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*******

On the night of the attack, one month before, I woke up hazily in my room to people rushing around. Globes of light floated around me, and everything seemed to switch between fast forward and slow mo.

I knew I felt safe, though.

When I came to more, I realized I was cradled in Jake’s lap.

His voice was harsh, but his touch on me was light, as though he worried the slightest movement might shatter me.

“Baby,” I rasped. My throat felt like I’d swallowed glass, then sea salt, and finished it off with a shot of flaming kerosene. As I leaned forward to sit up, the dull ache in my head turned into a jack hammering pain.

Though I tried to fight against it, the black edges pushed in again.

*******

Things were far less hazy the next time I woke up. I tensed when I felt strong arms around me until I saw the ink and realized they belonged to Jake.

I opened my mouth, but he spoke first.

“Don’t talk. I’ll get the nurse, yeah?”

Looking around, I saw that we were in a hospital room. I nodded as he hit a button on the bed.

“What happened?”

Before Jake could answer, an older nurse came in.

“Glad to see you’re awake. Let’s check you out, and then we’ll get you up and walking.” She gave me a reassuring smile as she stopped to wash her hands. “Mr. Hyde, if you’d wait outside, please.”

“No,” he said firmly.

“I’m sure Miss Skye would feel more comfortable tending to her needs without an audience.”

Jake looked down at me before sighing. He carefully shifted off the bed and stood. “I’ll be right back.”

“I’m Sally, your nurse for the day. Let’s get you up.” She helped me stand on unsteady legs.

After using the bathroom, I moved to the sink to wash my hands. I glanced up and caught sight of myself in the mirror.

Based on the look of pain and anger on Jake’s face, and the sympathy on Sally’s, I’d already guessed that I didn’t look too hot.

Still, I was surprised by how awful my appearance was.

My hair was a tangled, dry mess and with the exception of a nasty purple bruise on my swollen cheek, my face was pale. There was also a dark, angry looking ring around my neck.

Bringing my shaking fingers up, I touched the mark. As the dull pain turned sharp, I saw Z with his hand on my throat as he worked at his pants so he could…

I flung open the door, startling Sally. Her face went soft as she took in my wide eyes and heaving chest.

Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply and tried to remind myself I was okay.

Z’s gone. Jake’s here and he won’t let anyone hurt me. I’m safe.

Sally helped me back into bed and began taking my vitals. “How’re you feeling?”

“Thirsty.” My voice was rough, like the word had clawed its way up.

“I’ll get you some water when we finish here.”