Saylor Chapter 8

I was feeling it today—all the bruises from the fight with my attacker. As if those weren't bad enough, my two stab wounds were burning and throbbing. They hurt so much I wanted to scream. Taking extra-strength Tylenol and Motrin wasn't getting it, but I didn't want to take anything more. It made me loopy. I didn't like to be out of control, but I had no choice.

I slept on and off for the whole day and night after the attack. I'd wake up long enough to drink, check on Freya, and take more medicine, and then I'd fall back into a restless sleep. It was filled with me reliving the attack. I know I cried out several times. Because I broke down and took the narcotic pain medicine, I was hazy when I woke up. I must've been hallucinating a few times because when I would surface, Player was beside my bed. He would talk softly to me and soothe me enough that I'd fall back to sleep. Yep, that was it. I had to get off these damn pain pills as fast as possible. I couldn't be having hallucinations with him in them.

Despite how mean he'd been toward me and how he'd made clear through his words and actions, up until I was hurt, that he didn't like me or find me attractive, I found him intriguing. I wanted to be around him. Did his disdain hurt? Yes, but I shouldn't let it bother me. Even if he suddenly saw me as someone he might want to get to know, there was no chance of it becoming more. He had his pick, no doubt, of countless gorgeous, exciting women who weren't blind. No matter how independent I was, there would always be limitations. Plus, a fling wasn't what I wanted.

Groaning, I shoved those depressing thoughts away and surfaced through the fog and pain. There was no use trying to sleep anymore. My pain was determined to prevent it. I needed to get my ass in gear anyway. I had a house to clean, maybe repair, and more security measures to put in place so Freya and I could return home. The Warriors had been too kind in letting us stay for a day or two, but I didn't want to impose on them too long. They'd done enough.

Opening my eyes, I saw the usual gray. It was funny. Despite being blind for four years, I still opened my eyes and automatically tried to see. I didn't think I'd ever get over that tendency. It was ingrained into me. One of the gray shadows moved toward me. I gasped, then quickly cut it off.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." Player's deep voice washed over me. It was soothing, but at the same time, it riled me up in a physical way.

"You didn't. I was just daydreaming, and you startled me. Can you tell me what time it is? And what day?"

"It's one o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday."

I tried to scoot up because lying flat was bothering me, but it pulled on my wounds, making me hiss. The next thing I knew, arms were sliding under my back and thighs seconds before I was lifted higher, then held with my head up as he pulled pillows under my head to raise me up. I guess the bed didn't do that. When he was done, he let me go gently.

"There. Does that feel better?"

"It does. Thank you. I need to get moving. Has Dr. Wolf called about Freya? Is she able to come home with me? I hate having her apart from me."

"She did good through the night. He's watching her wounds. He put her on IV antibiotics to stave off infection. He wants to keep her for another twenty-four hours just to be safe. Don't worry, she's not alone. Walker, Gavin, and Diego are taking turns staying there. Dr. Wolf isn't too thrilled, but we don't give a damn. We're not leaving her without a familiar face. She at least has met them. They're getting to know each other better. According to them, she's lapping up the attention." I heard the amusement in his voice.

I laughed. "She would. I tell you, she's an attention whore. She loves to be made over, the hussy. I hate that she has to be there another night, but I'm grateful someone is with her, although you guys don't have to do that. I'm sure you have much more important things for them to do."

"Nothing is more important right now than ensuring you and her heal," he said gruffly.

"Player, you and the club have been more than generous with us. I don't know how I'll repay you. Speaking of our healing, though, I need my phone. Did anyone happen to get it?"

"Why do you need your phone?"

"There are calls I have to make. I need to get my housekeeper in to clean up my house. I should pick up the bloody sheets and stuff first, or she'll be calling the cops thinking I killed someone. Then I have to get someone there to add security to the house. I should've done it before, but I never had any issues." I knew from yesterday, during one of my lucid moments, they told me they didn't find my attacker. I could only imagine how bad my bedroom looked.

"Juno, we need to talk about the next steps. Are you up to talking to Bull? I know he wants to discuss this with you."

I wasn't sure what there was to discuss other than them getting Freya and me home, but if they needed my input or whatever, so be it.

