Page 68 of Just for the Cameras
“Maple.” I squat down and lightly press my hand to her jaw, examining her and using a gentler tone. “What happened? Did someone hurt you?”
She shakes her head, another tear cascading down her face. “I…I was in a car accident.”
“What?” I nearly roar. “Jesus, are you okay? Have you had anyone check you out?” My thumb glides over her soft skin, her tears creating a ball of anger mixed with anxiety inside me.
She shakes her head. “No. I just grabbed an Uber and came here.”
“You left the car accident scene?” I ask.
“When I was pulling out from my street, a cop ran into me. Dented my entire driver’s-side door. I had to climb out the other side. He took down all the info and reported it, and I grabbed an Uber here. I’m sorry I’m late.”
Jesus fuck. She’s sorry she’s late? Why is she even apologizing? She needs help.
I shut the door to the training dome and then carefully take her uninjured hand in mine and walk her back down the hallway.
“What are you doing?” she asks.
“Getting you medical attention.”
“I don’t need any. It’s just bruising.”
“Your wrist is swollen, Maple. Your face is bruised. You need someone to look at you. Don’t fucking argue with me.”
“I can’t afford any medical bills right now since clearly I need to save for a new car.”
I don’t say anything as I walk her back toward our training staff and our excellent medical facilities.
When I push open the door, I catch Hutton on one of the tables, getting his ankle wrapped. “What’s up, man,” he calls out with a head nod, only for his eyes to land on Maple. “Oh shit, what happened? Did you do that to her?”
“Are you fucking insane?” I snap at him and bring her in closer to my side. “Of course I didn’t. She was in a car accident, and I need someone to look at her because she’s too stubborn to seek medical attention.”
“I got it,” one of the trainers says as she walks up to us. “I can see her on this table.”
I take Maple’s bag, sling it over my shoulder, and then carefully help her up on the table.
“You good?” I ask.
Her eyes cautiously glance up at mine, and for a pulse, I get the chance to study the depths of her blue irises and how they’re not too dark, but not too light either. The purest blue, just like her soul.
She wets her lips, confusion forming in her expression. “Um, yeah.”
I nod, not wanting to pull away, but knowing I have to. “I’ll be over there if you need me. Don’t lie to them about the pain. I know you’re not okay.”
Then, I step to the side to give Maple some privacy, but I keep my eyes on her the entire time, the instinct to protect and guard her overtaking any other thoughts right now.
Hutton places his hand on my shoulder, startling me as he says, “Ithought she dropped a weight on her face or something. Car accident. Jesus.”
Maple swipes at her cheeks again, probably really fucking embarrassed and shaken at the moment. It’s taking everything in me not to walk back over there and stand by her side.
And it’s a weird fucking feeling because no one has ever made me feel that way. Absolutely no one. And I can’t really figure out how to process these sensations.
“You good?” Hutton asks. I can feel him studying me. I just hope he can’t see into my thoughts.
“Why the fuck would I not be?” I grumble, my eyes latched on Maple the entire time the trainer carefully moves her hand around while another brings some ice over for her face.
Whispering, he says, “Because it looks like you’re about to crack a tooth from how goddamn tight your jaw is set.”
Because they better not hurt her.
