Page 15 of Emily's Essence

“I want her to stay if she wants to,” Kristina said and smiled at her.

“I don’t want to put anyone out. I work hard, so I’ll help with anything.”

Striker kissed the woman. “Good to know. I’ve got some things to talk to these guys about.”

“Which room can I put her in?” Kristina asked.

“How about the third one down on the right? That’s still empty, right?”

Kristina nodded.

Emily watched the man plant a hard kiss on the woman’s lips and then walk off with the group. When she realized Hawk hadn’t even looked back at her, she suddenly felt lonely.

Kristina took her hand. “Come here so we can see how badly you’re hurt, and then we’ll show you your room. Alicia has medical training, so she’ll check you over.”

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to stay?” Emily asked.

All the women nodded.

“Hell, yeah. We’re so outnumbered. It’s pathetic,” Willow said.

“You’ll tell me if you want me to leave, okay?”

Alicia pulled her over to a stool. “Sit here.”

Meg brought over a bag of peas and set it on one of her eyes.

“Most of the swelling has gone down,” Emily said.

“Good. You’ll have to tell us the whole story sometime,” Meg said.

Emily nodded. “Sure.”

Alicia looked her over, even raising her shirt to check out her midsection, and didn’t see anything that concerned her. “I think you’ll be better by the end of the week.”

“Good.”

“Let me show you to your room,” Meg said.

Emily followed her and Kristina up a flight of stairs and down a long hallway. They stopped at the third door and opened it. The room was medium-sized with a large bed, an entertainment center with a TV, and a closet.

“There’s a bathroom two doors down, and a laundry room was the first door to your left at the top of the stairs you can use.”

“I don’t have much,” Emily said.

Kristina opened the closet door. “Us girls can give you some clothing.”

Emily blinked a few times when she felt the burn of tears.

“Don’t you dare cry,” Meg said. “You’ll start me going, and I look horrible when I cry.”

“She’s not lying,” Kristina said, then cursed when Meg hit her arm. “Ouch.”

Emily grinned. “It’s been a long time since I had any girlfriends. I think I’m going to like it here.”

Kristina smiled. “We hope so. We’re making some cookies right now, and then we’ll start on dinner in an hour. Come down and get a plate, or if you’re tired, one of us can bring one up.”

“Can I help you in the kitchen?” Emily asked.

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