"I'd like to freshen up first, and I need to go to the bathroom. Is Zara around?" I hated to ask for help, but I knew in this case, there was no way I could walk to the bathroom and back alone. Plus, I'd need her help to find me something else to wear, even if it was a clean hospital gown. What I wouldn't give for some of my clothes.

"She's not, but I can help you."

"No, I can't let you do that. I'll wait for her, or is one of the other ladies around?"

"Saylor, surely you're not embarrassed that I might see something. I have seen a naked woman before, although I doubt you're planning to strip. However, if you are, I'll help you in any way you need." There was a hint of something more than humor in his tone. I was determined not to let him make me feel awkward, so I rolled with it.

"It would hardly be fair. You get to see me naked, but I don't get to see you. Sorry. You'll just have to wonder what I have under this sexy gown of mine," I joked.

"While it is sexy, you can't be so mean as to leave me wondering, can you? I always see these movies where a blind person uses their hands to see other people. Is that real? If so, you can see whatever you want." The sexual undertone grew with this remark. What had gotten into him?

"Some of us do use our hands to get an idea of what someone is like. Your offer is appreciated, but it's not one I can accept. Would you please see if one of the ladies is available?"

He was silent for a couple of moments before he answered me. "Let me go see. Don't get up without someone here to help you. We don't want you to fall."

I heard him moving away. I was beginning to relax when he hit me with another unusual comment. "Saylor, I meant what I said. It would be criminal if we never saw each other. You'll have to take me up on my offer after you're feeling better. I can wait."

Before I could respond, he left. I heard the door close. I lay there trying to figure out what was up with him. He acted flirty and like he was into me, but I knew that wasn't the case. What was he up to? That thought and trying to figure it out consumed me as I waited for help.

???

An hour later, I was feeling much more human. Player had returned not long after he left. He brought Jocelyn and Devyn with him. They were the ones to help me clean up and get dressed.

Although they offered to help me walk to the bathroom, Player refused. He said I should stay off my leg. I was stunned into speechlessness when he casually swept me off the bed into his arms. Then he carried me to the bathroom, where he warned me to take it easy and not to put all my weight on my leg. All I could do was nod. When he left, you bet Devyn and Jocelyn had something to say about his behavior.

"What in the world is going on with him?" Devyn asked in a hushed voice. We knew he was still in the other room because he told us he would be and to yell if we needed help.

I shrugged, and equally as soft, I answered her. "I have no idea. I woke up, and he was acting weird. He was all flirty and offered to help me, even if I needed to get naked," I confessed.

Devyn groaned. "Don't tell me he's acting like his normal self with women. I swear, one of these days, he's gonna meet someone who he wants to get serious with, and he'll pull that crap, and she'll shoot him down."

"I think it'll happen sooner than you think," Jocelyn said mysteriously. It sounded as if she already knew of someone, or maybe I was imagining shit. Enough fantasizing about Player. I needed to get clean and feel more in control. I had stuff to do.

And here I was an hour later. I was stunned to be given my own clothing, but it made me so happy it was ridiculous. The comfort of the familiar was often underrated. When I got back to the main room, I was offered the option of lying on the bed, or gurney, or whatever it was, or sitting in a chair. My back and ass were tired of the bed, so I went with option two. I sank into a soft chair. I let out a tiny moan.

"Are you alright? Do you need another pillow, or is it the pain medicine you need? Zara left pills you can take. It's been a while since you had anything," Player said hastily.

I heard him moving around. Devyn was still with us. Jocelyn had excused herself to go get Bull as soon as Player picked me up to carry me out of the bathroom. I found out Bull was watching the kids while she was helping me. They needed to switch off. Devyn's son was with him.

"I don't need a pillow, and I don't want any more of that pain medicine. I was moaning because it felt so good to be in another position. That bed isn't the most comfortable thing, like most hospital beds. God, the one I was in all those weeks after the ambush, it was horrible. I never wanted to be in another one for the rest of my life. I swear. My ass is permanently flat from lying on it so much," I joked without thinking about it.

Devyn laughed. "I bet. Okay, if you're good, I'll go help Mom corral the wild ones. Bull should be here any minute. Do you need me to get or do anything before I leave?"

"Dev, you and your mom have done enough. Thank you. I feel much better. You went beyond your duty as a friend."

