Aria backed up. “Of course. I’ll stand in the hallway if you need me.”
“Thank you.”
He sat down beside her and studied her face. “How are you feeling?” he asked.
“It hurts.”
“I’m sure it does. Let’s see if we can get this shirt all the way off.”
Instead of making her move, he ripped the shirt off of her and left her in her bra.
“Can I keep my bra on?” she asked.
“Baby, it’s all bloody.”
“Just until the doctor leaves.”
He sighed and gently pulled the strap down.
Someone knocked.
“Come in,” he yelled.
A few maids hurried in and set the bowl of steaming water and a stack of towels on the nightstand.
“Will there be anything else, sir?”
He shook his head. “No. Thank you.”
Dominic lifted a towel and gently pressed it to the wound, making her gasp.
She tried to dislodge his hand. “That hurts.”
“I know, baby, but we have to get you to stop losing so much blood.”
She nodded but couldn’t help the tears that seeped from the corner of her eyes.
He yelled out when another knock sounded.
The doctor walked in. The man was in his sixties with white and gray hair. He was short and had a round belly. He was handsome, and his smile put her at ease instantly.
“Well, hello, little lady. My name is Dr. Morris.”
“Hi, Doctor. My name is Rebeka.”
“I would say it’s nice to meet you, but I think you’d rather not have me here.”
She grinned.
“And you are Mr. Moretti,” the doctor said.
“Yes. Take her pain away,” he said gruffly.
Rebeka gasped and then looked at the doctor to find him smiling.
“I’m planning on doing that right now. Let me see the patient.”
Dominic slid down the mattress and set one hand on herleg. She felt better having him touching her.