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“Shh.” Ryker pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. “Don’t think about that. I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Oakley closed her eyes, letting his words wash over her. Ryker was her safe harbor in the storm, the one person who could quiet the tumult in her mind. With him, the lingering terror and panic faded, for the moment, into the background, overpowered by his presence.
As long as Ryker was by her side, she knew she would be okay.
The hospital, who knew Dr. Addison because of her work with mutual patients, was gentle and kind to her. Oakley was tired, and when the staff wanted to send Ryker home, he made it known that he went home when his Oakley did. The nurses thought it was sweet.
He wasn’t doing it to gain any smiles; he did it because he couldn’t do anything else. This woman was his all, and the come-hither looks of women in the hospital, whether an employee, patient, or visitor, irritated him. He used to smile back and make a snap decision if a woman was worth his time to pursue, but now, things were different. He belonged to Oakley, and while he knew others didn’t immediately realize he had committed to her, it still irked him.
It was almost a relief that the Med/Surg nurse manager, who was attractive but immune to his charm, was less impressed with his statement. But after explaining the situation to the house supervisor, Ryker was allowed to stay to ease Oakley’s distress. Ryker had no illusions about the road ahead. He expected this was one of many things he would have to protect Oakley from and battle for them both. Bring it. He’d gone head-to-head with foreign governments for a cause and moral rights. He’d stand before the Almighty if Oakley needed him to, without hesitation.
Oakley, wrapped in Ryker’s arms in a hospital bed, finally relaxed enough to sleep. And for the first time since she had gone missing, he did too.
Chapter 11
Oakley slowly openedher eyes as the harsh glare of the fluorescent lights assaulted her vision. Fear blazed through her body, raising the rhythm of her breathing. She slowly looked around with her eyes first before shifting her head slightly. Something, no, someone warm, was holding onto her hand.
Her head was pounding, the effects of the sedatives and psychotropics still lingering in her system, but she smelled disinfectant and cleanliness. Something had changed. Then she remembered Ryker. Hospital. She was in a hospital. She had something she needed to tell him that was important. But what? Why couldn’t she remember? Drugs. Shards of memories were reappearing, but not enough to create a clear block of thought except one. Ryker.
She tried to sit up and nearly vomited, her stomach roiling in protest. She gasped. “Oh, God. I can’t.”
Oakley took a few deep breaths, willing the nausea to pass. What had they done to her? Flashes of memory surfaced—the sting of a needle piercing her skin, the sickly sweet yet bitter chemical taste in her mouth as they forced her to swallow pills. She gagged.
“Easy there.” A firm yet gentle hand supported her back, helping her into a sitting position. Ryker. “Okay, sweetheart. I’ve got you. Do you need more anti-nausea medication?” It was about all they could give her, but he was thankful for that small mercy.
She blinked up at him, her eyes glassy. “What happened?” Her voice came out hoarse and weak.
Ryker’s face was etched with concern, his blue eyes shadowed. “I’m so sorry, Oakley.” His hand tightened around hers. “Charles’ sister Audra kidnapped and drugged you. The doctor said we found you just in time.”
The memories came flooding back—the van pulling up beside her, a cloth reeking of chemicals pressed over her mouth and nose, and her futile struggles as she was overpowered and injected with drugs. She shuddered, bile rising in her throat.
Ryker grabbed a wastebasket and held it under her chin as she retched. When the spasms had passed, he eased her back against the pillows. “I’m here for you. I won’t let anyone hurt you again.” His voice was fierce with promise as he offered her water to rinse her mouth and cool her throat.
Oakley stared up at him, her lower lip trembling. “They were going to kill me, weren’t they?”
Ryker’s jaw clenched. “We aren’t sure, but we certainly can’t rule it out. I was out of my mind with worry. I won’t let them touch you again, and I’m so damn sorry it ever happened at all.” He brushed a stray lock of hair from her glistening face, his touch feather-light. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”
