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She wiped the tears as she inspected the rest of what she could see. He'd lost a lot of weight. He'd never been heavy, but now he was so thin. Unhealthy. His skin didn't look soft, his hair didn't shine. God, it killed her to think what had happened to him in there. She hadn't heard Beau or any other doctor talk about a rape kit, but she knew they'd had to have done one. As much as she wanted to think he'd been held for weeks and hadn't been raped, she knew better. Her kidnapper had raped her within an hour of taking her and then several times a day while he'd held her captive.
"I'm okay."
Her gaze jerked up to meet his at the sound of his soft voice. She smiled, taking a few steps toward him. "Where can I touch so I can hug you?"
He laughed, then cringed. "Ribs cracked and shoulder wound, other than that you're good to go." He lifted his good arm up to her.
She went to him, careful not to put weight against his chest as she leaned against his good shoulder and pressed her face to his neck. "God, I missed you." She held on to him tightly, fighting not to cry more.
"I missed you too, but you shouldn't have left school." He eased her back a bit to look into her eyes. "You could have worried there instead of here."
She slapped his arm softly. "There's no way I wouldn't come home for any of you guys, besides, I'm on summer break for a few more weeks. I'm not missing anything but a couple of keg parties."
He narrowed his eyes. "Bet you wouldn't mention those to your dad or Xander."
She rolled her eyes back at him. "Of course not. I only mention going to church and sewing circle to them." She eased down so she was sitting on his bed. "Seriously, are you okay?"
He nodded. "Sore, tired, hungry, but I'm okay. All my injuries will heal."
She reached up and tapped his forehead. "All of them?"
He closed his eyes. "In time."
She understood those words more than anyone. "Fair enough." When he looked at her again, she grinned. "I hear you're craving meatballs?"
"God, don't talk about food. They aren't letting me eat yet." He touched his stomach. "I'm starving."
"I'm sure it's just because they don't want you sick after the surgery, but it's been long enough now. They should bring you dinner at least. If not, I'll sneak you something in."
"Speaking of which, he tapped the badge on the smock she wore. "Jamie, how come you're the only one coming to visit me?"
Her cheeks heated. "Because I'm the only one brave enough to lie my way in." She shrugged. "It was way too easy. You need to talk to them about your security being weak."
"Your dad is going to kill us."
"It's not the first time we've pissed them off." She reached out and touched his beard with the back of her fingers. "I've never seen you with a beard. I don't like it."
"Good, because the moment I can find a razor, it's gone. I've never liked beards or mustaches on me." He rubbed a hand over it.
She stood. "Give me a minute." She quickly left the room, glancing at the guard as she swept by. "I just forgot some supplies." She hurried to the supply room, thankful it was empty. She quickly grabbed a couple of razors, a pair of scissors, and shaving cream. As she made her way back, the guard didn't even question her as he opened the door again. "Thanks."
She grinned at Trenton as she held up her stash. "Can I shave you?"
"Seriously? How do you get away with all this?" He laughed, then cringed and pressed a hand to his shoulder.
"I just act like I belong. It's not hard if you've been around the hospitals like I have with Beau." She set the razors on the bed. "So, can I shave you?"
He hesitated.
"Oh, come on. I've given half the team stitches and not killed anyone. I even got to do minor surgery on Becca when she got that glass shard deep in her hand." She knew he'd give in and that he was only teasing her, which made her happy, because if he was teasing her this soon, he would be okay in time.
"Alright, but I like my nose so don't scar me."
"I won't even shave your nose, just under it." She tapped his nose with her finger. "Let me get some warm water and towels."
In no time at all she was back on the bed, a tub of warm water wedged against Trenton's leg, and shaving cream smeared over his face. "It's a good look on you," she teased.
"While I do agree it has to look better than the beard, I'd rather have it all gone." He flicked a bit of shaving cream at her. "I haven't even had the chance to look in a mirror. I can only imagine what I look like after the last few weeks."