It was true. They had helped me strip and then ensured I had what I needed to shower. They put one of those waterproof dressings over my wounds. I finally had all the blood off me. It felt like heaven to be clean again.

"We did what any true friend would. No thanks is needed. Alright, I'll see you later. I'm glad to see you with some color in your cheeks again. Bye, Player."

"Bye, Devyn, thank you," I told her.

She hugged me as I hugged her back, and then a moment later, I heard her leave. As soon as the door shut, Player said, "It's not."

I was puzzled. "What's not what?"

"Your ass. It's far from flat. It's a perfect juicy peach. No worries about it being spoiled."

That was it. I'd had enough of his weirdly sexual remarks. I was about to call him on them when there was a brisk knock on the door a second before someone opened it and walked in. Or I should say a few someones did. As the room filled, I reluctantly put me confronting Player on hold. I'd do it after I talked to Bull and whoever he brought with him. Why would a simple talk require multiple people?

"It's good to see you sitting up, Saylor. I've got a few brothers with me. I've got Outlaw, Payne, Vex, and, of course, Player, who's already here. I hope we didn't scare you," Bull said kindly.

"You didn't until you just said that. And it's more concern than fear. What's going on, Bull? Player said I needed to talk to you about my plans to go home. Don't take this wrong, but I want to return to my house. It's not that I don't appreciate everything you've done for me and Freya. I do. More than you know. However, the longer I remain away, the harder it'll be to go back. Plus, I can't let a bloody mess remain in the house. I need my cleaning lady to come straighten up and clean. And I need to get a security company to come out and give me an estimate on what it'll cost to put in a security system. I know it's not cheap. That's why I asked Player if anyone brought my phone," I hurried to explain before he could start in on whatever he had to say. My gut told me he wasn't about to agree to me leaving.

"I understand your desire to go home. However, let me tell you a few things that might make you relax. Your house has already been partially straightened up. We did that when we went to check it out yesterday. The bloody sheets were brought back and washed. There is some spot cleaning needed on the carpet, which Gavin and Diego are doing as we speak. Once they get it looking less like a crime scene, you can call your cleaner to come and do her thing." He paused after dropping that one on me.

"Bull, you have to stop! You guys have done enough. You're giving me a place to stay. You arranged for a vet to help Freya and got her more care overnight with him. You've been providing my medical care, too. Now you're cleaning my house," I exclaimed.

"Yes, we've done all those, and we'll do more. It's what friends do. They help each other. As for getting someone in to install a security system, you're in luck. It just so happens that one of our businesses, Salvation Security, does that very thing. Outlaw and Ajax make sure that business is top-notch. Outlaw is able to get you on the schedule right away."

As he took a breath to continue, I jumped in. God, they were doing too much. "No! Please, no more. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, but you have to stop. I'm not a charity case. I can take care of myself, despite what my current situation might imply."

"No one thinks you're a charity case or that you're weak in any way if you're thinking that. You have no idea what we've done in the past and what we will do in the future for friends and those we deem family," Player said gruffly.

"He's right. You may not know it yet, but you've been adopted into the Warriors' family. There's no escaping us," Payne added.

"You're on the schedule for the installation to start tomorrow. And we've got some updating to do with you," Outlaw said.

"Saylor, let us help you. It's not charity. I can't stand to think of you and Freya alone dealing with this. I won't be able to sleep. If you fight us, I'll be sleeping at your house," Vex chimed in softly.

"Yep, you might as well give into it. Plus, just so you can get over all your pissed-off feelings, even after putting in a security system, there's no way you're going to stay there with some deranged attacker out there gunning for your ass. Forget it. And if it did happen, I'll be sleeping at the house," Player growled.

I threw my hands up in the air. "Don't think you can gang up on me and intimidate me into doing what you want. I'm a goddamn Marine. We don't run. Thank you, but no. Get the old ladies in here so they can talk sense into you guys," I growled back.

"We can ask them, but they'll say the same thing. We already talked to them about this and told them what we're going to do. Short of you walking home, which you can't do, you're stuck here. Do you think our old ladies would allow us to send you home if we were so stupid to allow it? Hell no, they'd kick our asses. Worse, they'd cut us off. Sorry, it's not worth that happening," Payne informed me.

