by Sable Hunter
“That’s me.” Drew grinned and tapped the top of his Stetson.
“I’m sure you were a gentleman, Drew.”
“Yeah, and I’m not sure she’ll ever forgive me for saying no, or herself for asking.”
“And that’s going to be a problem.” Tyler’s comment wasn’t a question.
“Yes, it is.”
Drew spent a few more minutes with Tyler, listening to him rehash possibilities to help Aliyah. Again, he assured his friend that he’d help in any way he could. Checking his watch, he decided to go back and check on Angelina – whether she wanted him to or not.
Giving a slight, polite tap, Drew entered the darkened bedroom, it’s pale yellow walls glowing in the gleam of the one bedside lamp. Flipping on the light so he could see, Drew could tell Cooper had been in, he could see a tray with an empty glass and bowl. Angelina also appeared to have changed clothes, she now wore something red that made her dark hair shine.
He could hear her shallow breathing, the only sound in the too quiet room. As Drew moved closer, her breath hitched, letting him know she was aware of his presence. “Are you feeling any better?” he asked, kneeling next to her bed. Her first response was to edge farther away from him, her arms coming around her body to hug herself.
Angelina steeled herself not to betray anything she was feeling. She opened her eyes slowly, swallowing before she spoke. She couldn’t stand the idea of him knowing how his nearness turned her inside out. Despite the assurance Cooper had offered her about Dr. Drew, she didn’t trust any man other than her brother and her greatest fear was how she’d react to him. If she felt desire for Rafe, she didn’t know how she’d deal with it. The only comfort she could give herself was how she’d responded to the guards and the doctors at Yasin’s compound. While she’d craved sex, it had been a generic longing, not specifically aimed toward any individual. In fact, she’d been repulsed at the idea of touching those monsters. “I’m much improved, thank you for asking.”
Drew could detect the dismissive tone in her voice. She clearly didn’t want him in the room. He could tell she was being brave. With only his phone at his disposal, he hadn’t been able to do any research and no hypothesis he could come up with would have any value until he could run some tests. The little he did know on the topic led him to believe the faux arousal she was besieged with was debilitating.
Extending a hand, Drew was about to take her pulse. Before his hand made contact with her wrist, she jerked it out of his reach. “Don’t touch me! Please.”
Drew immediately stilled his hand. He had no wish to upset her. “I just need to check your heart rate, that’s all.” He cleared his throat. “Can you tell me about yourself?”
She could hardly bear to make eye contact with the man at her side. She could still hear his gentle refusal when she’d pleaded with him to have sex with her. Angelina wanted to weep, she’d never live this down, after today she’d prayed to never see Dr. Drew again. He was attempting to treat her like a normal patient and they both knew there was nothing normal about her circumstances. “Before I was kidnapped, I was the most boring person on the face of the earth.”
Her response surprised him. “Ah, I doubt that. I think I hold that title, actually.”
He gave her a gentle smile, his eyes twinkling. Angelina licked her lips. “All I’ve ever done is keep my head in a book or my eye looking through a microscope.”
“I’ve spent my share of time in studies and I like to read. My favorite are Clive Cussler thrillers. How about you?” Drew knew if he could keep the conversation going, she might relax with him and develop a little trust in his motives.
She rolled her eyes, giving him a little smirk. “I read the classics and poetry.”
“Ah, a literature snob.”
“I also love learning new things. I collect tidbits of information, Rafe calls them Angelina’s Fun Facts.”
“Sounds intriguing. Have you ever read any Louis L’Amour?”
“A western? I should’ve known. You’re a cowboy, aren’t you?”
“I am. I have cattle and horses. You should come meet some of them. They love to be petted and they’re crazy for treats.” While he spoke, his hand eased to her arm to take her pulse. This time, she didn’t jerk away. Drew’s own heart was beating hard and fast. God, she was beautiful! He’d never seen such eyes, the most incredible shade of lapis blue, fringed with the darkest, thickest lashes imaginable. “Is the pill I gave you helping at all?”
