9. Sutton

NINE

SUTTON

My whole body feels numb. I also feel warm and cocooned inside a bubble. I squirm, trying to become aware of my surroundings. I’m not at home; the smell of antiseptic, a beeping sound, and hushed voices tell me that. The last thing I remember is the sirens blaring, being lifted onto a gurney, and then everything went dark. My body must have gone into fight-or-flight mode yet again.

“Shhh, rest, baby. You’re okay.” The voice is of a man I least expect. I’m not sure why; he and his family have done more for me than anyone besides my mom did. God, how I miss her. She was so strong and brave, unlike the woman I’ve been lately. It figures the day I find a version of my own, my life turns to shit, and I almost met her on the other side. Thank god I didn’t. I still have so much left to do in life.

“Ry,” I croak, my voice breaking at the end. I try to open my eyes, but they’re too heavy, or the drugs they gave me are too damn strong.

“Sutton, breathe for me.” It’s then I realize my chest is heaving. The drugs aren’t strong enough to numb all of the pain, and if I keep it up, I’m going to have a panic attack next. “There you go. You’re getting there.” Through each soft-spoken word, Ryland is holding my hand in his and the other is cupping my cheek. It takes a few more breaths for me to calm down. The tenderness and soreness in my ribs are still there, but it’s a dull throb.

“Ryland,” I say his name again, blinking my eyes, trying to get them to open. Another worry pops up in my head. What if Shane did more damage than I thought? Could I be blind? Obviously, my ribs are bruised badly. My whole body feels like it went ten rounds with Mike Tyson, which makes me worry if I have an ear or not. I lift my hand that isn’t held, attempting to feel the side of my head.

“Don’t touch, Sutton. You’ve got medicine there as well as a few bandages.” Instead of dropping my hand back to where it lay, Ryland holds it up to his lips and presses a kiss to my knuckles. This I need to see. Plus, I’m sure I’ve missed out on a whole heck of a lot.

“Water?” I ask. My throat is dry, and when I’m finally able to open my eyes, I can manage nothing more than slits.

“Gotta wait on the doctor, Sutton.” Ryland must use his foot to drag the chair closer to the edge of my bed. There’s a light screech, and he’s yet to let go of me in some way, shape, or form.

“Ugh.” I lift my head up for a moment only to drop it back down. “Ouch.” I wrinkle my nose. I’m not liking this at all. There’s so much I need to do. There’s my boss I need to call, my house I need to get back to even if I’m scared shitless. There are valuables I really don’t want Shane to get ahold of. Then there’s my class I’m meant to be at tonight.

“Easy, baby. We don’t need you hurting yourself more. Now, I’m going to step outside and grab a nurse. Will you be okay for a minute?” I don’t respond. My body is locking down, my grip in his hand tightens, and that must be all the answer he needs. “Alright, I’ll sit right here. Mom should be here in a little bit. She had to go to the store for a few things. We’ll sit back for a spell and talk about anything and everything. Alright?”

I really hope this whole deal with Shane doesn’t cause me to have post-traumatic stress disorder, but judging by the hold I have on Ryland, I think it’s safe to assume there will be a few lingering side effects.

“What’s she getting at the store?” I ask, wondering if she’s anywhere near my house.

“Clothes and toiletries for you whenever you’re released. The doctor says it could be as early as later this evening, or he may keep you overnight.”

“Can’t go home. He’ll come back and finish the job.” I cringe hearing the way I sound. I’m scared. Never in my life have I been scared for my life, and now I am.

“You’re not going home, Sutton, not unless I stay with you. He’s not going back to your place, either. You up for this conversation? You might hear it again once Sheriff Dane comes to get your statement.” My eyes finally open fully. The image of Ryland is blurry at first until they adjust to the light.

“Yeah, I think so,” I respond. Water or ice chips would be really nice right about now, and the use of the bathroom. While there’s a pause in our conversation, I look down the length of my body. I’m in a hospital gown and can tell I’m bare beneath, no bra or panties. I flush in discomfort, worried about who saw me naked.

“The nurses took care of your clothes in the emergency room. Didn’t see you naked, Sutton.” Ryland moves around in his chair. Maybe he’s a little uncomfortable at the thought of seeing me naked, battered, and bruised. I can’t think about that right now. I’m going to focus on the task at hand.

“Oh, thank god.” I breathe a sigh of relief.

“That bad if I saw you naked?” Ry asks.

“No, I mean yes. Right now, I’d prefer no one saw me naked, not even me.” I wiggle my toes before continuing. “Making sure my feet still work. The medicine I’m on makes everything feel dull.”

Ryland starts to say something, but the door swinging open abruptly stops him.

“Oh good, you’re awake. I’ve got everything you should need. A nightgown, a pajama set, undergarments. Though, that might not be feasible for a bit. Socks, a robe, house slippers, and then the toiletry essentials. We’re going to get our girl well and back on her feet. In the meantime, I’ll grab the nurse. Maybe she’ll keep the sheriff at bay a few minutes longer until we can assess the situation.” Ms. Catherine walks in, bags in her hand. It looks like she’s done shopping, again. I’m never going to be able to pay her back. At this rate, she and Ryland both probably bought me a whole wardrobe, not to mention staying here with me.

“Thank you,” Ryland states. She’s gone as fast as she appeared, bustling around and taking care of business like it’s her life’s mission. In a time of need, Catherine Johnson pulls through any way she can. At my mom’s funeral, she held down the fort, helping me with everything from the service all the way down to my dress. A dress which was my mom’s and one I still keep in my closet till this day. When there’s a celebration, she’s doing whatever she can to help, too. Then there are days like today, when she can read the room, figure out what’s needed, and deal with it.

“Ryland.” I’ve said his name so many times since I’ve woken up, he’s probably sick of it.

“Right here, Sutton,” he reassures me.

“What I’m going to have to relive by retelling the sheriff everything is going to be a lot. I’m not sure I’ll be strong enough,” I admit, wetting my lips. There’s hardly any moisture, and it barely does a bit of difference in moistening my cracked skin.

“You’re already a fuck of a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for, Sutton Rawlins.” Ryland never did use my married name. That’s okay because I never felt a tenth of what I do for Ryland when I was with Shane.

“I’m not so sure about that,” I reply. My eyes are starting to get heavy again. I’m either feeling the effects from the IV drip in my arm or choosing to sleep in order to not deal with all the drama surrounding today.

“I am. Still, you feel even an inkling of discomfort, or you need a break, squeeze my hand. I’ll deal with Liam.” His words are firm. His actions obviously show more than tell, but in this instance, it’s clear Ryland Johnson is standing on business.