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He turns on the tap, wets a washcloth, and gently wipes my face. The coolness makes me shiver.
“Better?”
“A little.”
He runs the cloth along my neck, carefully avoiding the tender spot where I was injected. I wince.
His eyes immediately darken. “Does that hurt?”
“It’s just sore.”
His jaw tightens, but he says nothing. He helps me out of the clothes I’m wearing, replacing them with a soft nightgown.
By the time he’s finished, exhaustion weighs heavily on my limbs. A knock sounds at the bedroom door as he carries me back into the bedroom.
Roman makes sure I’m comfortable in bed, before walking over to open the door. The doctor steps inside with his medical bag.
“How is she?”
“She’s conscious,” Roman says. “She’s complaining of a headache.”
The doctor comes closer. “Good evening, Aurora.”
I manage a weak smile. “Hi.”
He pulls a small light from his bag. “I’m going to check your pupils first. Look at me.”
I follow the light as it moves from one eye to the other.
“Any dizziness?”
“A little.”
“Nausea? Blurred vision?”
“Not anymore.”
He checks my pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen level, asking me questions between each examination.
“What is the last thing you remember clearly?”
I frown. The answer feels buried beneath layers of fog. Roman’s hand immediately finds mine. I squeeze it as I try to remember. His thumb strokes slowly over my knuckles.
The doctor finishes checking me and pulls the blanket higher over my legs.
“Your vitals are stable,” he says. “The headache is likely from the blow to your head, combined with the sedative and everything your body has been through tonight. I want you resting. If the headache becomes severe, if you start vomiting, become confused, have difficulty staying awake, or notice any changes in your vision, I need to know immediately.”
Roman nods. “I’ll make sure.”
❦ ❦ ❦
I wake with Roman’s name already on my lips.
“I’m right here baby,” he says immediately, his voice close.
I open my eyes slowly. Soft morning light fills the room. Roman is sitting on the edge of the bed, watching me with that same intense focus he always has when he’s worried.
“Do you need anything?” he asks.
