Page 14 of Fracture

From the look on her face, he missed the mark.

“I’ve been having nightmares?”

Vinnie nodded. He eased away from her, releasing her slowly. He didn’t want to, knowing letting her go immediately after a panic attack could send her right back into the spiral, but she was angry, and he knew better than to hold on tight to a woman who wanted to hit him.

“And you…” She swallowed roughly. “You just crawl into bed with me and hold me?”

“I shouldn’t have touched you without your approval. I apologize. I won’t do it again.”

“That’s not… Okay. Thank you.” Lorelei looked conflicted.

She wasn’t the only one. Vinnie hated himself for ever touching her. For thinking it was okay, even though he knew it helped her. He never should have done it. He didn’t have the right, and he was an asshole for putting his hands on a woman without her consent.

It didn’t matter that there was nothing sexual about it, or that he only did it to calm and soothe her, he violated her trust and her body. He was wrong to do it.

A knock on the door stopped him from saying anything else. An orderly pushed a wheelchair into the room and asked if Lorelei was ready to go, completely oblivious to the tension in the room.

Lorelei smiled at the man and let him help her into the wheelchair.

Vinnie grabbed her duffle bag and crutches, then his own bag, and followed them out into the hallway.

A nurse met Vinnie outside the door and pulled him aside. “Her paperwork. So she has a copy in case she needs it.”

“Thank you,” Vinnie said.

“You’re welcome. I hope she feels better.”

“Me, too.”

Vinnie forced his lips into a smile for the nurse, then followed Lorelei and the orderly to the elevator. The two of them chatted the entire ride down, talking about life in Boston and their favorite places to eat.

Vinnie hadn’t left the hospital since Lorelei was admitted and had nothing to add to the conversation, so he kept his mouth shut.

Cade and Karli were at the door when Lorelei was wheeled out. Karli helped get her into the backseat of an SUV, then thanked the orderly for his help. Cade went around to the driver’s side and got in.

“Are you coming with us?” Karli asked.

“I have my SUV here. I drove it to Boston when I came to find her.”

Karli shook her head. “I’m so sorry. I never even thought about how you got here. Lorelei said something about driving back. Is she planning to ride with you?”

Vinnie shrugged. “We haven’t spoken about anything. I’m not sure of her plans.”

“Would you be willing to let Cade and I ride with you? Or maybe just me? The six of us came out here together, but Jessica and Braden took Dawn’s plane home when he had to get back to work. Dawn offered to send it back for us, but I don’t think Lorelei can fly with her injuries. I’d really like to stay with her.”

“Whatever is best for everyone,” Vinnie said. He wasn’t there to ruffle feathers. He’d already inserted himself in their world enough.

“Are you going to the apartment with us?”

Vinnie nodded. “I’d planned to. Unless you think I shouldn’t.”

Karli was shaking her head before he finished speaking. “No, I think it would be better if you’re there. I don’t know how she’s going to do.”

“She panicked after you walked out.”

Karli looked at the car, then the hospital. “Just now?”

Vinnie nodded.