Reluctant Hero

By Maria Bernard

Reluctant Hero - Stick Shift Lips Rock Star Romance, Book Four

She's his biggest fan. He's her ultimate hero.

What is it they say? Never meet your heroes, you’ll only be disappointed? Well, Kayla Reynolds learns that lesson the hard way.

Jamie Gale, the wild and unhinged drummer for the local rock band the Stick Shift Lips, is a self-confirmed bachelor living the rock star life to its fullest. A guy like him doesn't have time for starry-eyed fangirls like Kayla. Girls like her expect too much and he just isn’t that way inclined.

Jamie prefers to enjoy his fame with the multitudes of uninhibited groupies of who’s favors don't require much more than a wink of an eye.

When his callous rejection of her at a meet and greet sends her into the awaiting arms of an opportunistic sexual predator in the guise of an up and coming rock star, Kayla finds herself in a heap of trouble.

Will Jamie get to her in time to be her real life hero? Will he finally put aside his lone wolf status and risk falling in love with his broken and bruised, biggest fan?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maria Bernard
• Release date: May 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9780973147445

Maria Bernard

Maria Bernard is a Canadian author, residing in the Greater Toronto Area with her music-obsessed husband, and her adopted cat, Rex. Maria eats, sleeps and dreams with romance in mind. One day the idea to share the many stories and scenarios that swirl in her imagination became a reality. Her stories are heavy on the romance with a healthy dose of steam. Maria’s characters are creative, strong-willed, artistic individuals, unafraid to show their vulnerable sides. Hand in Glove is her first published full-length novel in the Stick Shift Lips Series. She has since written and published thirteen books and is currently working on a few upcoming projects. Besides writing, Maria enjoys listening to music and playing guitar with her husband. She also loves drawing, painting, and travelling.

Book preview

Reluctant Hero

By

Maria Bernard

*****

Smashwords Edition

Published By

Maria Bernard on Smashwords


*****

Reluctant Hero

Copyright © 2014 by Maria Bernard

Updated 2020

ISBN: 978-0-9731474-4-5

All rights reserved. Although you’ve downloaded this ebook, it remains the copyrighted property of the author. This ebook may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by any means, without expressed, written permission. No alteration of content is allowed.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. If you enjoyed this book, then encourage your friends to download their own copy.

Your support and respect for the property of this author is greatly appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Stick Shift Lips Rockstar Romance

Book Four

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Cover Design by Chloe Belle Arts

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Dedication

Many thanks to my parents, for all their unconditional love.
This book goes out to all you super fans who’ve ever met your heroes and been disappointed. We’ve all either been there or know someone who has.

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Reluctant Hero

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Books by Maria Bernard

About the Author

Connect with Maria Bernard

Chapter 1

Can you reach him?

I’m trying, but there’s just so many people in front of me, Kayla said, straining to get a better look at the one and only Jamie Gale, her rockstar hero.

He was so close. Finally... she was going to meet him! After all these years, it was almost too good to be true.

Wow, he looked so cool in his porcupine quill vest, with his long shaggy mane of dirty blonde hair. Kayla couldn’t get enough of his rugged yet beautiful face. From where she stood, she counted his tattoos, recognizing each one of them from the poster she’d stared at forever. Her favorite poster that she’d bought at her very first Stick Shift Lips concert. The very one that she now held safely in her hand.

Can you believe it? You’re finally going to meet your hero, her roommate, Sandra teased.

I know, I have so many questions. He rarely does meet and greets, Kayla said, desperately clutching to her chest, her prized Jamie Gale poster and hero card that she’d brought specifically for him to sign. She had all the rest, Ashton’s, Nick’s and Chris’s signatures. Now all she needed was Jamie Gale’s autograph to complete her Stick Shift Lips collection.

Jamie Gale, such an amazing rockstar. She couldn’t help but sigh as she got closer and closer through the throng of fans. He was definitely her favorite member of the Stick Shift Lips. Kayla loved watching him play his drums. She loved everything about him, from his alley cat swagger to his crazy wild mane of hair. Maybe it was his devil-may-care attitude that impressed her most. In fact, she’d accredited that very attitude in helping her come out of her shell over the years. She used to be a timid and self-conscious teenager but not anymore, not with Jamie Gale as her inspiration, her role model. He wasn’t afraid of anything or anyone and now, neither was she.

