The Mercenary Next Door (Rogues and Rescuers #2) - Lucy Leroux Page 0,60
found Mason in the kitchen, cooking them a massive breakfast. Her appetite hadn’t been particularly good, but he watched her like a hawk, gently bullying her into eating. But she regretted it now. The two waffles she managed to choke down were sitting like bricks in her stomach as she waited for the doctor to finish examining her.
Mason had insisted she see one.
“I know you’re still thinking about whether to file a police report, and that’s fine,” he’d told her that morning. “But we have to go see a doctor today. You need X-rays. There might be a hairline fracture under those bruises, or worse.”
Laila had hesitated, knowing she’d have to go to campus to use the university’s health services. Joseph knew so many people she was worried word would get to him before her visit was over.
If that happened, Mason would wipe the floor with him. Joseph worked out and would likely hold his own against any of his frat brothers. But Mason was a trained soldier—elite and lethal. Joseph didn’t stand a chance. She couldn’t let it happen. Joe’s family had too much money, and far too many lawyers. Mason didn’t need that kind of trouble. Not for her sake.
However, her fears proved groundless. Mason didn’t take her to her health care provider. He took her to his.
The doctor’s office was housed in a small but sleek contemporary building that housed a mishmash of dental and medical offices. When they pulled into the parking lot, Mason told her that the doctor and his nurse, both under contract with his employers, were expecting them.
“These are private physicians,” he confided. “Auric is a big chunk of their business, so don’t worry. They have everything you could need—even a CT and an MRI scanner. Short of major surgery, they can do everything here.”
They shot the X-rays first. Then Laila was led away to an exam room while Mason stayed in the reception area, sitting military straight in one of the padded leather chairs.
He didn’t even bother picking up a magazine. Laila could feel his intense gaze on the back of her neck until they disappeared.
The physician, an older man with grey hair, seemed a little taken aback when he saw her, but he conducted a quick but thorough exam with the help of his assistant.
“We don’t usually see the men’s girlfriends or wives,” the PA said as the doctor probed her cheek. “Auric has them on a different insurance plan.”
Suppressing a wince, she gave him a tiny shake of her head, trying not to move. “I’m not Mason’s girlfriend. We’re just neigh—friends.”
“So, he didn’t do this?” the nosy assistant asked.
Her lips parted. “No. This was someone else. My ex.”
The doctor paused, his professionalism unruffled. “We didn’t think Mr. Lang was responsible,” he said with a pointed glare at the assistant.
“Doesn’t hurt to check,” the nurse sniffed. “You never know with some of these soldier types.”
She turned to Laila. “Are you on any medication?”
“Just…birth control pills.” Her voice lost steam toward the end, making it a breathy whisper. The doctor straightened, and the two medical professionals glanced at each other. There was a brief but pointed silence.
“I’m going to check on the X-Rays while Anne takes the rest of your medical history,” the doctor said after the two had come to a silent agreement. He excused himself.
As soon as he was gone, the PA asked if she needed a rape kit.
“No,” she said, deciding to be honest. “My ex and I haven’t shared a bed in several months. I, um, I came to distrust him early on.”
She sighed, looking down at her hands. They didn’t have a mark on them. When push came to shove, Laila hadn’t even tried to defend herself. She’d been too scared, too shocked.
“A cheater, huh?” the nurse said in a knowing tone. The grey-haired woman’s abrasiveness might have bothered someone else, but, at this moment, Laila appreciated the no-nonsense attitude.
Too much sympathy would have made her feel even more powerless than she already did.
Laila’s shoulders slumped. “I suspect that’s the case, but I never got confirmation either way. He always denied it.”
“Then, I guess the question I should be asking is if you would like a full STD check?”
“Yes,” she said, almost hissing in emphasis. “Please.”
Laila hadn’t been on birth control at the start of their relationship. Joseph had pressured her until she’d agreed to get the pills at the university’s health services. But when he’d asked her if it was finally safe to go without other