Because of her secluded lifestyle and the fact she’d graduated high school at twelve and completed her undergraduate studies at fifteen, she’d never had much social contact with men. The few she’d been around were, like her, more focused on their work than the people around them. During her captivity, the guards had taken great pleasure in insulting her, telling her she was too fat to fuck. Rice, for some unknown reason, had taken pity on her one day and told her that they’d been warned off. Due to her conceived value, she’d been off limits to their abuse. But Angelina tended to believe their insults. The look on Dr. Drew Haley’s face when she’d begged him for relief had validated their claim. She could still hear his soft, pitying refusal. No matter his kindness, being near him now, in this close proximity, was almost unbearable. Even though she willed it not to be so, she craved physical contact with him. She had to stiffen every muscle and make her hands into fists to prevent her body from inching closer to his warmth. God, she had to get away from him! Telling him what he wanted to hear, she hoped he would just leave. “I believe so, yes. Much better.” Concentrating was difficult, but a few random coherent thoughts surfaced in her mind. “I don’t remember if I’ve asked, I’m sorta crazy,” she apologized with a smile, “but if I could have a saline flush, that might speed up the drug’s flow through my system. I did this for myself when the guards would leave me be.”
“I’ll go get them myself,” he promised. “That is, unless you’ll go to the clinic with me?” While he had her cooperation, Drew proceeded to take the rest of her vitals.
“No, thank you though. I just need to rest until Rafe takes me away from here.” With stiff movements, Angelina managed to roll over and turn her back to him, praying he’d understand that the best thing for her would be if he let her alone.
Drew read her actions easily. “I’m so sorry, Spanish Eyes,” he apologized. “You’ll never know how much I want to help you. I’d do anything to take your pain away.”
Angelina understood. He’d do anything but the one thing she asked.
Angelina was a medical professional. She understood. He wanted to help her as a physician would and she knew doctors had to be careful. Today’s society was a litigious one. He couldn’t risk his standing in the medical community by having intercourse with a patient – even if that patient was pleading for help in a drugged stupor.
Yes, she understood all of that.
But, as a woman, all she knew was that she was being rejected.
Again.
* * *
Upon leaving Angelina’s room this time, he ran into Rafe – literally, almost knocking the other man to his knees. Both were large men, but Drew was stockier. “Hell, sorry, Rafe. I was in a hurry. Angelina needs you.”
“How is she?” her brother stopped to ask, concern evident on his face. “Tyler tells me that they drugged her.”
Drew could tell Ty had kept his confidence by the other man’s countenance. “Yes, they did. Angelina’s still in considerable pain, but she’s stable. Since she refuses to be moved, I’m about to drive into the clinic for some supplies.”
“Very well. I thank you for all of your efforts.”
As Alejandro was about to walk away, Drew stopped him. “Is your sister married or involved with anyone?”
Rafe looked confused at his question. Drew could relate, he was pretty confused himself. “No, not that I know of. Why?”
“I am concerned about her.” Drew marveled at his understatement. He was having a hard time being professional in this case. “Do you kno
w the nature of the drug she was given?”
“I contacted the government clinic where the other women are being treated. They told me about the injections and the way they affect the women.”
Drew noticed Rafe looked uncomfortable. Angelina was his sister, after all. “I have to admit, this is new for me. I really need to run some tests.”
Rafe huffed out a harsh breath. “I’m always amazed at the strange ways people invent to be cruel to one another. Unfortunately, I’ve heard of this before. Knowing how painfully reticent and shy my sister has always been, this has to be very difficult for her to deal with.”
“I know you’re right, and I don’t intend to make light of her situation at all. The pain she is feeling is very real, I wish I knew more. I want to do everything for her I can.” Crossing his arms over his chest, Drew sighed, motioning toward the room with a head nod. “See if you can get her to talk to you. Ask her about going to the clinic, she won’t even consider it when I ask her.”