She’d seen his band perform so many times yet she’d never grown tired of them. Kayla truly believed that she could possibly be the Stick Shift Lips’ biggest fan. It would most certainly be her ultimate dream come true to have an exclusive interview with this band, especially with her favorite member, Jamie Gale.

An interview with her favorite rockstar would be so awesome. Presently, a freelance writer for a local community newspaper, Kayla hoped one day of getting the chance to write about something more exciting than the local human interest stories she’d written about so far.

Questions? He doesn’t have time for your silly questions, Sandra scoffed. You’ve got one chance to get his attention. Don’t bore him with questions he’s probably been asked a thousand times before.

But there’s so much I want to say to him. So much I want to ask, Kayla said, going over the questions in her head like she had done countless times.

Come on! Don’t be naïve, Kayla. He’s a rockstar. Just look at all these women. He can have any of them. He’s not going to waste his time if he doesn’t think you’ll, at least, make out with him.

I don’t want to make out with him, Kayla said indignantly. I just want to meet him, say hello and have him sign my poster.

Yeah right, you’re not fooling me with that innocent act. I know you have the hugest crush on him. You stare at that poster all the time.

Just because I think he’s the coolest drummer alive, doesn’t mean I’m going to just throw myself at him. Besides, why would he even consider me when he could have his pick of all these beautiful women? Kayla asked, looking despondently around the bar. There was no way she could compete with them.

Although she’d tried to look her best in anticipation of finally getting to meet him, Kayla didn’t dare delude herself with the idea that he would actually be into her. But that reality didn’t keep her from wanting him for herself. She had often dreamed of the day they would meet and fantasized about how he would be so taken with her, he’d drop everything and ask her to run away with him. Yeah, right, like that would ever happen.

Even still, she’d spent the whole day in the salon getting ready. She’d gotten her hair cut just the way she’d always wanted. Short and layered and slightly teased. She even had highlights put in so that her hair color matched his. She’d had her makeup done at the salon too.

The stylist seemed quite pleased with the end result, commenting on how well the makeup brought out her hazel eyes and how the short cropped and streaked blonde haircut complemented her delicate features.

Well, that’s what she said, anyway. You can never really tell if stylists are telling the truth or if they’re just convincing you that you look good. She had chosen to wear her favorite jeans, and of course, her Jamie Gale t-shirt.

Even with all that effort, Kayla accepted the reality that she wasn’t exactly the type that attracted guys like Jamie.

You just don’t get it, do you? Sandra huffed. Whatever, I’m going to do my best to get with him if you don’t, she threatened with a mischievous grin.

But you don’t even like him. Kayla frowned. Not that it would make a difference. Sandra was always coming home to their shared apartment, raving on about her latest conquests and one night stands. Having had enough of her roommate’s dodgy lifestyle, Kayla had just this week moved into her own smaller but private apartment.

Although he did have quite a notorious reputation as a bad boy with a taste for loose women, Kayla refused to believe the rumors. Not Jamie Gale, her favorite rockstar. Anyway, Jamie Gale wouldn’t be interested in Sandra, not in that way.

Sandra wasn’t exactly eye candy, not in Kayla’s opinion with her pronounced overbite and carrot top brassy hair. She wasn’t even a fan of the band. She didn’t like any of their music, often yelling at Kayla to turn the stereo down whenever she played their songs.

Sadly, Kayla realized that theirs wasn’t the healthiest of friendships. Sandra was supposed to be there that night with Kayla for moral support but it was obvious, like many times in the past, she was more about the partying and hooking up with random guys.

I never said I didn’t like him. I just said that I like the singer better. Ashton Wright is so hot, Sandra said with a sigh. But he’s married, so whatever. Beggars can’t be choosers, right? Anyway, you’re up next so don’t blow it. She nudged Kayla forward. Just do your best to flirt with him, flash him or something. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

No way! I’m going to stick to my plan. You’ll see, he’ll appreciate it if I tell him how much I admire his drumming.

Yeah, right, like I said he’s a rockstar. I’m warning you, if you don’t make a move, I will.

Determined to stick to her original plan, Kayla inched forward. But the moment his eyes met hers, she froze. The only word she could form was a barely audible, Hello. Starry-eyed and tongue-tied, her heart raced in her chest. She was completely lost. She’d forgotten all her questions. In fact, she could hardly breathe as his mesmerizing hazel eyes gazed into hers.

