“I’ll be the judge of that,” Steven stated firmly then looked toward Susanna.
“That’s the staff room over there, right? I can take her in there to check over her injuries and grab her things?”
“Yeah.”
“What do you mean grab my things?”
“I’m taking you home. You’re not staying here and you’re not going home alone.”
He took her hand and she gasped as he touched where Garret had touched.
“What the hell?”
She walked away from him holding her wrist and headed to the room. Susanna and Steven followed.
“You’re going with Steven. I’m calling BJ and telling him what happened. He’ll send a patrol car by as well. I’ll see you when I get home,” Susanna stated then closed the door. Sally could tell that Susanna was getting angry with her. But Sally felt that unsure, insecure feeling growing inside of her. She was scared, and trying to hide it was becoming difficult. She hugged her hand to her chest and turned away from Steven.
* * * *
“Turn around and face me,” he ordered. She swallowed hard.
“Now, Sally.” He was firm, but his voice was soft. She did as he told her to. Steven stood in front of her with one hand resting on his hip as he pointed at her.
She looked so fragile and feminine. Her long brown hair flowed around her shoulders and face, her green eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her cheeks were red. But what really got his anger flaring were the red marks on her wrist and throat. That fucker touched her again.
“Let me take a look at your wrist and your neck.”
She shook her head.
“Yes.”
“I’m fine.” She grabbed her bag.
“Sally, I’m not asking you, I’m telling you,” he stated firmly, and that seemed to get her attention.
She stared at him as he slowly walked toward her. He reached for her and lifted her chin so he could see her throat.
“He placed his hands on you?”
She nodded. His anger intensified as he bit his cheek and tasted the blood. His nostrils flared, and she closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears from flowing, he believed.
He softly lifted up her hand, immediately seeing the red finger marks there and the bruising that was starting.
She shook. He felt it as he held her hand. Slowly, he lifted it as he lowered his head and locked gazes with her.
“You’re okay now. He won’t hurt you. I’ve got you, Sally.”
She swallowed hard and cringed when she did. It must have hurt. He lifted her hand up toward his lips and gently kissed her skin. Her eyes popped open, and she stared at him.
“Don’t ever think for one moment that we weren’t paying attention to you, that you didn’t exist to Mason or myself.”
He kissed her wrist again and slowly turned it.
“Ow,” she whispered and he looked more closely.
“Is this the same wrist he hurt before?” he asked, feeling his temper flare. He wished that Mason was here in this room right now. He wished he could have told him what Garret had done. But Mason would lose it. He would take matters into his own hands, especially when it came to Sally’s safety.
“Please let go. I’m fine and I can handle it.”