Page 88 of Edge of Heaven

Is it morning?

I pry open my lids and everything is blurry.

What the fuck?

Did we get drunk last night? Why do I feel like I got run over by a truck? I really have to pee but it feels like so much effort.

“Taryn?” A soft voice.

Definitely not Callum’s.

“It’s Ryleigh. Are you awake?”

“Ry…leigh?” My voice sounds weird and I attempt to clear my throat.

“Shh. Don’t try to talk. They gave you a sedative last night so you could rest. Do you need me to get a nurse?”

“I have to pee,” I whisper.

“You have an IV. Hang on.” She disappears and I reach up to rub my eyes.

I’m in a hospital.

And as soon as I move I remember what happened—and why I’m here.

It all comes rushing back and an inadvertent groan leaves me that has nothing to do with physical pain.

“Here we are, darling.” A nurse with a faint British accent and a cheerful tone comes bustling in. “I’ll bet you want to freshen up. Those ribs will be a bit sore but you should be able to navigate the restroom.” She moves some IVs around and lowers the railing on the bed.

“Thanks.” I get to my feet slowly because it’s like every inch of me hurts, but the idea of peeing my pants is worse.

Somehow, I shuffle to the bathroom and sink onto the toilet and close my eyes.

Memories of yesterday come rushing back.

Callum’s hands around my throat.

Backhanding me.

Leaving me without my phone or ID.

Tate finding me in the hallway banging on Mick’s door.

Tate and Ryleigh taking me to the hospital.

Mick showing up and talking to the police.

Callum showing up and…I groan again.

I don’t even know what happened to him.

I do my business and then stare into the mirror.

Yikes. This isn’t good. I won’t be modeling for a while, that’s for sure.

I do the best I can with the toiletries available and then slowly make my way back to bed. The nurse tucks me in and checks my vital signs, saying something about breakfast, and then disappears.

Finally, I look at Ryleigh.

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