Page 33 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

Riley looked at me, her eyes snapping to the armrest of the chair. "Cayden, you're ripping the chair fabric."

I glanced down, quickly released my fingers, and crossed my arm. I swallowed, leaning back against the chair. I was trying hard to remain calm about this, but it was becoming difficult.

"She's doing better," the doctor said, giving me a reassuring smile. “She'll be going home tomorrow."

I nodded as he stepped out of the room. Riley looked at me, her fingers rubbing together nervously as the silence filled the space. I took a deep breath, knowing I would need to send a message to April and let her know that Riley was going to be getting out of the hospital.

"You heard him say I was okay."

I nodded. "I did, but that doesn't mean that cools my frustration."

She looked away, her eyes snapping to the floor. I didn't like it. I didn't want her to feel that she had to shut down when she was talking to me, even if I was unhappy.

"Riley, what happened? You have handprints on your neck, and you were tied to the bathroom cabinet with a tie. Who left you there like that?"

She softly sighed. "Brad. He's my ex."

I ground my teeth together, feeling an anger I'd never felt before. Rage filled every part of my body, and I felt my jaw click because of the pressure.

"You're angry."

"I'm furious," I corrected her. "You have fingerprints on your throat, Riley. Of course, I'm furious. He choked you, for god sake! That's not okay! He put you in this hospital, and you're acting like it's fine!"

She flinched, and I realized I was yelling. I ran a hand over my face, taking a deep breath. "I'm not mad at you. I'm angry about the situation. This shouldn't have happened."

"It doesn't sound like it."

I looked at her, softening my expression. "Has he ever done this to you before?"

I couldn't imagine it. It didn't want to. The thought that this was something he'd done before, and she just took it, made me sick enough to vomit. It was taking everything in me not to storm the streets looking for the fucker. I didn't know who he was, but I was going to find out everything I could as soon as possible.

She shook her head. "No, he's never put his hands on me like this before."

"Has he hit you?"

She shook her head again. "No, Cayden. He's never raised a finger to me. He's always been a talker more than a physical person. He's good with his words, not his hands."

Her face reddened at the words, and it did little to settle my anger. So, he'd never hit her, but he certainly hurt her, which wasn't any better.

I swallowed and shook my head. How could she have stayed with someone like that? Why would she? But as the question bloomed, I knew better than to ask. It wasn't the time nor the place.

"Well, you'll be staying with me until your trip is over," I state, "I already called April and informed her about everything going on."

She looked a little relieved as she nodded her head. I let the silence form over the room, soaking in the knowledge that she was safe.

I knew that Riley was going to be in the hospital for another night because they were worried about her lungs. While she was there, I made sure to get the apartment ready for her. I went out and bought some new things that I noticed shewould need that the fire took. I wanted to make sure she was comfortable while staying with me.

The following morning, I brought Riley back to the apartment. She was nervous as we arrived, and I showed her to the guest room. It was a simple room that I didn't really decorate. I went out and bought new bedding and pillows, hoping they could help make her feel more at home.

"The bathroom is through the right door, and the closet is on the left."

She eyed up her suitcase, which we'd found was safe from the fire. Although the fire took out the living room and part of the hallway, most of Riley's things were safe.

"I was thinking of ordering some sandwiches for dinner," I said as she walked into the bedroom, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

She nodded her head, and I frowned. Last night, she had opened up a little, but since leaving the hospital, Riley had clammed up. She didn't say much on the drive back, and I started to worry. I wanted her to feel safer with me.

"Is there anything else you need?" I asked. "I found your brush and toothbrush but didn't find your phone."

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