Page 73 of Scarred Redemption

I kissed the top of Isabel’s head as I took another sip of my scotch. Having her in my arms, one of her long legs thrown over mine under the covers created an unusual sense of peace.

She continually brushed her thumb across my chest while remaining deep in thought. With the only sounds being waves crashing against the shore, I could easily forget I had decisions that were needed.

“You are going to make the arrangements for tests at the hospital for Mina. Right?”

I held the glass to my lips, inhaling while I mulled over her question. “Things are complicated, Isabel.” She tried to scramble from my arms, but I refused to allow her to budge so she lifted her head instead. Her glare was everything I’d come to expect.

“You cannot be serious in that your business ethics are going to prevent you from caring for your daughter.”

Peering down at her, I arched my eyebrows. “That’s not what I said.”

“That’s what you insinuated.” She managed to push away, sitting up and yanking the sheet around her naked body.

I settled against the pillow, folding one arm behind my head. She couldn’t stand the fact I was smiling.

“You’re a terrible man.”

“Do you honestly think I would allow my daughter to suffer because of my business? You don’t know me very well if that’s the case. I’m simply going to see if there is a private facility where we can go.”

“There are none, at least close. You’ll need to leave Charleston. A hospital will have everything you need, including any scans that are needed. This just isn’t about a simple blood test she can get in any physician’s office. Hell, I’m surprised you didn’t force your personal doctor to perform them by manufacturing some devices.”

She blew hair from her face while yanking the sheet that continually slipped down her body.

“Maybe I’ll do that.”

“You would.” She grabbed a pillow, almost dislodging me and smirking as she did. As she pulled it in front of her, my keen hearing caught a few curse words.

“Hospitals are dangerous and difficult to secure.”

“Here we go again. Why not install bars on every window and door at the house?”

I cocked my head, studying her for a few seconds. “Not a bad idea.”

She smacked me with the pillow.

“Sadly, we don’t have a state-of-the-art facility built for handling children’s cancers and other horrific diseases yet because someone won’t allow me to do my job.”

I had to give the woman credit. She was relentless. “Something else that’s not that simple.”

“Then why don’t you test me and see if I can possibly understand.”

Sitting up, I grabbed her face playfully and when I did, my thumb was pressed against a spot on her cheek. She winced. “I’m not trying to hurt you.”

“It’s not that.”

As soon as I eased the pressure, she looked away while touching her face. “What happened?”

“Nothing.”

“Tell me.”

“I don’t know why I flinched,” she said quietly. “The asshole hit me, but only after I punched him. His ring caught my cheek.”

“You never mentioned a ring.”

With a soft sigh, she finally looked me in the eyes. “I thought I had. I assure you I’m not trying to keep anything from you. However, if you’re asking if I could identify the man should I face him in a dark corner, yes, I could. And I assure you that he wouldn’t make it out alive.”

Her vehemence surprised me enough I laughed, lifting my glass in a salute. “And I would applaud your decision and whatever technique chosen.”