Page 65 of Her Faithful Protector

“Smart man.”

He picked up the jug of water by the bed and poured her a glass. “Want some? All that arguing probably made your throat dry.”

It had. She nodded. He came closer and brought the straw to her lips. She took a long nourishing sip then sighed with satisfaction.

“Do you want more?”

She gave her head a slight shake, anything more would cause her pain.

“Do you need anything else?”

“Do you know when my doctor is making rounds?”

“In two hours, give or take.”

“Ohh.” She didn’t know what else to say.

“Cami, yesterday I asked you to come to my apartment. It’s got three bedrooms, one I use as my office, the guest room is really nice. I really do have plenty of leave. Taking care of you would mean the world to me. Did you consider it?”

Cami blushed as she remembered her dream. He was smiling down at her; it was a killer smile as he tried to convince her to do as he asked. Oh, he was laying it on thick. And not like the old days thick, this was a new and improved Nic.

“My mom lives close by,” he went on. “I’ve already talked to her about possibly coming over. She was horrified to hear what happened to you, and she immediately volunteered to come over every day and assist you.”

“Absolutely not, I would want to hire a nurse to come in.”

His smile was blinding, and she cringed. She realized what she’d said. She’d admitted to actually considering his proposal. Was she out of her mind?

“Whatever would make you feel most comfortable, honey.”

“And sit back down, I don’t need you hovering over me.”

He sat. “Is that better?”

She rolled her eyes. Camilla realized that in all the time her mother had been in the room she had hurt, but now that it was only Nic, her pain had receded quite a bit.

“Nic, be serious for a minute. I need to understand why you would want to take your vacation and babysit me. What are you trying to accomplish?” When she bit her lip it hurt like hell.

“Honey, don’t do that, your whole face is bruised, including your lip.”

She imagined her face covered with bruises. Her jaw. Her nose. Her mouth.

She jerked back against the pillows as flashes of fists hitting her assailed her. She shook her head, trying to get away. Then she moaned as she remembered hands squeezing her breasts, pinching her nipples. Camilla tried to throw up her hands to protect herself, but they were immobilized. Someone was holding her down. She cried out in pain as her neck and arm burst on fire.

Hands held her head still, the pain in her neck started to stop, but she cried out, hating having someone touch her.

“—Shhh, it’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re safe. I’m not going to hurt you. You’re safe.”

She felt a featherlight touch at her temples going in circles.

“You’re safe, Cami. You’re in the hospital. Nobody’s going to hurt you.”

Cami, he called me Cami. It’s Nic.

She took in a deep shuddering breath and opened her eyes. Nic looked shattered, his eyes were filled with tears.

“Nic?”

“I’m here, baby. I’ve got you. You’re safe. I promise you.”