Sarah sighed and glanced in the mirror. Bags had formed under her eyes and she’d lost weight from all the stress. If she could keep it together for another week, she’d be able to put this behind her.
Then what? Did she want to continue living like this, taking one job after another? Until she’d met Jay and Riley, she hadn’t realized how much she’d been missing. The sex had been wonderful and better than anything she could have imagined, but it was more than that. Never had she known two men who wanted to protect her and care for her like these men did. Her big debate was figuring out what drove them to want to be with her. Was it their animal instincts or their hearts?
Chapter Twenty
Sarah was seriously dragging, more so as the end of her shift neared. Every time she checked on the women, Dr. Elkhart’s narrowed-eyed glares eroded her ability to concentrate, taking away most of her energy. He’d often sneak up on her, acting as if she was plotting a way to free the remaining women. She might have considered helping them escape if they’d been strong enough to move quickly.
While the corridor that led to the outside required an eye scan, the hallway to the front office wasn’t locked—at least during her shift. To her surprise, he’d told her the code to the keypad to get into the hallway. Perhaps it was because he needed a few things from the front.
One time when he’d asked her to retrieve a folder from the receptionist, Sarah had noticed two men seated in the waiting room who looked like they might be guards. Most likely they belonged to Statler’s new team. Connolly had said many of the new hires would be around to make certain no one attempted to steal the women. She bet they were also there to stop anyone from leaving.
Close to six o’clock, she was more than ready to leave. Dr. Elkhart had left her alone with the women off and on throughout the day as he tended other patients, but not knowing when he’d barge in kept her muscles bunched tight.
The door to the room opened, and she jumped. Damn nerves. It was Amy and Russ and her stomach squeezed tight. For a moment, she contemplated finding something she could use as a weapon against him, but then realized the futility of that thought. She’d never be able to beat him in a fight.
Wanting to exude an air of self-confidence, Sarah walked across the room and picked up her purse. As if the three of them were best friends, she’d sidled up to Amy. “Nancy is on some strong antibiotics and seems to be doing better, but can you check her temperature in an hour?”
“No problem.” Amy’s response was less than enthusiastic, but now wasn’t the right time to call her on it.
Sarah wanted to ask what Russ was doing there, but perhaps Dr. Elkhart had told him that he’d be gone for the night and someone needed to ensure the women’s safety. “See you tomorrow,” she said with as much cheer as she could muster.
“Yeah.” Amy’s tone came out cold, but she didn’t sound threatening.
The office in front was closed and no one was in the waiting room, but with the push of a button, Sarah was able to exit.
As soon as she stepped outside, she made a beeline to her car, needing some Riley and Jay time to help clear her head. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted two men and a wolf in the woods to the east of the clinic, and her pulse shot up. If she didn’t get a grip, she might cause some irrevocable harm to any chance the women had for freedom. Appearing jittery might cause one of the men to question her, and she wasn’t in the mood for that.
Perhaps the attack by those men on the van last night had affected her more than she’d realized, or else it was having Dr. Elkhart watch her every move that had worn her down.
Once in her car, Sarah locked her doors and headed out, constantly keeping an eye on her rear view mirror. She didn’t expect any trouble, but caution had always been her mantra.
When the dingy motel came into view, Sarah let out a breath and was doubly excited when she spotted Jay and Riley’s truck parked in front of the room. Jay had managed to secure a room key for her; once she parked, she let herself in. Both men jumped up from the table and smiled. What she wouldn’t give for some hugs now.
“Hey. Welcome home. You hungry?” Riley’s unusually friendly tone surprised her. He brushed back his damp hair and strode toward her.
“I’m starving.” She’d barely had time to eat lunch. While she was given forty-five minutes, the only place to offer fast service was fifteen-minutes from the clinic.
Riley wrapped her in a much-needed hug. “How would you like to go on a romantic boat ride to an island restaurant?”
Sarah leaned back and chuckled. “Who are you and what did you do with the old Riley?” Not that she didn’t enjoy this new side of him, but unless they were engaging in carnal pleasure, he was often gruff and distant.