Bull and Outlaw were muttering the same thing. In the middle of being mad at their highhandedness, they were making me want to laugh. I think it was intentional. How was I to stand up for myself while, at the same time, not giving in to their antics?

"I can't believe you guys. You all need someone to knock some sense or something into you," I grumbled.

"Are you volunteering for the job?" Player asked.

"Why do I think if I do it, I would need a whole platoon of Marines? God. How can I say this so you understand? I am more than grateful for your friendship and all you've done to rescue Freya and me. However, I can't stay here indefinitely. You'll learn something about me. I refuse to be a burden to anyone. I might be hurt and knocked down at the moment, but I won't stay that way. As for me going home, this lunatic isn't running me out of my house. It's the one true place I know inside and out. It's my safe place. Until him, I didn't have to worry about the outside world changing it. If I don't go back, then I've lost my one safe place. I need that."

"Explain what you mean by safe place," Vex ordered.

"It's the one spot where I know every nook and cranny. I know where everything is. I don't have to worry about someone moving something, or tripping over anything that was forgotten to be put back in its place. Freya is my eyes, but in my home, I don't have to use her constantly to help me. I can get up and go from room to room. I don't trip and fall and hurt myself or embarrass myself by doing that sort of thing in front of witnesses. Everywhere else, I have to rely on her or others, or I risk doing those things. I'm fortunate I can sometimes see shadows, but it's not always helpful. My house is that zone for me." I was getting choked up.

"Well, hell, how do we fight this? Honey, we get it, or we do as much as we can without being in your shoes. I can't begin to imagine what it's like not having your sight. I don't know if I could do it, to be honest. We don't want to take away your independence, but we want to make sure you and Freya are safe. Putting in a security system helps, but it won't prevent him from entering. He could kill you before we or the police get there," Bull said gruffly.

I closed my eyes. I intellectually knew that he was right. My attacker proved the first time that I was no match for him physically, much to my disgust. What if he came in guns blazing? We'd be dead in seconds. Now, he had me having to weigh safety against security, two different things in my situation. Christ! I groaned and closed my eyes as I flung my head back. I gently thumped it off the back of the chair.

I was jarred when I thumped back again, and a hand was there, padding the back of my head. "Juno, don't bang your beautiful head off the chair. It can't be that bad. Talk to us," Player said gently.

That was another thing. He was driving me batty, trying to figure out what was up with all this sweetness and flirting. Had someone hit him in the head, and he had amnesia?

"There's nothing I can say. You're right. But I'm right, too. It puts us at a stalemate."

"Put in the security system, and I'll stay with her as a personal guard," Vex said out of nowhere.

I was about to tell him that it wasn't necessary, but I was beaten to it by Player. "Just how will you be able to do that and still go to work every day? There's no guarantee he won't try something in the middle of the day. Hell, they fought, and she shot him, yet not a neighbor seemed to hear it, so why would he wait until night to attack her?"

"We can figure out a way to cover her when I have to work," Vex argued.

"Maybe. And what about when she has to go do her things at the VA, or she wants to run errands in town or visit Angel's Delights? Freya will need to be cared for, too. Plus, she's gonna need help with things like changing her dressings and taking a shower until she heals. Don't tell me you'll do that too." The last one he said with a snap in his tone. The others were strangely quiet. I didn't know what was up with these two, but someone had to put a stop to it, so I did.

"Hold on. There's no need for anyone to get upset. I'm open to suggestions."

"Stay here," Payne said casually.

"Payne, I can't. Even though there seems to be someone around all the time, they can't be constantly with me. I'd be a prisoner in this room without Freya being mobile since there's no way to know where things are. Even if I memorized the layouts, someone would likely leave something out of place. And I wouldn't blame them. This is your home, not mine. It won't work, but thank you for the offer."

"What if there was a way for you to have everything in place and not moved but still be within the compound? Would you do it then?" Player asked.

"I'd consider it, but it's not possible. And before you say I can stay in someone's house, the answer is no. It would disrupt their lives to constantly be alert to where they place things and have me interrupting their families."

There was an outburst of low murmuring. As hard as I strained, I wasn't able to hear what they were saying. It lasted maybe a minute before I found out what they were chattering about.