“If you get the equipment you need, can you care for her here? I want to take her home, but I may have to return to the Middle East at any time. I have men working over there.” Instead of allowing time for Drew to answer, he just kept talking. “Considering her condition, I know how embarrassed she would be for others to know what has happened to her. Angelina is smart as a whip, but she is delicate. If you can keep her here or some other private facility, I’d rather do that. I’m sure stress only complicates her situation.”
“Very well.” Drew conceded. “Just leave it to me, I’ll take care of Angelina to the best of my ability.”
* * *
“Querida, how is my pretty little sister?” When Rafe gently smoothed a kiss to her cheek, Angelina braced herself. When she felt nothing more than worry and a normal love for her brother, she let out a long breath of relief. If she’d felt the same desperate arousal at his presence as she did with the doctor, Angelina would have been devastated.
“Rafael, I am glad to see you.” She hugged his neck. “My only regret is that my rescue was at the expense of another.” Determined for him not to know the nagging, aching that tormented her at the most in opportune times, she put a brave smile on her face.
“I understand, all concerned have my sympathy.” He tapped his finger on the end of her nose. “Rescuing you was paramount, you are too important to risk. Too important to me and too important to your work.”
Angelina didn’t tell Rafe what she was thinking. Even if she were to fully recover, she didn’t think she’d ever be able to work in the field of weaponization again. Right now, she wanted to be something simple – like an elementary school teacher or a secretary. “I saw her, as the exchange was made. She was very beautiful. Was she married?”
“No, Aliyah isn’t married.” He would not speak to her in the past tense. “She was protecting a Ranger who witnessed a cartel hit. I think they developed feelings for one another.” From what he’d witnessed between Aliyah and Tyler Landon, he was putting it mildly.
“I’m so sorry.” Her voice was small. She rubbed her arms, wishing she could rid her skin of the crawling sensation that plagued her. “Why did she do it? Why would she trade herself for me?”
Rafe chose his words carefully. He had no wish to lay a burden of guilt on Angelina. None of this was her fault. “Aliyah is a Mossad agent. Highly trained and deadly. If anyone can escape their clutches, she’ll be able to.” He was suffering with his own regrets. When he’d first been informed of Angelina’s fate, the people he’d spoke with were officials who knew the seriousness of the choice they needed to make. As a scientist, Angelina’s return was vital, her unique abilities could not fall in enemy hands. A military move was out of the question, the only thing left was a deal. When the matter was dissected, Aliyah had been the perfect answer. He’d steeled himself not to see her as a human being. After all, she was Mossad. In his career, he’d become familiar with the intelligence agents of most of the world’s powers and none rivaled a Mossad agent for their cold, calculating, and deadly abilities. He’d known Aliyah, more by reputation than any connection he could claim, but he’d never really grasped how warm and beautiful she was, how deserving of a life and a family. “If there is any way I can give her aid, I’ll do so, Angelina. Do not worry yourself. Your only responsibility is getting better.”
Angelina clasped his hand. “Save her if you can. I hurt, el hermano. I can’t afford to hurt in spirit as well as body. I only wish I hadn’t been so weak.”
“Do not speak this way.” He wiped a tear from her cheek. “I have never known a stronger woman. You faced your enemy, you endured your torture, and you gave nothing away.”
One day she might tell him all she endured, but not today.
“You need to rest, I’ll leave you now. Do what Dr. Haley tells you, he is a good doctor. My friends trust him implicitly.”
Angelina was tired, but she had to ask. “Dr. Drew seems very kind. I just wish he did not know my shame.”
“There is no shame, Angelina. You have done nothing wrong.”
“I do not wish anyone else to know what they did to me. I couldn’t stand it. I only want to hide away until this is over.”
Rafe pushed a bit of her hair from her damp forehead. “Just let Drew and me worry about everything. We’ll take care of you.”
Angelina wanted to argue, but she could see no point. Rafe was doing the best he could. Instead, she asked a question that had been much on her mind. “Does Dr. Haley have a family?” At his hesitation to answer, Angelina tried to clarify. “He mentioned the children who trusted him. I just wondered if he had any of his own.”
