Chapter 5

Fucking shit! Looking at her back it is obvious she has been beaten and tortured, but I suspect there is something else. She hasn't stopped shaking since I came for her and of course I expect her to be shook up and afraid, but this is more. This is the look of someone addicted to something and going through the early stages of withdrawal. By the looks of how badly her body is reacting, I would say it has been a solid twenty-four hours since they doped her up.

"I am so sorry you had to go through that, Piccola. The doctor is here to look you over. Will you let him check you over?" Nodding her head, she continues to whine and shake. I want more than anything to pull her into my arms and reassure her, but I don't know the extent of her trauma. I don't want to trigger her more. "Do you promise not to do that again?"

"Y-yes. I promise. I just wanted to be clean. I wanted it all to go away, but it's not, is it?" I don't fucking know how to answer that, so I simply step out of the shower and give her one last glance.

"As soon as you are done, I will allow the doctor in." When she nods her head once more, I feel okay leaving her.

I walk into the bedroom, pissed and ready for revenge, but I need to get her to her family first. I pull out a pair of sweats and a t-shirt and change out of my wet clothes. I leave the room even though everything in me is screaming to stay with her, but I don't.

Once I am out of the room I call Giulia and let her know what"s happening.

"St. Clair. I have been waiting for your call." As usual she is all business which is why she is the most powerful woman in the U.S.

"Yes boss. I apologize. I thought she could use a shower, something to eat and to see a doctor. She is in bad shape." I try not to show just how pissed I am.

"How bad?" she asks. I take a moment before answering because I hear her quieting her newborn.

"Her back is covered in bruises and cuts. I think they might have put cigarettes out on her back as well."

"Son of a bitch," she whispers.

"It's worse. I am pretty sure they have her on something. I notice signs of withdrawal."

"Damn. Do we know what it is?"

"No. the doctor is going to draw blood."

"Great job. Tell him to put a rush on it. I think we should give her a few days to detox and go back to eating before we take her home. Those animals in her family, who knows what they have waiting for her." This is what is giving me conflicting emotions. I know my job is to retrieve and return, but if we know nothing good awaits her, why are giving her back to those assholes? "I know what you are thinking St. Clair but that cannot be our concern."

"I know." That is all I can say because I might just forget who I am talking to and tell the most dangerous woman in the U.S., I am not returning her. However, that would be sudden death.

"Very well. The next time we speak she should be home, and you should be returning to Miami, no?

"Yes, boss."

"Good," is all she says before she hangs up. Once I have paced for at least thirty minutes, I decide to go and check on her.

Knock. Knock. "Satine?" I almost miss the words. She is so quiet.

"You can come in." I open the door and have to catch my breath. Sitting on the bed is the most beautiful angel I have ever seen. Her eyes, sad and defeated, are looking right through me and I swear she can see my soul. Her chocolate-colored hair is wet and curly around her shoulders. The only thing that lets me know she is not any ordinary woman besides the bruises, is the violent way she vibrates. Her entire body looks like it is sweating, and I see her hands digging into her skin. I want to fix it. Tell her it will be alright and take it all away from her, but the only thing I can do is bring help to her.

‘Are you ready for the doctor, Piccola?" When she nods her head, I motion for the stewardess to send him in. I wait by the door for him to come. Once he is in the room, I back away and begin to close the door when her voice sounds of panic.

"Please stay. Don't go." She reaches her hand out for me. Immediately, I walk back in and grab her hand in mine. It is so small and slight, that my blood begins boiling at how much they have probably starved her.

‘I'm here, Piccola. I am not going anywhere." I stand beside her.

"Good evening Satine. My name is Doctor Burns. I am going to examine you. If that"s alright?"

"Okay," she says, looking to me for confirmation. I give her a slight nod.

"May I remove your shirt. I need to see your wounds, so I know if any need to be dressed.

Slowly and with caution, she removes the long t-shirt I left for her. I turn my back immediately, not feeling right seeing her in that state.

"My dear. I am so sorry you had this happen to you. The good thing is all of these are superficial except for the cigarette burns, but they are at least healing. "Should you want the name of a cosmetic surgeon, I have one I could recommend."

We both notice the movements of her hand and the slight twitch she now has. Her head keeps jerking toward her neck and her eyes haven't stopped blinking.

" My dear, do you know what they gave you?"

"I am not sure. They said so many things, but I never knew if it was real or only words."

‘I understand. If it is okay with you, I will take some blood and figure it out. From the way your hands are trembling, and your body is shaking, I think it would be best to hook you up to an IV drip for the night."

"Is that necessary?" She asks, looking worried but still twitching.

"I believe so. It will help cleanse some of your body and restore your hydration." I squeeze her hand and attempt a smile. I look to the doctor.

"What about food?"

"I would suggest you start off with something light and more liquid like chicken broth. " He begins getting her IV going. The needle prick penetrating her skin makes me queasy, but she doesn't flinch which further pisses me off. It's something she is used to, and she shouldn't be. "If there is nothing else, I will go and get a move on the tests. If you need me don't hesitate to call."

Once he is out the door, I breathe a sigh of relief. "I am going to get you some broth like he suggested." She shakes her head at me.

"All I want to do is sleep, if that is ok." All I want to do is wrap her in my arms and rock her to sleep.

"Of course, Piccola. Sleep. You are safe here." If I have it my way you will never leave.