Hey there, Jamie said, motioning for his latest fan to approach. Here we go, another starstruck geek. She’d be a lot cuter if not for that look on her face. He’d seen it a million times before, the look of awe, the shaky handful of items to sign. Let’s just get this over with. I need a drink and maybe I’ll take her friend up on her offer. He smiled to himself as the flirtatious redhead standing behind the dopey doe-eyed fangirl winked at him.

Hi, um... Kayla nervously held out the poster and hero card for him to sign.

Of course, I’ll sign those for you. Jamie methodically took them from her trembling hands. Who should I make it out to?

Oh, um, Kayla, she said, relieved to remember her own name at that point.

Well, Kayla, this sure is a vintage poster, he said, impressed, studying it for a moment. How long have you had this? He recognized it as one of their firsts. Not one of their best but seeing it brought back fond memories.

Thanks... um, a very long time… she hesitated. Come on, just say something, anything! Inwardly, she scolded herself as he signed his name. This is your chance!

Well, all right then. Here you go, baby girl. Quirking an eyebrow, he quickly signed her items and handed them back to her.

Kayla couldn’t help but shiver when his fingers brushed over hers. Then, as if she were of no consequence, Jamie waved her off.

Next! Come on, keep the line moving! he shouted, his eyes fixed on the lusty redhead. Well, hello, baby. Sandra leaned in and whispered something in his ear that made his face light up. Oh, yeah, now that’s what I’m talking about. I’m just about finished here, anyway. How about I show you around backstage, Red?

Just like that, he stood up and unceremoniously left the table, callously abandoning the long lineup of unhappy fans. Later, loser, Sandra said as she brushed by Kayla with her arm looped around Jamie’s.

How rude! In disbelief, Kayla watched them walk away. Sandra’s actions didn’t surprise her at all. But the fact that Jamie Gale would simply brush her off, not to mention all his other awaiting fans, did not sit well with her.

Wait! she shouted, going after him. Please, I just want to ask you a few questions.

Questions? he repeated as he stopped and looked at Kayla like she was wasting his time.

Yeah, about the band, your music... she said as Sandra rolled her eyes at her.

Look, I really don’t have time for questions right now. Unless you’d care to join us for a little one on one, or maybe even a little one on two time? He leaned in and leered at her. When Kayla balked, he snickered. No? I didn’t think so. You don’t exactly seem the type. It’s a shame really. Come on, Red. Let’s you and me have a date.

What a jackass! she shouted, staring after him. Whether he heard her or not didn’t seem to bother her. It was true what they say, never meet your heroes because they’ll only disappoint you. Standing at a loss for words with her hands full of signed posters and cards she didn’t really want anymore, Kayla wondered how she could’ve been so wrong about him.

Too bewildered to notice his approach, she startled when she felt a heavy hand on her shoulder and a gruff voice way too close to her ear. Hey, gorgeous.

Hi? Kayla turned at the sound of a male voice. Hey, aren’t you? she paused, recognizing him as the singer of a band that had performed earlier that night.

I sure am. The one and only Randy Spade at your service, he said as he brazenly checked her out. And you are? Lowering his heavily tattooed hand from her shoulder, he held it out to her.

Kayla, she said, shuffling her poster over to shake his hand. The large rings on his fingers pinched her hand as he tightened his steely grip. Up close like this without the stage lighting, Kayla couldn’t help but notice how hard lined his features were. Nevertheless, he was just as much a rockstar as the rest of them and, at least, he took the time to talk to her.

Randy wore a leather vest over his bare chest, proudly displaying his many tribal tattoos. He flipped his jaggedly cut black hair as he rambled on about himself. One side of his scalp was shaved and showed evidence of being done so in a hurry, due to all the red marks and scratches where he’d haphazardly nicked himself. He had a nose ring and another piercing on his eyebrow. In fact, he had too many piercings to count.

You here to meet the bands, Kayla? he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yes, to get some autographs. She shrugged.

So, who do have there? He glanced at her poster.

Oh, um… Jamie Gale’s autograph, she said glumly. I have all their signatures now.

So, you’re a big fan of the Stick Shift Lips, huh? He rolled his dark eyes and gave his head a shake.

Yes, I guess I am. Although, she was somewhat unsure of that fact anymore.

Well, I can get you some more autographs, he said, looking over his shoulder.

Thanks, but I’ve got most of the ones I wanted already. She neatly rolled up the poster and attempted to tuck her hero cards safely in her bag.

I don’t see mine there, he said, abruptly flipping through her cards, causing her to drop a couple.

