Page 13

Aurora's bottom lip wobbles. “You won’t let anyone in?”
“No one that doesn’t have authorization to be in there with you,” I clarify. “And if anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, all you have to do is shout, and we’ll come running.”
She squares her shoulders. “I’m ready.”
I squeeze her hand before picking her up and transferring her to the gurney. While I was talking to Aurora, Hudson informed the healthcare team about the severity of the situation. Everyone explains who they are as they wheel her inside. I follow behind the stretcher, flanked by my men, each holding the same promise on their faces that I gave Aurora in words.
We’ll make sure she feels safe, and fuck anyone who gets in our way.
CHAPTER 4
AURORA
“Ms. Parks, I’m Dr. Sheppard.”
This is the second doctor I’ve met since being brought to a private bay in the emergency department. As promised, Jaxson is standing guard in front of the door, blocking entry to anyone who attempts to approach. My father asked if I wanted him to come into the room, but I waved him off. I don’t need him to witness my humiliation.
“Aurora,” I insist.
Dr. Sheppard smiles kindly at me. “I know this is difficult, but can you tell me where you’re having pain?”
I squirm. “Um… everywhere,” I admit. “Mostly in my vaginal area. My ribs are really sore, along with my wrists and ank?—”
“Listen here, shit for brains,” a voice shouts behind the closed door. “That’s my best friend lying in that bed. Move out of my way or I swear to G?—”
“Willow!” I scream.
The door bursts open, slamming into the wall with so much force it knocks a scenery picture to the ground. Jaxson runs in with Willow on his heels. Everyone in the room freezes.
“Aurora, what’s wrong?” Jaxson demands.
“W-W-Willow,” I sob.
I don’t know how I have any tears left to cry.
My best friend of fifteen years dashes to my side, kicks off her shoes, and gingerly climbs onto the bed with me, pulling me into her arms.
I take a deep breath and gather myself, knowing that things are going to get a whole lot worse before they get better, and I pull away from her embrace. Everyone in the room is deathly quiet, still watching the scene unfold before them. Jaxson is a statue at the foot of the bed, watching our interaction.
Willow sticks out her tongue at him. “Told you I was her best friend.”
Jaxson’s lip curves upward. “Maybe, butIwasn’t informed of you, nor was I told you were coming.”
Willow shrugs. “Victor called me. He said that Aurora was found and needed me. So here I am.”
“Here you are,” he repeats. “Aurora, are you good with her being here?”
“Yes,” I answer. “I need her.”
Willow squeezes my shoulders. “You heard the woman.”
“Sir, I need you to leave,” Dr. Sheppard commands. “The longer Ms. Parks goes without treatment, the more likely infection can set in.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jaxson turns on his heel, picks up the picture that fell, places it back on the nail, and shuts the door quietly behind him. He resumes his position in front of the door, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
“Miss, I’m going to need you to get off of the exam table,” Dr. Sheppard demands.
Willow scrambles to hop off and put on her shoes. She comes back and grips my hand in hers. “Sorry,” she mutters.