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My left arm is in a cast and elevated on a pillow. I attempt to sign with my right hand, but Grim shakes his head.
“I can read lips,” he explains. “You’re at our clubhouse.”
Why can’t I open my other eye, and what the heck happened to my arm?
“What happened?” I want to go back to sleep, but I force my eye to stay open.
“We were hoping you could tell us that,” a deep baritone answers, drawing my attention to the door. A man I don’t recognize strides toward the machines, presumably to check my vitals. “Are you in any pain, Violet?”
I nod. “A little. Who are you?”
The man grins. “I’m Abyss.”
A fog has settled in my brain, and I can’t remember anything past my awkward escape attempt where I met Cece and Grim while dress shopping in Boulder City.
Was there an accident? Is my mother okay?
My blood runs cold, and my heart races, causing one of the machines to beep excessively. I try to take a deep breath but can only gasp for air. Darkness creeps into my peripheral.
Suddenly, Abyss cups my face. “Violet, I need you to calm down,” he instructs. “You’re having a panic attack.” He starts taking deep breaths through his nose and exhales out of his mouth. “Do what I’m doing… that’s it,” he encourages.
I focus on him, so lost in mimicking him that I forget we aren’t alone until a deep growl pulls me out of my trance. Abyss smirks and removes his hands from my face before taking a step back. Grim sneers in his direction before turning his attention to me.
“You okay?”
I nod in response and am grateful that I’m able to keep my breaths steady.
“Do you remember anything?” Abyss asks. When I shake my head, he exchanges a glance with Grim, and Grim gives a curt nod. “Cece got a weird text from you and got worried. Grim and I came to check on you, but when we got to your apartment, you were… unconscious.”
As soon as Abyss mentions my apartment, memories assault me, flooding my mind from all directions. Visions of Brad beating me have me choking back a sob and forcing myself to focus on what Abyss is saying.
“I’m a medic for the club,” he continues. “When we found you, we didn’t know who attacked you, so we figured you’d be better off coming with us than going to a hospital. But your injuries are pretty extensive.”
“My injuries?” I’m having trouble concentrating because my only thought is what Brad will do when he finds me missing.
“Yeah,” he confirms. “Your arm is fractured, and you’ve got several broken ribs, a cracked eye socket, internal bleeding, and numerous bruises all over, including strangulation marks on your neck. You’re pretty lucky to be alive, all things considered.”
“Right, lucky me,” I mumble.
Grim and Abyss share a look but don’t comment. I ignore them and take a moment to think about how I’m going to get out of here. Grim must sense what I’m thinking because he waves his hands in front of my face to get my attention.
“You’re not going anywhere.” He signs with sharp movements, and his brows furrow, causing a vein to pop out on his forehead.
Without thinking, I flinch from his rapid movement, cowering further away from him. He jerks back in surprise.
Abyss pushes Grim aside. “I think what Grim is trying to say, is that your recovery should be monitored. We thought we were gonna lose you. It’s best if you heal up before you go.”
Best for who? Me, them, my parents… Brad?
Despite the voice screaming in my head that I need to get home,I nod. Grim’s shoulders slump, and he dips his chin before cautiously lifting his hands again.
“I’d never fucking hurt you or force you to do something you don’t want.” He pauses for a brief moment, and I stare at his throat, unable to make eye contact. His Adam’s apple bobs slowly as if he is having trouble swallowing, and his expression looks pained. “I’m sorry for scaring you, but Abyss is right… You need time to heal.”
Abyss’s booming laugh distracts me from Grim’s apology. “Holy Shit,” he wheezes. “Grim apologized. Never thought I’d see the day.”
Abyss’s laughter is infectious, and I can’t help but giggle. The corners of Grim’s mouth lift, but his stoic posture returns.
“Violet, who did this to you?” he asks.