Oh, yeah. She frowned, quickly gathering them up. I didn’t get a chance to make my over to you yet, she explained in an effort to be polite. The truth being she wasn’t a big fan of Randy Spade or his band. Their music was a little too dark, and his lyrics too misogynistic for her taste.

Well then, this is your lucky night, he said, leaning in over her. My guys would love to meet you.

Really? she said, surprised. Why?

We appreciate our fans, that’s why, he said with a shrug. Come on backstage. We can all get to know each other a little better. He draped his arm around her.

I don’t know, she said, hesitating at his overbearing gesture.

Come on now. It’s all good. We’ll hang out, talk a little, he said, ignoring her resistance.

To say she wasn’t a little curious to see what went on backstage would be a lie. Well, I do have a question or two about your songs, she said, relenting as he led her through the narrow walkway toward the back. He seemed nice enough, nicer than Jamie Gale anyway.

At least, he seemed willing to answer her questions. Just because she didn’t appreciate his music shouldn’t be reason enough to dismiss him altogether. Maybe she shouldn’t judge him so harshly. Maybe she was wrong about him, just like she’d been wrong about Jamie.

Well, all right, come with me. He ushered her along with a slick smile. Hey, how’s it going, man? Great show tonight, he said stiffly to an approaching figure in the dark hallway.

Kayla couldn’t help but feel her breath catch in her throat when none other than Nick Arrow, bass player for the Stick Shift Lips, nodded and squeezed by them with a petite blonde tucked securely under his arm.

Wasn’t that Nick Arrow? she asked, following him with her eyes.

Yeah, what a freak show, Randy sneered. Oh, that’s right, you’re big fan of his, aren’t you?

I love their music. I have all their CDs, she said, feeling somewhat disillusioned by Jamie Gale.

Yeah, well, don’t waste your time. Those guys think they’re too cool for everyone. Bunch of pussies.

Pardon? she asked absently as she passed an open door. Oh, wow... she gasped, seeing none other than Chris Arrow, and Ashton Wright, inside the room. So cool... she whispered breathlessly, stopping in her tracks. Should she bother them? It would be so awesome to talk to them, to say hello. Wow, he’s coming over! She smiled as Chris made eye contact with her.

Hey, come on. I don’t have time for this shit, Randy muttered, impatiently ushering her along.

No, wait… She hesitated. I just want to say hello.

Hey, man, how’s it going? Chris Arrow, lead guitarist for the Stick Shift Lips greeted them both. He crossed his magnificent arms in front of his chest and leaned in the doorway.

Did he ever look as handsome up close as he did on stage, lights or not! His shoulder length black hair, so thick and shiny, neatly parted to one side, so incredibly tall, too. Kayla nearly swooned, staring starry-eyed as he smiled at her. And what a smile, so warm and inviting. His deep brown eyes, perfectly accentuated by his meticulously applied eyeliner.

Just fine, Randy said rigidly, with his arm possessively around Kayla’s shoulders.

Who’ve you got there? Chris asked, looking skeptically from Kayla to her captor.

Kayla, she said with a big dreamy smile.

Kayla, he repeated, noticing her Jamie Gale t-shirt and Stick Shift Lips poster. Are you sure you’re old enough to be back here with this jackass?

Old enough? Who did he think he was, talking down to her like she was a child? She couldn’t help but frown.

Screw you, Arrow. Mind your own fucking business, Randy said abruptly. What’s it to you?

It is my business when it’s one our fans you’re messing with, Chris said in a serious tone, pointing to her shirt as Ashton Wright approached the door.

Hey, man, Ashton said, nodding coolly at Randy before glancing sideways at Kayla. Come on, Randy, leave the girl alone.

Ashton Wright! Wow, was he ever breathtaking, Kayla thought, blinking involuntarily. His eyes were so blue, his skin like porcelain, his platinum blonde hair, dusted with glitter.

Gimme a break, Ashton, Randy scoffed. Get off your high horse. You’re not fooling anyone with that good guy act. You of all people.

Kayla? Chris said, leaning in close to her. Maybe you should head on home. Go find your friends. You really shouldn’t be back here. His concern, clearly evident in his soulful eyes as he glanced from her to Randy.

Fuck off, man! Randy shoved him away. If she wants to stay, she’s more than welcome to hang out with me. Isn’t that right, Kayla? he said, nodding convincingly at her.

Yes, that’s right, she said, tiring of being talked down to. Who was Chris Arrow to be making decisions for her? As handsome as he was, it was no excuse. Randy was right. These guys really did have high opinions of themselves.

