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She looks at the nurse whose back is turned as she writes in Lana’s chart and shakes her head. As soon as the woman leaves, she tells me.
“Declan,” she whispers.
“Where is that piece of shit? I’m going to kill him. Did you tell the police?” I rage.
“No, I told them I fell.”
“Lana, why? You can’t let him get away with this. He could have severely injured you.”
“He smelled it.”
“Smelled what?”
“Your cologne.”
“When did he do this?”
“This morning before he left. When I came home the other night, he was sitting in the bedroom drinking. He asked what he smelled, and I said I didn’t know. Then he questioned me after I undressed. He also said I’d gained weight, and I should lose it before he gets back from California. I was a big turn off to him.”
I’m a hot pot ready to boil over. I want to take a plane, find Declan, and beat him within an inch of his life. I reach over and gently stroke her cheek, careful not to press too hard as my fingers glide over her bruises.
“Oh, you’re finally here?”
I turn to see Paige standing in the doorway.
“I got here as soon as I could.”
“This is fucked up. Lana told me what’s going on with Eltech. Suppose you lose the company?”
“I’m not going to lose the company. I’m working on it. Right now, I don’t care. All I care about is Lana. We’re moving you out of the suite today. You’re coming to live with me.”
“I’m afraid for you, Zane. I don’t want him to hurt you.”
“He already did when he put his hands on you. He doesn’t deserve to have you.”
The doctor came in with Lana’s discharge papers and had her sign off after he explained care for her injuries. We said goodbye to Paige and took a cab to my apartment. Lana rested her head on my shoulder and fell asleep. When we got to my building, I took her in my arms under her protests and carried her into the elevator, then right to my bedroom, where I gently lay her down.
“Sleep. I’m going to The Plaza to get some of your things. Since Declan is going to be away for a few days, we can take our time.”
“Zane, don’t leave me. I don’t want to be alone.”
“Sweetheart, you need clothes.”
“I don’t care. I’ll wear yours. I need you.”
I couldn’t bear to leave her and took off my slacks and shirt, slipping into a pair of shorts and a tank top.
“I’ll stay here. Tell me what you want.”
“Just hold me.”
I slipped into bed behind her and lay on my back so she could put her head on my chest. I was careful not to bump her wrist or bruises. In a minute, she was asleep as I stroked her auburn hair. What a mess this was. In a few months, I might not be able to keep her in the style she deserved. I might have to sell my assets to get seed money to start over. But I didn’t care. As long as I had Lana, then my life was rich beyond my wildest dreams.
I fell asleep and was awakened by Lana whimpering. I stroked her hair, and she calmed, then her eyes fluttered open.
“What, what happened?”
“You had a bad dream. Are you okay?”