"If you wouldn't disrupt our families or require any of us to be on alert not to move things constantly, had the security of the compound, with help available whenever you or Freya needed it, yet your independence to walk alone without getting hurt, would that be a viable option?" Bull asked.

"Bull, yes, it would, but that's not possible that I know of."

"Actually, it is. Did anyone mention to you that we have a few townhomes here at the compound?" Outlaw chimed in to ask me.

"Yes, someone did the first time I came here."

"That's our solution. We put you up in one of those. We help you map out the layout of it so you can securely navigate it. It'll be you and Freya, so no one will be moving shit they shouldn't. Anytime someone visits, they'll know not to move your things. You'll be independent and still safe from that maniac and whoever sent him, as well as have help whenever you need it. Zara can check your wounds every day. We'll still install a security system in your house because it's smart to have regardless," Player explained concisely.

I wanted to shoot down the idea automatically, but I couldn't. They'd hit on every one of my key objections and found a solution to it. I thought through it, trying to find a negative I hadn't thought of. There wasn't one. After a couple of minutes of silence, as I mulled it over, I had to concede defeat.

"Uh oh, we've stumped her. She's trying to figure out an argument, but she can't. Mark this down, guys. This may be the only time she's speechless and unable to fight," Player said, chuckling.

"Hey, Player," I called out. I waited a moment to have him look at me. I had to guess where he was, but I knew I was right when I gave him the middle finger, and he laughed. The others joined in. I wasn't able to prevent a smile from escaping.

"I think that's a yes. Isn't it, Saylor?" Bull asked, with amusement still evident in his voice.

"Maybe," I muttered on purpose.

"Maybe, my ass. You're staying. We're keeping you here against your will if we have to," Outlaw stated.

"Where is my gun? I know it's here somewhere," I said, feeling around my chair. I knew it was still at my house, but I couldn't resist teasing them more.

A bark of laughter came from Bull, I thought. Then he outed himself. "Sweetheart, you sure make me laugh. By the way, I've got your gun. I brought it from the house, but now I'm glad I didn't give it to you. Say yes to staying, please. It'll help all of us get sleep at night if you do."

"Yes, I'll stay, and please, don't take it as I'm being ungracious in the way I'm saying it. I am very grateful. I just don't know how to take having people help me. Really, only Freya has been here for me. I've learned to be self-sufficient, so relying on others is hard. Thank you."

"We understand. Do you think the other old ladies didn't or still don't give us a hard time? They're very independent, too, in their ways. Hell, wait until you meet my daughter Harlow. That girl made me want to tear out my hair when she lived with me," Bull said.

"You think she was bad? I think little Corinne will be worse, and then add Caeden to it. You've never had a son to raise," Outlaw teased him.

"What do you mean I've never had a son to raise? I've raised, and I'm still raising most of you guys. No wonder my hair gets whiter every damn day," he grumbled.

This got them to playfully argue about who raised whom and the real cause of his white hair. I was enjoying it, but my pain was edging back up again, making it hard to savor it the way I wanted.

I saw a shadow shifting around and then moving toward me. Player's voice said softly to me, "Hold out your hands, Juno."

I did as he said, wondering what he was up to. I felt something small land in one, and in the other, a glass was pressed into it.

"Take this pain medicine and don't give me any grief. You're hurting. I can tell it's getting worse. You've been trying to treat it with that damn Motrin and Tylenol, but it's not enough. You were stabbed two goddamn times and beaten. Take it," he ordered.

"Who died and left you my boss?" I snarked back.

"Me, myself, and I. I'm bigger, stronger, and meaner. Don't make me wrestle it into you."

Instead of upsetting me, it made me think of him and me wrestling in a whole different way. I fought to school my face so I wouldn't let him or anyone else know I was having naughty thoughts about him. To help cover my expression, I put my hand over my mouth to pop the pill inside, then took a long drink of the water to wash it down.

I thought I'd done it until his hot breath caressed my ear, and he whispered to me, "When you're back in fighting shape, if you want me to wrestle with you in another way, just give me the word, Juno. I'll happily do it in a heartbeat."

I wasn't able to hold back my shiver as my nipples beaded, and my pussy grew instantly slick. God, what had I gotten myself into by agreeing to stay here?