Stitches and Scars (29 page)

Across the street, Ethan was just climbing out of his car when he spotted Kate in the arms of Scott. His heart squeezed in his chest and his stomach dropped. Everything that Sophie and Elle had told him left his mind in an instant. Without thinking, he got back in his car and shoved the keys into the ignition, revving the engine. The tires spun and screeched as he peeled out of the parking spot and blew through the stop sign at the corner.

At the awful sound of tires screeching, Scott pulled back. Kate turned her head just in time to see Ethan’s car speed down the street. “No!” she yelled, realizing what he must have seen.

“What’s the matter?” Scott stepped close to her again and wrapped his arms around her waist.

She instantly recoiled and shoved him away. “You can’t just kiss me. Were you not listening to a word I just said?”

“I was, but look, I love you, and that’s not going to change. I need you to—”

“No!” She cut him off angrily. “
You
don’t need me to do anything.
I
need you to leave me alone right now.” Turning away from him so she wouldn’t say something she regretted, she started walking down the street. She didn’t hear him behind her and was thankful that this time he didn’t follow.

Once she was alone, she paused and leaned up against the cold stone wall of the closest building. Her heart was pounding loudly and her head was beginning to ache.
How did this happen?
she wondered, swiping at the tears that she just noticed had begun to fall. Everything was such a mess. With a defeated sigh, she pushed away from the wall and headed down the street in the direction of her car.

She made it to the corner and was just about to cross the street when she heard footfalls behind her. Knowing that Scott must have decided to follow her, she began to turn around to confront him when a hand reached out in front of her and covered her mouth. Trying to pull away, she felt a second arm wrap around her waist, pinning her arms down to her side. She kicked her legs as she attempted to free herself, but it was no use. The lights from overhead wrapped everything in a blanket of gray haze. She couldn’t see the face of her attacker, but she could feel him. She could feel his breath brush over her neck, could hear the sound of air rasping as it was pulled into his lungs. Fear crept up her spine and nausea swept over her.

“Looks like you’re all alone now. No boyfriends here to save you this time.”

Though she’d only heard his voice twice before, she recognized it at once—the voice that matched a hollow set of eyes that she’d seen just moments ago back at the bar. Her entire body froze as panic set in. She looked around for an escape, someone to help her. It wasn’t until the man began to pull her into the dark that she heard a sound she wasn’t sure she’d ever hear again.

Chapter 21

Fix You

E
than weaved in and out of traffic as he raced back to the restaurant. It had only taken eight blocks for him to realize that he was running away from the one person he wanted, and he wasn’t going to let her go without a fight. He would tell her exactly how he felt and then let her make a decision. Buildings flew past in a blur of stone and brick, and after a few blocks, he pulled over at the first spot he found. Climbing out of his car, he slammed the door shut behind him and set a quick pace in the direction of the restaurant. Keeping his head down against the wind, his mind replayed the words he wanted to say to her.

The awning of the restaurant was less than two blocks away when Ethan lifted his head. And when he did, it was as if time stood still. Everything slowed like lava flowing over dark rocks. Kate stood at the end of the street under the glow of an overhead lamppost and she wasn’t alone. There was a man who stood behind her, closer than he should have been. Before Ethan could blink, the stranger’s arms wrapped around her. The man held her close and said something into her ear. Kate’s face went white with raw fear. Without a moment’s hesitation, Ethan started to run.

“Kate!” he yelled out. The attacker didn’t flinch. Ethan cursed, thinking he was still too far away to be heard. When Kate turned her head to him, her eyes wild with fear, and he knew that she, at least, had heard him.

He was half a block away when the man pulled her out of the light from the lamppost and into the darkness of the alley. The muscles in Ethan’s legs burned as he pushed himself faster, harder, desperate to get to her. When he reached the corner, he dug his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed 911. He heard a woman’s voice on the other end ramble, but didn’t pay her any attention. His turned the corner and placed his cell on the ground, keeping the phone line open, knowing that the police would respond.

Kate was only a few feet away, and Ethan’s adrenaline coursed rapidly through his veins.

Rage boiled within him and he closed the space between himself and the man that held Kate in three long strides. With both hands, he gripped the attacker’s shirt. As soon as the man realized he was no longer alone, he shoved Kate away, sending her body colliding into the brick wall behind her. He tried to pull away, but Ethan held him tight and yanked his body around. When the attacker was finally facing him, it only took a second to recognize that he was the creep from the club. Ethan felt a flicker of regret for not doing something more extreme a month ago when he’d first grabbed Kate. He wouldn’t make that mistake twice. Pulling his arm back, he put all of his weight behind him and punched the man square in the face. The man’s head flew back and he crashed into the nearby Dumpster. The loud clang of metal rang in the alley, echoing off the brick walls.

