Page 10 of Protect Me
Chapter3
Sway
Adaya’s grip is strong as she pulls me out of the tub. The water sloshes as I step out, its color a muddy pink where the dirt and blood have been washed from my skin, thanks to Adaya’s efforts.
I’m grateful for her help—and her friendly silence. The woman has a soothing sort of presence that puts me at ease. I can’t remember the last time I felt this comfortable completely naked in front of someone. Maybe because I can’t remember the last time I was with someone who didn’t want something from me. Something I’d been unwilling to give. I shudder at that, and Adaya frowns as she finishes toweling me off and slips a gown over my head.
“Are you cold?” she asks.
“Yes,” I admit because it’s true. Even if it’s not the reason for my physical reaction.
“Come,” she says.
Shaking away thoughts of my past, I let her lead me back to bed. There, I climb carefully beneath covers that feel deliciously comfortable now that I’m clean and mostly out of pain. The tonic Adaya gave me earlier, combined with her healing efforts, has already made a huge difference. The twinges and dull aches are only a mild inconvenience. More importantly, I can breathe without wanting to cry, and that’s a miracle compared to how I felt when she arrived.
Settling back against the pillow, I let Adaya pull the blankets up and tuck me in. She leans over, re-checking the stitches and securing bandages over the worst of my injuries now that I’m clean and dry.
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
Her gaze flicks to mine, and she softens. “You were lucky to get yourself away from … whoever the hell did this to you,” she says. Unlike the others, she doesn’t push for more. “I’ve done what I can, but you’ll need to take it easy for the next couple of days.”
“And then?” I ask, biting my lip. “Will I be back to full strength and movement soon?”
“What kind of movement?” she asks.
“I need to be able to perform. To secure my place here with the Ringmaster.”
“The Ringmaster is an ass if he doesn’t let you stay,” she says. My eyes widen, but she pats my hand. “You let me worry about him. For now, concentrate on healing.” When I try to respond, she holds up a hand, “But yes, in answer to your question, you will return to full strength and movement soon enough.”
I let out a breath.
She gets up and pulls a sachet of herbs from her bag, setting them on my nightstand. “You’ll want to take these in tea. Goes down easier,” she explains.
“Thank you.”
A knock at the door has her looking back and scowling.
“Come in,” she calls.
The door opens, and one of the three security guards from earlier steps in. The one called Kill.
“Killian,” Adaya greets then goes back to packing her things.
His face piercings glint in the light as he shuts the door and strides closer to my bed. Where Duncan is more refined, Killian is all animal. I can see it in his eyes and the predatory way he moves.
“How’s the patient?” he asks, mostly addressing Adaya, which makes me bristle in irritation.
“The patient is right here,” I say icily. “And I’m fine.”
His brow quirks—the one with a small silver ring through it. And, despite his rudeness, my stomach flutters at the way his sharp green eyes assess me. “Sure you are, love.” He tosses the words at me casually—meaningless even—then turns to Adaya. “What’s the damage?”
Adaya eyes him with disapproval, likely at his crudeness, but she says, “Two cracked ribs, a sprained ankle, a concussion, and a fractured arm. Not to mention all the bumps, bruises, and cuts.”
“What kind of cuts?”
Something about his tone keeps me from interrupting. And even though he’s not looking at me, I can see the murderous set in his expression. He’s angry. Not at me; at whoever hurt me. It’s such a startling realization that I forget to be pissed they’re talking about me like I’m not even here.
“Shallow, mostly,” Adaya says, “though the one on her shoulder required a few stitches. Must’ve been a blade of some kind from the looks of it.”