Chapter Five
Emma woke up and flinched when she moved her arm. Then she looked around the room. She could tell it was daytime from the light coming in through the crack in the drapes.
She sat up and examined her arm. The man, Devon, must have rewrapped it. He’d done a much better job than she had, and it didn’t hurt as much.
The urgent need to pee had her sliding out of bed and heading toward the bathroom. After doing her business and washing her hands, she glanced at herself in the mirror.
The circles under her eyes were still there but weren’t as dark, and she did feel a little better. She caught sight of the new toothbrush and toothpaste by the sink. She thought about the pink one she had bought months ago, but it was still in the house she’d grown up in with the rest of her things.
Something as simple as that made her feel desolate.
A tear slid down her cheek when she thought of what her mother had done and the fact her aunt knew nothing about it.
A knock sounded, making her jump.
“Honey, how are you doing?” he asked through the door.
“I … I’m fine.”
“Can I come in?”
She looked down at herself and decided she was covered. “Yes.”
The night before, she’d thought he was handsome, but after getting some rest, she realized he surpassed handsome. Her pulse began to beat erratically, and her body softened.
God, she’d never seen anyone so hot before unless it was on the television.
A fiery blush covered her face when she realized she’d talked out loud.
“Don’t be embarrassed because you like the way I look. It makes me feel very good that you feel that way. I also find you extremely attractive.”
She snorted. “No, you don’t. I’m nothing. I’m less than nothing.”
He scowled. “Where did you hear that?”
“My mom.”
“Well, it’s bullshit. You’re a strong, beautiful woman, and I find I want to get to know more about you.”
Her eyes widened. “Really?”
“Yeah, really.”
She studied his expression and only found sincerity.
“How’s your arm feeling?”
She glanced down at it. “It still hurts, but it’s better than it was.”
“Good. The doctor will be back today to check on it.”
Her eyes widened. “A doctor? Does anyone else know I’m here?”
“Just my friend Cason.”
Oh, God. “I should go…”
He shook his head. “You’re not going anywhere.”
She tried to walk around him. “You don’t understand. I’ve got some horrible people after me, and you could get hurt.”
He rolled his eyes. “What is it with little women trying to protect us men?”
“What?”
He grasped her shoulders. “No one is going to get to you.”
“You don’t know…”
“Stop,” he growled. “You’re not leaving, and you’re going to let me take care of you.”
“Why would you want to do that?” she asked.