Dr. Vince nodded and checked her pulse, his fingers pressing gently against her wrist. He proceeded with a thorough examination, his face growing more serious with each passing moment. After a few minutes, he looked at Amara and then turned his attention to Rowan.
“She is drugged,” Dr. Vince said gravely, “and we need to act quickly to counteract its effects and flush it out of her body.”
Rowan’s face tightened with concern. “What do we need to do?”
Dr. Vince glanced at Amara, then leaned in closer to Rowan, his voice dropping to a near whisper, “There is one way to accelerate the process… something that a man and a woman do privately.”
Rowan looked at him, speechless. “Don’t you have any other method?”
Dr. Vince sighed. “I do have another method, but if the drug in her body is strong, the medicine might fail.”
“Try that first,” Rowan insisted, his tone leaving no room for debate.
Dr. Vince raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t you try the faster way? It might be more effective.”
Rowan’s expression hardened. “I don’t take advantage of anyone’s weak condition.”
Dr. Vince smirked, his tone turning mocking. “You don’t?”
Kyle, who had been quietly listening, interjected, “Boss has never touched any woman.”
Dr. Vince’s smirk widened. “I was talking about taking advantage, as for touching women, I know he’s as pure as a lotus flower.”
Rowan glared at him. “If you’re done, then give her the medicine already.”
Dr. Vince chuckled and shrugged. “Alright, alright.”
He went to his bag and retrieved a vial and a syringe, drawing up a dose of the antidote. “This will help counteract the drug. But keep in mind, it might take some time to take full effect.”
Rowan nodded, watching intently as Dr. Vince administered the injection into Amara’s arm. Amara winced slightly but remained still, trusting Rowan and the doctor.
“She should start to feel better soon,” Dr. Vince said, disposing of the syringe. “But she’ll need rest and fluids to fully recover.”
Rowan nodded, grateful for the more professional approach. “Thank you, Vince.”
Dr. Vince nodded, packing up his equipment. “Keep an eye on her tonight. If anything changes, or if she doesn’t start to improve, call me immediately.”
“I will,” Rowan assured him.
After Dr. Vince left, Rowan returned to Amara’s side. She was still visibly uncomfortable, but there was a hint of relief in her eyes.
“How do you feel?” Rowan asked gently.
“A bit better,” Amara whispered, though she still seemed disoriented.
“Good,” Rowan said softly. “Just rest now. The medicine will help, and I’ll be here with you.”
Amara nodded weakly, closing her eyes as she tried to relax. Rowan sat by her side, holding her hand and stroking her hair gently.
As the night wore on, Amara began to feel the effects of the drugs taking hold once more. The initial relief from the antidote started to wane, and a wave of dizziness and heat swept over her body. She stirred in her sleep, her brow furrowing as the discomfort returned.
Rowan, who had been resting lightly in a chair beside her bed, immediately noticed her distress. He sat up, his eyes sharpening with concern. “Amara?” he called softly, reaching out to gently touch her shoulder.
Amara’s eyes fluttered open, and she looked at Rowan with a mix of confusion and fear. “Rowan, I feel… I feel strange again,” she murmured, her voice trembling.
Rowan’s heart clenched. He reached for his phone, quickly dialing Dr. Vince’s number. The call was answered on the second ring. “Vince, the drugs are affecting her again. You need to come back immediately.”
Dr. Vince’s voice was calm but urgent. “I’ll be there as soon as I can. Keep her calm and hydrated. I’ll bring stronger medication.”
Rowan ended the call and turned his attention back to Amara. He gently stroked her hair, his voice soothing. “Dr. Vince is on his way, Amara. Just hold on a little longer.”
Amara nodded weakly, trying to focus on Rowan’s face. Her body felt like it was on fire, and her mind was hazy with the effects of the drugs. She clung to his hand, seeking comfort in his steady presence.
Minutes felt like hours as they waited for Dr. Vince. Rowan stayed by her side, talking to her in soothing tones, trying to keep her grounded. He could see the fear in her eyes and felt a surge of protectiveness. He wouldn’t let anything happen to her.
Finally, the door opened, and Dr. Vince hurried in, his bag of medical supplies in hand. He quickly assessed Amara’s condition, his face serious. “It seems the initial dose wasn’t strong enough,” he said, preparing another injection. “This should counteract the drugs more effectively.”
Rowan watched anxiously as Dr. Vince administered the new injection. Amara winced slightly but remained still, trusting the doctor and Rowan.
“She should start to feel better soon,” Dr. Vince said, packing up his equipment. “But we need to monitor her closely. If this doesn’t work, we’ll have to consider other options.”
Rowan nodded, his relief tempered by lingering worry. “Thank you, Vince.”
Dr. Vince gave a reassuring nod. “I’ll stay for a while to make sure she’s stable.”
Rowan sat back down beside Amara, his hand holding hers. “You’re going to be okay,” he whispered softly.
As the new medication began to take effect, Amara’s breathing steadied, and the heat in her body started to dissipate. She looked up at Rowan, her eyes still filled with exhaustion but also gratitude.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Rowan squeezed her hand gently. “You’re safe now, Amara. Just rest.”
Dr. Vince monitored her vitals closely, his expression focused. After a while, he nodded in satisfaction. “She seems to be responding well to the new medication. I’ll stay for a bit longer to make sure she’s stable.”
Rowan stayed by Amara’s side, his presence a constant source of comfort for her. As the hours passed, her condition gradually improved. The effects of the drugs slowly waned, and she drifted into a more peaceful sleep.
Dr. Vince finally stood up, looking at Rowan. “She should be fine now, but keep an eye on her. Call me if anything changes.”
Rowan nodded, “You can leave now.”
As dawn broke, Amara’s condition had stabilized. She woke up feeling much better, her mind clearer and her body no longer burning with the effects of the drugs. She looked around, but the place felt unfamiliar. She scratched her head in confusion. “Where am I?” she murmured, trying to piece together the events of the previous night.
Fragments of memory surfaced: meeting Rosie, Dom trying to drug her, and then seeing Rowan. Panic filled her chest as a terrifying thought crossed her mind. “Shit, don’t tell me Dom really got what he wanted last night,” she thought, dread gnawing at her.
Amara quickly tried to feel her legs, but for some reason, she felt fine. There was no sign of the violation she feared. She put her hand on her head, thinking hard, and memories came flooding back. She remembered fainting and someone holding her. When she had briefly opened her eyes, she had seen Rowan’s face. Then she recalled feeling hot and kissing him, but after that, everything was blank.
In the midst of her thoughts, the door opened, and she saw Rowan entering the room. He held a bowl in his hands, and the rich, comforting aroma of soup quickly filled the air.
“Good morning,” Rowan said gently, his voice breaking through her tangled thoughts. “How are you feeling?”
Amara blinked, her mind still racing, but the sight of Rowan brought her a strange sense of calm. “I’m… I’m okay, I think,” she replied hesitantly. “Where am I?”
“You’re at my place,” Rowan explained, setting the bowl of soup on the bedside table. “You were in pretty bad shape last night. Dr. Vince came and treated you. The drugs should be out of your system now.”