Deadly Obsession by Kris Norris Page B

exhausted, and wanted nothing more than to drift off to sleep. But she couldn’t. She needed a shower. She could still feel the bastard’s hands on her body. Smell the scent of his skin on her arms. And she wouldn’t rest until she’d washed the memory away.
    “Hey.”
    Gage looked up. He’d hounded her for information. Made her repeat every word she could remember. He’d even wanted her to tell them how the guy had touched her, but she’d refused. “Something wrong?”
    “Yeah! I’m tired, cranky and in desperate need of a shower.” She flicked her hand at them. “You guys have been at this for an hour. Do you think you could pause long enough to help me shuffle over to the bathroom?”
    Gage smiled as he walked over to the bed. “Why don’t you rest first? I’ll help you with the shower when you’re a bit stronger.”
    “No. Shower first!”
    “You’re not strong enough to stand up, let alone spend five minutes in a shower.” He patted her arm. “Don’t be so stubborn. Sleep for a while and we’ll see about a sponge bath when you wake up.”
    “I don’t want a fucking sponge bath! I want a shower! Now either help me over to the washroom or get out of my way so I can do it myself!”
    She was yelling. She could hear her voice echoing off the walls, but she didn’t care. The pain in her back was escalating again, and she wanted to clean the bastard’s handprints off before she passed out. She watched as Gage drew a deep breath, levelling a quick look at Sam.
    “Okay, Brooklyn. You need a shower. Just let Sam go get the doctor so he can tape a waterproof dressing over your back first. We don’t want to damage anything back there.”
    “Fine!” she huffed. “But no funny business and no meds until I’m done. I wouldn’t put it past you two to bribe the man to sedate me.”
    “Do you honestly think we’d trick you like that?” asked Gage.
    “Of course you would if you thought it was in my best interest. Don’t pretend like I don’t see the look on your faces. You think I’ve suddenly lost it.”
    “No, we think you’ve been through hell and are finally starting to realise what’s really going on. That, and the fact you’re in pain and need to rest,” said Sam. “I’ll go get the doctor.”
    “I’m not crazy, Gage,” she said as Sam darted out the door. “I just need a shower.”
    “Care to tell me why that’s suddenly so important?”
    “I’m sure it has nothing to do with the chunks of dried blood in my hair, or the dirt from the parking lot smeared up my legs.”
    “They washed most of the dirt and blood off when they re-stitched your back. Care to try again?”
    Brooklyn fought back the tears as she met his heated stare. “I want to get rid of his scent. The feel of his fingers on my skin.” She sobbed once before gathering her strength again. “I just want him off me.”
    Gage tensed his jaw and touched his hand to hers. “Okay. I’ll help you get a shower. Just try to relax until the doctor gets here.”
    She nodded, pulling her arms tight across her chest. The wounded edge to his voice only made her feel worse, and she knew she’d start crying again if she looked at him.

Chapter Eight
     
     
     
    “So what’s this about a shower?” asked Nick O’Brian as he stepped through the door.
    “I don’t get what the big deal is,” huffed Brooklyn. “You act as if it’s an unreasonable request.”
    “Just not one I expected for a few more days. I think you’d find a sponge bath more accommodating in your condition.”
    “Trust me,” interrupted Gage. “You don’t want to go there.”
    Nick smiled. “I understand your need. I just don’t want you passing out on me in there.”
    “I’ll be fine.”
    “Very well. Turn around and I’ll check your stitches before I put on a new dressing.”
    Brooklyn turned, shuddering as he undid the strap to her gown. She felt a gentle tug on her back before she heard him throw the bandages onto a tray.
    “Good