. I’d a quick gander through those trunks; you won’t believe what I discovered.”
“No?”
“One trunk had papers from Elizabeth of Hardwick. Letters and so on, I’ve no idea what exactly, but they were curious.”
“Reid! I think I’ve had more than enough of Elizabethan England for a lifetime.”
Reid just chuckled and informed me the trunks arrived next week. Reid had them flown out. The books were also coming in a crate. Reid relaxed back and began telling me about the treasures he’d found.
I didn’t realise how the attack had affected me until Monday came, and Reid offered to take me to the shop. Reid insisted he didn’t want me to work but just curl up in an armchair so he could watch over me. A wave of panic welled up inside, and I shook my head vigorously. His eyes narrowed; Reid tried to bully me into going. Quietly, I told him I required a few more days, and Reid guessed I was avoiding the Reading Nook.
Reid pulled his phone out and sent someone a message. And then, after making sure I’d everything I needed, Reid left to go to work for a few hours. I wondered if Reid had texted Jett. Luckily, I’d avoided Jett all weekend, which had been an effort. Reid had taken a phone call from Drake late Saturday asking if it was okay that the old ladies come to visit, and I’d shaken my head furiously. He asked Drake to give me a few days.
Reid had a few arguments with Jett, but after I broke down in tears and Jett heard, he backed off. I was relieved. I’d been safe in Jett’s arms, and while I didn’t blame him for the attack, I wasn’t ready to face him so soon after his statement. Infuriating man that Jett was. However, Jett tried phoning me, and I’d ducked calls, pretending to be asleep when Reid answered my phone. Jett wouldn’t let me mess around forever, but both idiotic men in my life were leaving me be.
Tuesday came and went, followed by Wednesday. By Thursday, Reid was frustrated and annoyed. I hadn’t left the house once, and I could see Reid was worried. The bruises were healing, but I felt so self-conscious. Anyone could tell I was the girl who’d nearly been raped. My throat remained a nasty mess, and I’d taken to wearing scarves. Something Jett didn’t comment on when he finally wrangled his way over Tuesday and Wednesday night. Generously, he’d brought food to share, but with Reid present, Jett couldn’t do or say much.
Reid asked if I was going in today, and I’d made a non-committal reply. It was Friday, a week since the attack. I looked down at my hands, which were now unbandaged and healing, and missed seeing Reid’s concerned glance. Yesterday morning led to a massive fight between Reid and me. I shouted that I was safer at home, and he’d retorted that if I didn’t deal with the shop soon, I never would.
Reid stormed out, frustrated and angry, and I locked myself in my room. I’d shamelessly used Reid to avoid contact with anyone else. The staff had called and sent flowers and baskets. Rage old ladies had done the same. I hadn’t had to face anybody, and Reid hadn’t pushed for that, even though Reid bullied me to leave the house!
Today, I was still curled in a ball when bike pipes outside roared, and the front door opened and shut. Booted footsteps clumped up the stairs, and then someone knocked on my bedroom door. I guessed it was Jett.
“Go away,” I shouted at Jett, swallowing tears. Instead of leaving, the annoying man entered, and my mouth dropped open. It wasn’t Jett, it was Manny, and he looked rough. Manny’s face was gaunt, and he appeared to have lost weight. Not that you could really tell. Manny remained as big as ever. He stood in my doorway and scratched his chin.
“Nope, not doing that, woman,” Manny said, walking into my bedroom. I watched him warily. I hadn’t seen Manny since the hospital.
“What do you want?” I asked rudely. People wouldn’t leave me alone. Damn it, I wanted to be alone.
“Need to come with me, Sin.”
Hell no!, I shook my head vigorously. That was not happening! Manny placed his hands on his hips, and I realised how attractive he was for the first time. Manny was lean but well built, tall and muscled. His hair flopped over his forehead, and I was tempted to smooth it away from his brow.
“No, I’m healing here,” I mumbled as Manny watched me.
Manny shook his head. “No, you’re licking your wounds, woman, and that ain’t healthy. No one wants to upset you, princess, so it’s down to me to drag your ass out of that bed.”
I stiffened at Manny’s words and narrowed my eyes.
“Manny, I’m still recovering,” I repeated.
“Damn it, Sin. I thought you’d have more guts than this.”
“Than what? To want to be safe? Shit, I didn’t mix well with strangers in the first place. The shop is doing fine without me. I’m not needed there.” I folded my arms across my chest and stared at Manny.
“Fuckin’ pussy,” Manny swore. My gaze narrowed. He continued, “Honestly believed you had courage, that you were a strong woman. Sin, you’re a coward. Jett’s better off not knowing you.” Manny ended with a sneer.
My head sunk down at the harsh words, and tears crept into my eyes. I swallowed hard. Hell no, I wouldn’t let Manny see me cry. Nobody will ever witness me weep again.
“Sorry to disappoint you,” I whispered. I sensed rather than saw movement. The mattress dipped, and Manny sat on my bed.
“Where’s my girl gone?” Manny asked gently, “Talk to me.” Manny inadvertently pressed a button, and my mouth opened, and I couldn’t stop the words.
