Page 128 of Reaper

I bite back a groan. I do not want to go back into physical therapy. I’ve had enough of it to last a lifetime.

Dr. Cooper motions that the nurse can give me the medicine and then makes some notes on his tablet. After the nurse leaves, he gives me a pensive look.

“Lark, I have to ask, but did you take any illicit drugs tonight?”

I blink a few times as I absorb his words. Did he really just ask that? I shake my head. “I’ve never done drugs or even smoked before. Why?”

“Did you accept a drink from someone you didn’t know?”

I shake my head again. “No. I was working as a bartender tonight and we always keep our drinks capped and under the counter where customers can’t reach them. Why? What’s going on?”

“Lark, we found a date rape drug in your system when we ran your blood.”

The world spins as I absorb the bomb he dropped. What the fuck? Someone drugged me?

“Wait,” Loki says as he sits up straighter. “Atlas told us someone put some black roses on her car and when she picked them up to throw them away, the thorns drew blood in a few spots on her hand. Is it possible that that was how the drugs got into her system?”

Dr. Cooper tilts his head as he thinks and then nods before looking back at me. “If you know where they are, we could test them to be sure.” He picks up my hands and then focuses on my right hand where the thorns cut me. “We thought these cuts were made by glass, but if the thorns were sharp enough to do this, then yes, it is possible that was how she was drugged.”

I swallow thickly as the reality of what could have happened washes over me. “I-I threw them in the outside trash can over by the tables we have for our staff when they want to take their breaks outside.”

Loki pulls out his phone and texts someone, most likely one of the guys. A moment later, his phone chimes and he nods. “Doc is going to go and get them. Who should he give them to?”

“Tell the nurse to page me and I’ll order the tests. Now, since you have a concussion, you can take acetaminophen, and only acetaminophen, for headache relief for the first twenty-four hours as long as your symptoms don’t get worse. If they do, then you need to come back to the ER. We’ll give you a list of symptoms to watch out for as well.

“After that first twenty-four hours, you can switch over to ibuprofen or naproxen since you also have whiplash. Some patients can experience nausea so we will prescribe you medication that will help with that. Remember, that with a concussion, you can sleep as needed, but someone needs to wake you up every two to three hours.” He pauses as he glances at Loki and then back to me. “Is there someone that can stay with you while you recover?”

I nod. I’m sure the guys already called Reaper, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Ma, Granny and all the guys take turns until Reaper can get here.

“Okay. I’ll get to work on your discharge paperwork. Within twelve hours, the date rape drugs should be out of your system. I’ll also include paperwork about what you can expect because of the date rape drug as well.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

When he leaves, I lean back, closing my eyes. I could have been killed. Again.

Movement has me opening my eyes and turning toward Loki. “Talk to me, Loki.”

He exhales heavily. “I-Is it okay if we postpone that talk until we get to you home?”

My chest tightens as Anthony’s words come back to me about Loki’s family, and I nod. “Yeah, but is everything okay?”

He hesitates, looking slightly panicked but obviously trying to hide it as he nods. “Yeah, it’s just… It ties in with my family’s roots and I’d rather explain that in private if that’s okay?”

“Of course, it is.”

His body visibly relaxes, and his eyes lose a bit of their panicked look. Then, a thought comes to me.

“Loki, just so you know, you don’t have to share your family’s history with me if you aren’t comfortable doing so. In fact, you don’t have to share anything private if you don’t want to. I don’t want to make things uncomfortable between us. To me, you’re Loki and I accept you exactly the way you are. I consider you and the rest of the club part of my family.”

More tension leeches out of him and he gives me a small smile. “I guess it’s one thing to know that and another to hear it. Thanks, Lark, and I also think of you as my family.” He pauses and leans in close, his eyes bright with mischief. “Just so you know though, I did tell them I’m your brother so I could stay back here.”

I laugh and then wince as pain laces through my skull. “Ugh. Don’t make me laugh. I need to remember that. Hopefully those dang meds kick in soon.”

He gives me a sympathetic smile then his eyes widen with shock. “Shit. I need to update the guys. They wouldn’t let them come back here. Your mom and grandma were able to come back for a little while, but then they offered to head to your house to tidy up and make some food that would be easy on your stomach in case you get nauseous.”

I can’t stop my huff as I smile and shake my head. Yeah, that sounds like Ma and Granny.

Loki pulls out his phone, texting away and I lean back in bed. As I do, I catch sight of the clock on the wall.