Page 76 of Saddles

Hell, I think that boat has long sailed.

Chapter 24

April

Dr. Phillip’s soft brown eyes glance up over the stiff blanket tented between my elevated knees. “This might be cold. Tell me if it hurts.”

The metal feels like it just came out of the freezer when she slides the speculum into me.

With a snap, it locks into place, prying my sensitive bits open for her to see.

“Oh, you have an IUD?” She pauses to look at her chart. “That’s smart.”

“Yea, well, college, ya know?” I didn’t want any unexpected surprises, especially considering I never dated anyone seriously.

Shit, there weren’t any I really could say I even liked.

But, now there’s Ford, and it feels…different.

The poking sensation of her swab makes my belly twitch uncomfortably.

I hate this.

“Almost done,” she says as she caps the end and pulls out the torture device. “You said that you’re experiencing some rectal pain as well?”

My cheeks feel like they’re on fire. “Well, um, it’s not as bad now.”

There was more than once that the two monstrous brothers took me at the same time.

“You’ll feel some pressure.” She gives me just a moment of warning before she sticks her gloved fingers into my ass and probes around.

Fuck this is humiliating.

“Good news, no serious damage. The tenderness should clear up soon.” She smiles at me before popping off her gloves. “I should have the preliminary results of your tests back this afternoon.” She tugs my gown down to cover me. “But having birth control in place, and the fact that you stated they used a condom every time, that likely means everything is clear.” Her lips thin as she pushes up her glasses. “I’m sorry you had to go through this.”

“Thank you.” Me too.

My back protests as I pull my feet down.

They certainly don’t put much padding on these tables.

Maybe it’s a good thing Ford isn’t here today. This is embarrassing as hell, and I’m not sure how I’d cope with the examination and then seeing him.

I’ll have a day or two to forget about it.

Char and Sophia both have worried smiles when I make it to the waiting room. “Doing okay?” Char passes me the coat I picked up at the second hand store down the street.

The only new things I bought were underwear. It feels good to be in clothes that fit me again.

Except it was like saying goodbye to a piece of Ford.

I have a pocketful of receipts to keep track of how much of his money I spend.

“Yea. I’m not sure what part was worse though,” I grumble, threading my arms into the sleeves.

Char nods seriously. “I met Dixon here in the emergency room when my ex broke into my house and beat the tar out of me. Worst and best day of my life.” She leans in and hugs me, barely reaching my shoulder. “So even though things are bad now, I hope something good comes out of it.”

Ford.

---