Come on, man, let it go, Ashton said with his hand on Chris’s shoulder. You can’t save them all.

Freak shows... Randy muttered under his breath as he continued on his way with Kayla.

Wow, they are stuck up, aren’t they? Kayla said in a hushed voice.

Told you, didn’t I? he snickered. Right in here. You can meet a really cool band. He led her through a heavy set of doors.

Hey, why are we out here? she asked, confused as to why they were suddenly standing in the parking lot.

Oops, wrong door, silly me. He shrugged.

No kidding! This is the parking lot. She laughed nervously, finding it awkwardly funny that he would’ve made such a mistake.

I guess it is kind of funny. He chuckled sinisterly. Well, since we’re out here, why don’t we just talk in my van?

No, that’s all right. I think I should get back. My friend will be looking for me, she said, wincing at the way he tightened his grip around her shoulders.

You mean the one in there with Jamie Gale? He pointed at another van across the parking lot.

At that point, she realized that he’d obviously been watching her awhile, probably planning this whole thing just to get her alone. She would have to think quickly. Well, I really should get back, she said, attempting to break free.

Hey, not so fast. He blocked her path and pushed her up against his van.

Hey, let go! She panicked as he scrambled to open the door.

Come on, baby. Don’t you want to ask me some questions? he said, breathing down her neck.

I don’t think so! She frantically fought him, but he was too strong and easily overpowered her. He shoved her inside the vehicle. Please... don’t do this. She was no match for him, try as she might to fight him off. Not with her five foot two frame.

Please... just let me go! she screamed.

Please? he mocked. Don’t pull that crap with me. You know you’re all about it. Isn’t this why you and your slutty friend stuck around after the show? He jumped in after her.

No, I just wanted...

"Yeah, yeah, I know, autographs, he snickered, ripping the poster from of her hand, and tossing it out behind him. Oh, yeah, and you had some questions, didn’t you? For Jamie Gale of all people. He shook his head in disgust. Like he’d give you the time of day." He pushed her down onto a grubby mattress as he slammed the door behind him.

Stop, I said no! she shouted, as he crashed down on top of her, and forced his lips upon hers. Please... don’t, she cried as he pinned her down.

Quit your crying, bitch, he snarled, slapping her hard across the face. When she involuntarily cried out in pain, he hit her again. The large rings on his hand cutting through her skin.

No, please! she sobbed hysterically.

I said shut the fuck up, bitch! he spat, slapping her once more.

Suddenly getting nervous that someone might hear her screams, and quite frankly having had enough of her incessant whining, Randy sat back on his heels in disgust. Fuck you then, get the hell out, he snarled, weary of her crying.

She wanted nothing more than to get out but she was frozen and disorientated with fear.

I said get the fuck out, cock tease! he snapped, opening the back door and literally throwing her out on her knees.

Landing hard on the cold concrete, she hadn’t even enough time to back out of the way before he drove off, leaving her there in the dark with bloodied knees, and a face full of exhaust.

Reeling in pain from the impact of the slaps he’d given her, she gagged and felt the overwhelming need to spit. When she did, the sight of the coagulated blood spilling forth from her mouth caused her head to spin.

Help! She tried to scream, but only managed a whisper before darkness engulfed her. Help me, please.

Chapter 2

Ah, yes, another unsatisfied customer, Jamie Gale grumbled as he held the door of his van open for the disgruntled redhead.

I guess it’s true what they say. That you’re a lousy lay, Sandra huffed, adjusting her shirt.

Yeah, well, what can I tell you? I never promised you roses, baby, he snickered as she hopped out.

Thanks for nothing, she said, shaking her head as she walked away.

Whatever... He slammed the door shut behind him. Now, where was I? He smiled, strutting toward the back door of the club.

A sudden sound of screeching tires stopped him in his tracks. He turned, watching as the speeding van spun out of the parking lot. Jackass... he muttered to himself, recognizing the vehicle as none other than Randy Spade’s van. Good riddance to you, psychopath. There was something about that guy that made Jamie’s skin crawl. He was no angel himself, that was true, but he’d witnessed a few things in his years in the business that even he couldn’t justify and Randy Spade was one of them.

As he was just about to step into the bar, he stopped when he heard a curious sound off to the side. He heard it again. It sounded a lot like a whimper or a whine of distress. Squinting in the direction of the sound, he saw a small figure crumpled over on the ground. The Bastard must’ve run over a dog. That would explain the mad dash out of the parking lot. Taking a deep breath, Jamie took a few reluctant steps toward the unfortunate creature, cautious of what he might find.

