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Z ip had his clothes on and was out the door in minutes. He didn’t speed on his way to the hospital, but it was close. Worry filled him as he glanced over and spied an ambulance arriving.

He hurried into the hospital, trying to keep his emotions under control as he asked to see Talia. It took almost thirty minutes for him to be called back. When he stepped into the curtained off area with her bed, the emotions were almost too much. He didn’t know what happened, but he could see the sadness and fear on Talia’s face. His heart squeezed and all he wanted was to protect her.

He moved to her, leaning in close. “I’m here.”

Tears slipped out of her eyes. The curtain opened behind him and he looked up to see a man in a long-sleeve shirt and tie.

“I’m Detective Huett. The man who attacked you was out on bail. I’m fairly certain the judge will revoke his bail, but maybe there is somewhere else you can stay for a while.”

Zip didn’t hesitate. “She can stay with me.”

“And you are?”

“Lewis Hodge.”

The detective met Talia’s gaze. “Is that okay—you staying with him?”

She nodded. “Yes.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Okay. I’ll get your information, sir. I just want to know where she is if that jerk gets released.”

Zip nodded as he pushed his anger down, trying to keep it under control as he held Talia’s hand. “I’ll keep her safe.”

The detective sized him up then nodded. “Good.”

After the detective left, he held her hand, waiting for the paperwork to release her. She didn’t say much, even when he asked her questions. He hated the dead look in her eyes. She was funny and snarky, but all that pep was gone. He wanted it back but forcing her to be happy wasn’t realistic.

It took them a few hours before she was free to go. She was okay but had a mild concussion. The doctors wanted her to rest, and he would make sure she didn’t have to worry about anything this weekend. They would figure out everything else later once they had time to talk.