Ethan ignored the pain that pulsed in his hand—in fact, he welcomed it and wanted more. He wanted the guy to stand up and fight back, but he didn’t. He lay still on the ground, the rise and fall of his chest the only sign that he was alive. Taking a deep breath, Ethan spun around to Kate who was sitting on the ground with her back against the wall. Her eyes were wide as she looked from Ethan to the man who lay unconscious a few feet away.

“Kate,” he panted. She remained silent until he repeated himself a second time. “Kate, are you all right?” This time she blinked, and he heard her take a deep breath. He crouched down and sat by her side, placing his hands on her shoulders. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

She shook her head and looked up at Ethan. “No. No, he didn’t. I’m fine; just a little freaked out.”

“That’s okay. You’re allowed to be shaken up after something like that.” He breathed a sigh of relief and pulled her into his arms.

Kate let herself relax for what felt like the first time in hours. Her shoulders rolled forward and she rested her head on his shoulder. Try as she might, she couldn’t hold back the tears as they streamed down her checks. Pulling her tighter, Ethan kissed her on the head and whispered words of comfort.

***

Just as Ethan expected, the police arrived a few minutes later. By then, the man on the ground had started to groan, holding his hands to his face. Wanting to keep Kate as far away as possible, Ethan led her out of the alley. They were immediately greeted by two officers and explained the situation. Kate told them exactly what happened, and Ethan confirmed it with what he saw. After assuring them that she was fine, Kate was allowed to leave with the promise that she’d go into the station the following day if needed. Ethan was told that unless the attacker decided to press charges, which was highly unlikely considering the situation, he would be free to go as well.

Curious onlookers had begun to gather outside of the restaurant, and they took it as their cue to leave. Wrapping a comforting arm around Kate, Ethan led her to his car and helped her in. As soon as she sat back, she hissed through her teeth and arched her back.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, worry etched in his face.

“It’s just my back.” She sat forward. “I must have scratched it on the wall.”

“Will you be okay until I get you back to your house?”

Kate nodded. “You’ll stay with me, right?” Her eyes searched his face, and she wondered how long he’d stick around. Clearly if he wanted space from her, hanging out at her house for the evening was not an option.

“Of course I will.” He lifted his hand to her face and brushed his thumb along her cheek.

Ethan held her hand the entire way home, stealing glances at her constantly. He knew there were words that needed to be spoken. Things needed to be discussed, but now just didn’t seem like the right time. Right now, all he wanted was to be close to her, to feel her safe in his arms and not let her go. When they pulled up to her townhouse, Ethan grabbed his medical bag out of the trunk before walking around to help Kate out of the car. He knew she didn’t need the help physically, but there was no way he was letting go of her now that he had her.

As they approached the door, Kate sighed. “Prepare yourself for Self-defense Elle,” she mumbled.

“Self-defense Elle?”

“Yeah, once she finds out what happened tonight, she’s going to flip.” Kate laughed. “She means well; she just worries about me. A year ago, she got both Soph and me self-defense classes for our birthdays. Did I ever tell you that?”

Ethan shook his head and laughed. “Well, you could always tell her that you gave him a good kick in the balls. You can trust me not to say anything.” He winked.

Smiling, Kate placed her hand flat on his chest. “I think I’ll stick with the truth. Although I’m not sure she’ll believe that I have my own personal superhero.”

“I don’t know if I’d go with superhero,” he said, rolling his eyes.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “For being there.”

Ethan swallowed the guilt he felt. “If I hadn’t driven off before...I could have been there and none of it—”

“That’s not important.” She shook her head. “Nothing happened. He didn’t hurt me. What
is
important is that you were there then and that you’re here now.”

He placed his fingers under her chin to ensure that she wouldn’t look away. “And I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here.” At that moment, he felt the need to tell her everything. He wanted to tell her the reason behind his actions earlier that day and he wanted to tell her that he loved her. He wanted her to know it all. “Look, Kate, about what happened earlier today at the hospital. When I said that I needed—”

“Let’s not talk about that right now,” she cut him off. “I just want to enjoy being with you for however long you’ll—”

“I’m
not
leaving,” Ethan said a second time. “I’m here for as long as you want me.”

“That may be a long time, you know.” The corners of her mouth pulled up into a hint of a smile.

