The Unlikely Couple [COMPLETED]

Chapter Ten

A soft light touched my eyelids, the warmth of the beam stroking my cheek. I opened my eyes without hesitation, and stared at the blank wall in front of me. It looked like my bedroom, but I wasn’t sure. I rolled over to examine area, my mind clicking with the surroundings. There’s the painting I got from the spray-paint guy on the street. Light tapping caught my ears as I slipped my legs off the bed. A mild pain rose in my abdomen as I tried to stand. I noticed I wore a white shirt twice my size with no bra. It made me feel relaxed and loose, a bit bubbly too.

“Hello?” I squeaked, peeking around my door. There was more tapping and movement, so I followed it. I walked past the kitchen, into the main area. A large figure sat on one of my chairs, their legs too long to curl up. They didn’t move, and the only sound from them was a gentle snore. I reached out to touch their shoulder, edging around to see their face. Soft curls covered their eyes, so I moved them. He sat there in a deep sleep, his features too gorgeous to look away. Footsteps from behind frightened me, but I settled when I saw Lindsey.

“What’s he doing here?” I nodded to Hal, who hadn’t been disturbed.

“He didn’t want to leave after last night.” What did she mean?

“Why? What happened?” I edged to the chair beside him. Lindsey’s expression dropped, and she loathed her next words.

“You went out on a date last night, and the guy had,” she stopped, not wanting to continue. “Hal intervened as soon as he saw you, and called ambulance. His friends got the police and detained Dennis.” Last night, I went out with him. We saw Hal, and, oh Christ.

“Why’d I collapse?” My voice snapped. Lindsey kept me from stumbling as I sat down. “What did the paramedics say?”

“They found traces of a synthetic drug in your system. It had a delayed effect which is why you didn’t go all weird immediately.”

“I was given a date-rape drug.” I stared at my trembling hands.

“It was a pretty crappy copy of one. You’re lucky you’re not dead.” Lindsey frowned at me, clearly disappointed with my decisions.

“Christ, now everything has happened to me.” Unbelievable. “Why does my side hurt?”

“One of the paramedics had just begun his job. He kind of dropped you.” Oh wow, that’s funny. I stood up, struggling to keep my balance. Lindsey helped me walk into the bathroom.

“Why aren’t I in hospital?” You’d think that with a spiked drink I’d be held up in a sterile room.

“They gave you the all clear.” Lindsey touched my shoulder. “They completely flushed you out and your body responded well.”

“Do I need any meds?”

“There are a set of tablets outside. You need to take some.”

“I should revisit the pill.” Just to be prepared.

“And mace.” Lindsey stepped out. I brushed my teeth, freshening myself up while she brought the medicine.

“Stacey, why did you go out with him?” She knew a bad guy when she saw one, and even when I knew why did I suggest?

“I had to get him away from Jeslen.” Lindsey didn’t even need to speak, her face said it.

“It’s not your job to protect her.” It sounded like she knew.

“How do you,” I waited for her.

“When the police went to find Jeslen she spilled.” Oh crap.

“It didn’t need to happen like this.” I held onto the edge of the sink.

“Of course not, but it’s done now.” She handed me a yellow towel. We stepped back into the main room, Lindsey leaving me to get water. I curled up onto the chair, staring at the coffee table while Hal stirred.