Rafe remembered Drew’s similar question and he hid a smile. “No, he’s not married. He’s a physician, a rancher, and an oilman. He certainly doesn’t let grass grow under his feet.”
Angelina nodded. “I see. I was just curious.”
“I’m glad you feel like being curious, little kitten.” He pushed her hair away from her sweat-dampened face. “I only want what’s best for you.” When she closed her weary eyes, he backed out of the room. Rafe was very afraid she’d have memories of this time that would haunt her life forever.
* * *
After Drew retrieved the portable IV, the saline, and a few other lab testing supplies from the clinic, he made his way back to the compound. He hadn’t taken time to go by the house, due to feeling so anxious about Angelina. When he peeped into her room, she was asleep. Knowing she needed the rest, he decided to have a cup of coffee before going in to administer the IV. When he arrived in the kitchen, he found Cooper washing a few dishes. “Thanks for taking care of my patient.” Drew inserted a mug under the spout of the Keurig machine. “I know this isn’t exactly what you planned on doing this week.”
Cooper gave him a dazzling smile. “When I married Ky, I happily made room in my heart for his brother and his friends. This is no trouble at all. Once Tyler is…” She paused, trying to find the right words. “Once Aliyah is…” Again, she failed. Raising her arm, she wiped a tear from her cheek with the back of her sudsy hand. “I have to believe this will work out. I, for one, am praying for a miracle.”
“I’ll help you. I missed church today, so a little time spent on my knees is certainly in order,” Drew told her, taking a seat at the small kitchen table. “How are you feeling?”
Cooper knew exactly what he was talking about, it hadn’t been that long ago that she’d been severely beaten by her ex-husband. “I’m good, thanks to your good doctoring,” she made light of the matter, “I know what I went through is nothing like Angelina…or Aliyah, but I can sympathize, you know?”
“You surely can,” Drew agreed. He shook his head. As a man, he’d had some hard times, losing his father the way he did ranked up there as far as sorrow was concerned, but he seemed to be surrounded by women who suffered abominably at the hands of men. He couldn’t imagine the type of person who preyed upon the weak and innocent. “I only hope they survive and flourish with the grace and dignity
that you have.”
“Oh, thank you, Drew.” She finished rinsing the last dish, then picked up a checkered towel to dry her hands. “How are you dealing with being away from the clinic? I bet Hattie is having a spell trying to keep up with everything at home. Don’t you have a stable full of horses to care for?”
“I do, but I hired some help. I don’t expect Hattie to lift a finger around the house. Believe me, if she would let me, I’d hire someone to take care of her. She’s my family. Hattie does what makes her happy.” He smiled, just thinking of the woman who’d kept him in line for years. “As far as the clinic goes, Dr. Virginia Conway from Center is helping me out. We fill in for one another when the need warrants. The most pressing matter I have is a trip to Yemen I’m supposed to make in a couple of days.”
“Yemen, really?” Cooper was intrigued. “Does this have to do with your oil company?”
“It does, I’m looking for a partner. I have oil to get out of the ground, but I have no desire to worry about refineries or distribution. Aswad Oil is a huge, worldwide conglomerate. I haven’t settled on them for sure, but they are in the running. My employee, Frank, is making all the arrangements for me, so I don’t know all the details. He’ll have me a portfolio of information ready and I’ll probably read it on the flight over.” He paused. “If I go…I might need to stay here.” He looked toward the hall. “Angelina might need me.”
Draining his cup, he set it down. “While she’s sleeping, I think I’ll check on Tyler. I’m worried about him.”
“When you see Angelina, tell her I’ll bring her a plate soon. I’m fixing enough roast and vegetables for everyone, Drew, so don’t be shy.”
“Shy? Me?” He tipped his hat to the lady before venturing out to Tyler’s room. When he neared the door, he heard a groan and an audible, “No, damn, no!” He stood there a moment, wishing he had the words to say to make everything better. The next time he glanced in, Ty was holding onto a pillow and seemed to be asleep. Drew gently shut the door.
