He chuckles. “No, naughty girl. I will not.” He stands and touches my chin again with two fingers, bending over me. “No matter how many times I will see you naked from this day forward, the first time is not going to be tonight. I’ll face the wall. You’ll let these kind women help.”
I sigh. He’s right. “Okay, Sir.”
“Camden.” He’s chuckling again.
“Yeah, that’s not an easy switch,” I murmur.
“Uh…” the officer says. “Is she one of your students?”
“No,” we both blurt out at the same time.
The officer lifts a brow.
“I was one of his students. I graduated three weeks ago,” I tell her. “I haven’t seen him a single time since then.”
Professor Arnalt points toward the officer’s phone in her hands. “Write that down in your notes,” he jokes. “I have never touched Simone before stepping into this room tonight. If anyone ever questions me, I’m sending them to you.”
I know he’s kidding. He’s also not.
The officer’s eyes are wide, but she finally cracks a small smile. “Noted.”
I hate that he releases me to move toward the door. Not the wall. The door. He stands a few inches away from it, which makes me feel an added level of protection. No one can get into this room while he’s there. I’ve been violated enough for one evening. I appreciate him putting himself between me and any other humans.
“Would you like me to stay?” the officer asks me.
“Yes, please.”
The nurse shakes out the gown while I ease off the edge of the bed. My entire body hurts. I wince. I wasn’t in this much pain earlier.
“The adrenaline has worn off, honey,” the nurse says. “You’re going to be sore.”
I try to pull my sweater over my head, but it feels like an enormous task. Plus, it’s nearly impossible to lift my arms.
The nurse silently helps me. As she removes my clothes one by one, she makes a pile of them on the bed. Everything. Even my bra and panties. When she holds up the gown, I shake my head. The gown is a ridiculous addition.
I lower my gaze and gasp. I’m covered in bruises. “Just take the pictures,” I mumble.
The officer quickly grabs her phone and takes close-ups of my body in a dozen locations before I turn and let her do my back.
The next time the officer speaks, her words make me grit my teeth. She speaks softly. “Can you lie on your back and part your legs for me, Simone?”
I just want this over with, so I let the nurse help me onto the bed. I’m shaking violently as I spread my legs.
Thank fuck the officer is quick, and then she’s done. The nurse guides my legs together and pulls the blanket over me. “You can turn around,” she tells my savior.
Professor Arnalt is back at my side in two strides.
The officer pats my arm. “I’m going to leave my card with your, uh, with Camden. If you think of anything else that might be helpful, please call me. If and when someone is picked up, I’ll let you know. I’ve got your number.” She gives my hand a squeeze through the covers and leaves.
The nurse takes her spot at my side. “Even though the doctor has already checked you out, she didn’t know the extent of your bruising, honey. I can get you admitted and hooked up to an IV so we can get some pain meds in you. We can also give you something to help you sleep.”
I shake my head. The last thing I want to do is spend the night in this hospital. Though the idea of going home alone doesn’t sit well either. At least my attacker doesn’t know which apartment is mine. He only assumes I live in that particular building. As long as Professor Arnalt helps me all the way inside, I’ll be safe. Ish.
“You’re certain nothing is broken?” he asks the nurse.
“Nothing is broken.”
“And she doesn’t have a concussion?” he asks.