Much to his horror, what he found wasn’t an animal at all, but a girl lying in a pool of her own blood. Hey, what the...? Are you okay? he asked, kneeling down beside her, checking the unconscious girl for a pulse. What happened to you? She was alive, still breathing, at least. Who would do this? he asked, seeing the angry red marks on her face. Oh, no… not you. He suddenly recognized her as the fresh-faced, starry-eyed fangirl with the vintage poster. Come on, baby girl, wake up. He very lightly tapped her cheek, careful not to irritate the bruising.

Kayla reluctantly opened her eyes and started to shiver. She was cold and she hurt all over. It was dark. Everything was blurry. What happened... to me? She tried hard to focus on the face in front of her. All of a sudden, a wave of inexplicable sadness came over her and she burst into tears. Why did he do this... why? She sobbed as the pain in her jaw and the pounding in her head overwhelmed her.

Hey, it’s okay. You’re okay now, Jamie said, attempting to help her off the ground. Who did this to you?

Randy Spade, she said, gagging on another mouthful of blood.

Son of a bitch! Jamie said, holding her hair back as she couldn’t help but throw up.

It’s all right, baby girl, you’re okay now, he said patiently. Anything broken? Can you move? he asked, studying her bloody knees through the rips in her jeans.

I don’t know. She struggled to stand up. I don’t feel so good, she said, trying hard to focus on this stranger who held her up. Is that you? Jamie Gale?

Yes, that’s right, baby girl, he said, studying her face incredulously. You’re going to be all right now. You’re safe. He took a deep breath as he wondered what to do. Come on, let’s get you back inside.

No... please, no, she cried, not wanting to be around anyone, let alone more rockers. I just want to go home. She reached for her purse with tears streaming down her face.

Sure, baby girl, let me take you home, he offered, feeling somehow responsible for what had happened to her. Had she followed him out here? His mind raced with questions as he helped picked up the strewn contents of her purse. Had Randy Spade followed her out here?

Please... she said, falling listlessly into him.

***

The next time Kayla opened her eyes, she was lying in a cot, being examined by a stone-faced doctor.

Good, you’re awake, he said unceremoniously.

Where am I? she asked, taking a quick look around, wincing at the pain in her jaw.

Well, young lady, you’re in the hospital. He sighed. Your boyfriend brought you in. He flashed a bright light in her eyes. Looks like he knocked you around quite a bit. Fortunately, other than a cut lip, and some nasty bruises, there doesn’t appear to be any lasting damage.

My boyfriend? she repeated, sitting up, confused. What’s all this? she asked, realizing that her jeans had been cut off at mid-thigh and her knees bandaged.

We had to cut through the material to clean the abrasions. You may have some scarring, he said pragmatically. Oh, and you might want to reconsider this relationship of yours. With a shake of his head, he once again checked her bruises. Now I have to ask… have you been sexually assaulted?

Sexually assaulted? she repeated, remembering all at once what had happened to her. No, I mean almost but I fought him off.

I can see that. He pursed his lips. But are you sure there wasn’t any sexual contact because we’ll need to examine you further if you want to press charges. The police have been informed and they’re on their way.

Yes, I’m sure, she assured him. Why are the police coming?

It’s protocol in cases of assault like yours. This would be a good time to have him locked up.

But I don’t even know where he is? she said, shuddering at the thought of Randy Spade.

He’s right out there in the hall, he said with a frown. Probably waiting for us to patch you up so he can beat you up all over again. He sighed in frustration. Trust me, I’ve seen it a million times before.

In the hall? she gasped, trying to piece all this information together.

Well, it looks like you’re all set. He scribbled on a piece of paper. Here’s a prescription for some painkillers. Take them. Trust me, you’ll need them. I’ll send Romeo in for you. Oh, and don’t leave until the police arrive. They’ll want to talk to both of you, he grumbled as he walked out the door.

Thank you, Doctor. Sitting there alone and confused, Kayla attempted to stand up. Her knees ached so much, she feared she would fall, but somehow she managed to stay upright. In fact, everything hurt, but the physical pain didn’t compare to the soul crushing agony she felt inside from being tossed around like a worthless object.

Hey, there you are, Jamie said softly, stepping into the small room. God, look at you. He winced, seeing her bruised, swollen face, her bandaged knees. It broke his heart. Gone was