Page 73 of Rebel Protector

Becca tried to sit up, but her arms felt weak, and a persistent ache throbbed in her shoulder. With a sigh of defeat, she flopped back down.

“Come on, let’s get you comfortable.”

The nurse propped her up with extra pillows. She had a kind face and an American accent. “You’re at the Hospital Nacional. You’ve had a bad concussion and a broken collarbone, but you’re on the mend now.”

Okay, that was good news. It wasn’t serious.

Her memory was still foggy, but she hadn’t forgotten Carlos laying into her before she’d passed out.

She glanced around. The ward was empty except for her. The other two beds were unoccupied. How had she gotten here?

“There’s someone outside waiting to see you,” the nurse said.

Oh no.Alek.

He must’ve found her and wanted to take her home. She remembered how he’d handed her over to Carlos without a flicker of emotion when he thought she’d betrayed him.

A cold shiver ran down her spine. Carlos had made her talk—made her give up Dom. She’d told him everything.

Her eyes filled with tears. If she’d betrayed anyone, it was Dom.

“Who is it?” she asked hesitantly. “I’m not sure I’m up to seeing anyone.”

The nurse frowned. “Well, he’s anxious to see you. He’s the one who brought you in yesterday. He’s been so worried, poor thing. He must really care about you.”

“Worried?” No way—it couldn’t be her father.

“I wish I had a good-looking man like that worried about me.” The nurse winked.

Good-looking? Becca’s breath caught. Was it possible?

“Dom?”

“Yes, I think that’s the name he gave the nurse at the front desk.”

Becca’s heart swelled with joy. He was alive! And better than that, he’d come back for her. She vaguely remembered his voice telling her she’d be okay, his strong arms carrying her, the gentle rocking of a car. She thought she’d dreamed it...

Had it actually happened? She broke into a smile, then winced as her lip and cheek stung.

The nurse grinned. “That’s what I thought. I’ll send him in, shall I?”

Becca nodded.

The nurse left the room, and immediately the door burst open, and Dom rushed in.

“You’re awake, thank God.”

He appeared more flustered than she’d ever seen him, but damn if he didn’t look good.

She drank him in with her eyes. He cleaned up well. Gone were the combat gear and T-shirt. He was dressed in denim jeans that hugged his thighs and butt, and a black shirt, open at the neck, with the sleeves rolled up, showing off his tanned, toned forearms.

Her mouth went dry.

In those clothes, with that jaw and physique, he was irresistible.

“You had me so worried.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “When you wouldn’t wake up, I thought Carlos had done some permanent damage.”

Carlos.