Returning her smile with one of his own, he leaned in to pull her into a hug when he remembered her back. “Let’s get you inside so I can take a look at your back,” he said, eyeing the door.

They walked inside, and Kate led them through to the kitchen where she flicked the under-counter lights on. “Looks like we’re safe from Elle.” She held up a sheet of paper. “She’s spending the night over at Sophie’s.”

“Good, then we won’t have to explain anything tonight.” Ethan stepped toward her and brushed his hand over her arm. “How’s your wrist feeling? I wish you would have stayed and had it looked at,” he said, feeling guilty that his words had sent her home before she was cared for.

“It’s actually okay. Not as bad as I thought.” He looked at her closely to make sure she was telling the truth. “I promise,” she said, knowing that he needed that assurance.

“All right.” He nodded. “Why don’t you go lay on the couch?”

She walked out of the kitchen and paused by the doorway until he was beside her.

Ethan set his bag on the coffee table and removed the few things he knew he’d need. As he set out the gauze and tape, Kate watched him with loving eyes. It would be the second time he’d taken care of her, and the feelings it stirred were ones she’d never before experienced. There was something in his touch that made her feel so loved, so protected and safe. It was almost overwhelming.

“All right,” Ethan said, standing up. “You’ll need to take your shirt off so I can take a look.”

With a silent nod, Kate lifted her hands and began to fumble with her buttons. She knew it was ridiculous to be nervous, especially since he’d seen her with her top off before, but she couldn’t help it. She was on the second button when Ethan stepped forward and placed his hands over hers, stilling her movements. His eyes met hers, and he gently placed her hands at her side before taking over where she’d left off, carefully working the buttons open. When he finished with the last one, he gingerly slid the fabric over her shoulders, making sure not to rub her back in the process.

With both hands, Kate gathered her hair to the side and turned around to show him her back. Very carefully, she slipped one of her bra straps off her shoulder and followed with the other. Not wanting her to twist around and risk hurting her back, Ethan reached forward and undid the clasp. She slipped her bra down both arms and climbed onto the couch, lying down on her stomach.

Wanting to get a better look, Ethan dropped to his knees. It didn’t look as bad as he’d thought and for that he was grateful. “It’s just a few superficial lacerations; nothing too serious. Let me go wash my hands and I’ll get it cleaned up. I’ll be right back.”

He grabbed a few washcloths and some ibuprofen from the hall closet and a bottle of water from the kitchen. When he walked back into the living room, Kate was lying still with her eyes closed. Her lips were parted slightly as she breathed in and out in a steady rhythm. She was beautiful, and he took a moment longer than normal to just enjoy the sight of her.

Eventually he walked over to the couch and cleared his throat to announce his presence. “I want you to take this for the pain,” he said, holding out the bottle of water and tiny pills. “I’d feel better if it was something stronger, but that would require a trip to the hospital, and—”

“Shots,” she said, cutting him off. He nodded and she opened her eyes to meet his. “No. I’d like to stay here. These will be fine.” Tilting her head back slightly, she popped the pills in her mouth and drank deeply from the bottle of water. When she was finished, she buried her head into the pillow and sighed loudly.

“Just try and relax,” he said calmly. “This will probably sting a bit.”

He set to work cleaning the area with sterile saline, making sure it was completely clean before dabbing it with the washcloth. She only winced once, and for that Ethan was thankful. It was already hard enough knowing that she was in pain, and the thought of hurting her further was too much. After making sure everything was clean and dry, he continued with the dressings.

“That should do it. I’ll want to take a better look at it tomorrow at the hospital and that’s not up for negotiation.”

He expected her to put up a fight and when she didn’t, he sat back and looked down at her face. Her breathing was steady and deep and the features of her face were calm. She’d fallen asleep. Watching her with a smile, Ethan knew at that moment that everything was going to work out. They would be together, and all of the confusion between them would be in the past. Feeling as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, Ethan stood and started cleaning up when there was a knock at the door. Not wanting to wake Kate, he quickly hurried over to the door and opened it. As soon as he did, he wished he hadn’t, because standing on the other side was Scott.

“What are you doing here?” Scott asked.

“I think I should be asking you the same question.”

“Look, I don’t think I need to explain myself to you. I’m here to see Katie.” He placed his hand on the door and began to push it open.

In one quick swing, Ethan shot his hand out and blocked his entrance. He glared down at Scott’s hand which was still on the door and briefly contemplated ripping it off. Noticing the expression on Ethan’s face, Scott took a step back. Following his lead, Ethan stepped out into the hall and pulled the door partially closed behind him. “Kate’s not really up to having company right now,” he said through a tight jaw.