Page 18 of Missing Marcus

“Gabrielle,” he admonished her in a low tone. “You’re hurt. I’ve seen you undressed. Let me help you and then we can leave.”

She refused to meet his gaze. “Do you have my phone?”

When he didn’t respond, she glanced at his face, which confirmed he did.

“I want it back, please. I’ll call a friend for a ride,” she demanded hurtfully.

“Let me help you dress and I’ll get your phone,” he bargained.

Gabby firmly shook her head. “Marcus. Our divorce will be final in a couple of months. You don’t owe me anything and I certainly don’t owe you. Please let me call my friend and you can return home.”

Knight ran his hand through his hair, exasperated. “Gabrielle. Stop acting unreasonably. I’m trying to help you.”

“I don’t need or want your help,” she seethed. Spying the red cord on the wall she tugged at it, calling the nurse.

Knight growled as he stood. The nurse knocked on the door and he turned to open it.

“I’m afraid my wife doesn’t feel comfortable with me dressing her with her arm. Can you help her?” he asked, smiling at the older woman.

“Of course.”

Knight retreatedinto the room and waited. Pacing back and forth, he felt at a loss on what to do. The doctor said no stress and he damn well needed answers. Why did she come to Seattle? Did she carry his child? When did she find out about the pregnancy?

The nurse helped Gabby from the bathroom and seated her in the chair. “I’m waiting for Dr. Webber to sign off on the discharge instructions and we’ll have you two out of here in a jiffy,” she said cheerfully before leaving the room.

“May I have my phone?” Gabby seemed to have gathered herself together while he lost his shit in the other room.

Kneeling beside her, Knight watched as she hunched over in pain and held her arm. He guessed it hurt more than she let on. It might raise her blood pressure more. Worried about her, he struggled to make peace until she felt better.

“How about we call a truce? Just for…I don’t know, three hours. I’ll take you to your friends, give you back your phone and we’ll discuss this later. If not, I’ll push the call button and ask the nurse to recheck your blood pressure. You’re pale, holding your arm and your shoulder sits up by your neck. The way I see it, you have two options: I can take you to your friend’s house or you can stay admitted for another day.”

Gabrielle’s eyes shot fire at him. “That’s a truce? Ha. Fine. I need my phone to call into work.”

“I’m sure they probably realized it when their waitress didn’t show up for her shift. You have a work note, and I’ll drop it off for you or call them myself to explain the accident,” Knight strate,gized.

His words stung. She worked hard for her degree, and he saw her only as the waitress who kept his house clean and waited for him to return home.

“Here you go,” the nurse called from the doorway. “I’ve sent for a wheelchair and they’ll arrive any minute.”

“I’m sorry. Do you mind rechecking her blood pressure?” Knight asked as he arched a brow in Gabby’s direction.

She gave out a little laugh. “I’m afraid I scared my husband. He’s the overprotective type. You know, the kind you want to throttle because they don’t know when to leave well enough alone.”

The nurse chuckled. “You gave him quite a scare, young lady. Let him pamper you, and he’ll calm down once he knows you and your baby are safe from harm.”

Gabby gave her a tight smile as she handed the paperwork to Knight.

“If you show any indication of spotting, dizziness, or nausea from your usual symptoms, don’t hesitate to return.”

“Thank you for taking such good care of her. I’ll get her home and tuck her into bed,” Knight turned on the charm while Gabby grunted.

The wheelchair aide arrived and Gabby waited as Knight tucked her coat around her and handed her purse to her. Instantly, Gabby dug inside, searching for her phone.

Knight patted his chest pocket and smiled, earning him another evil glare. “I’ll get my truck and meet you out front.”

Knight took the stairs two at a time, afraid she might disappear if he gave her the opportunity. He ran to his truck and dialed Bryanna’s number. “I’m taking Gabrielle to a friend of hers. I didn’t know she knew anyone besides you. What do pregnant women eat?”

“How is she? What about the baby?” Bryanna asked, concerned.

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