Ghost (A Steele Riders MC #6) - C.M. Steele Page 0,30

better.”

“I know I’m a weakling as a doctor.”

“Not all of us are meant to work in the ED. It doesn’t make you weak. You have a heart and you have a harder time turning it off as much as the next.” He patted my shoulder and then the door dinged as the first patient came in. Doc took the man into the first room as I waited for the Riders to return with the females.

Ricardo entered with his head down, a baseball cap over his eyes, but then lifted his gaze to me. I pushed off the edge of the reception desk and straight toward him. Three girls followed with Boomer pulling up the rear. My heart broke because they weren’t even adults yet. It wasn't the first time I'd seen trafficked girls and children, but it was the first time where I thought about being a mother and possibly pregnant. As a woman, maybe going to be a mother, I felt for them.

He tossed me a half smile. We were more than happy to see each other, but this wasn’t a party. These women had been through hell. I moved closer to them with my hands clasped together so I didn’t frighten them before speaking. "Hello, I'm Dr. Grace Holden. I'd like to examine you ladies. I'm sure you're not in the mood for prodding, but I think it's best. The men will go.”

I took a step back, assessing their clothes or lack thereof. They needed a full wardrobe. Ricardo moved into the space between the girls and me, his arms sliding around my waist. “I missed you so fucking much.” He barely tasted my lips before pulling back.

“So we can start, but I need to meet with them without you men here.” I shooed them away with my hand, but they didn’t take a step toward the door.

“Are you okay, ladies? Do you remember what I said?” Boomer asked, sounding harsh but appearing gentle.

“Yes, sir.”

“It’s Boomer. Now please allow Dr. Holden to do her thing.” They nodded and fidgeted their hands and feet. Two of them kept their eyes down while one looked defiantly ahead, attempting to show no fear even if her hand shook.

"Can we have their sizes? We'll send someone to get them some clothes,” Boomer asked me. I walked over to the reception desk and grabbed a pen while Annelise gave me a notepad.

“Girls, can you please write them down?” I asked, handing them the pen and pad. They took turns and then handed it to me. I saw their writing was a little off. I’d say they were coming down off the adrenaline and fear.

“I need them to have food in here in twenty minutes.”

“Will do.” Boomer pulled out his phone and texted someone before shoving it back in his pocket.

“I’ll be here to pick you up after work,” Ricardo stated, approaching me again with desire in those sexy brown eyes.

"That's perfect, Ricardo. I love you." I blushed, realizing it was the first time I’d ever said that to him. Before I could react, he picked me up in his arms and crushed my lips to his.

"I love you too, my angel,” he grunted, carrying me to the ledge of the registration desk.

"Enough, you two. There's a bunch of stuff to be done."

Ricardo practically snarled at Boomer, who laughed. “Hey, fuckhead, I have a very pregnant wife who is probably losing her shit right now wondering when I’m coming home.”

"Sorry. He's right. Give Crystal a hug from me.” Ricardo brought me down and then pecked my lips one more time before they left the building and hopped back into the SUV.

“Please follow me." I led the girls into a backroom where I’d already prepared for the examinations. They looked anxiously at the supplies, even more so than when the men were around.

I didn’t touch them, and I kept my voice measured. "I’m not here to hurt or judge any of you. If you ladies feel uncomfortable, you don't have to be in the same room. We can do the tests one at a time."

"No, please." One hung on to the other like twins tend to do.

"We're okay to do it together." The one who never let her chin fall to her chest appeared to be the one in charge.

"However you'd like.” I had my tablet out, making profiles in my notes for the three. “I’m Dr. Grace Holden. Can you please tell me your names?”

“I’m Lena.”

“I’m Shayla, and this is my sister Kayla.”

“Beautiful names,