Love on the Run by Zuri Day

Frustration filled Michael’s chest as he took in the reddening scratches and deepening bruises, felt her skin growing cold to the touch. “You’re cold. Let me get you a blanket.”
    He walked to the edge of the bed and opened the chest that had been custom made, along with his bureau and armoire. Pulling out a quilt that had been hand sewn by his maternal grandmother, he started as he heard the front door slam, before remembering that he’d told Gregory to come directly inside.
    â€œMichael!”
    â€œBack here, bro.” Knowing that his brother would need to examine her wounds, he placed the quilt over her legs and feet.
    Gregory came around the corner and into the room, his steps purposeful, his eyes scrutinizing. “What happened?” he asked, as he placed his satchel on the nightstand and opened it up.
    â€œI don’t know,” Michael said, rising from the bed as his brother approached. He turned and looked at the woman who just an hour or so ago had left his home with a smile on her face. “Shayna.” He adjusted the quilt that he’d placed on her, waited until she opened her eyes. “This is my brother, Gregory. He works at UCLA, and is one of the best doctors in the country. He’ll take care of you now, okay?” Shayna nodded, but didn’t turn her body to face the men. “Gregory, this is Shayna Washington.”
    Hearing the name, Gregory’s brow rose in surprise. A quick look passed between the brothers. Michael subtly shook his head and Gregory nodded in understanding. They’d talk later. His tone softened as he addressed his charge. “Shayna, like Michael said, I’m Dr. Morgan.” Taking off his suit jacket and rolling up his sleeves, he continued. “I just need to ask a few questions so that I can determine what’s wrong. Can you lie on your back for me?” Shayna slowly uncoiled from her fetal position, wincing as she did so. “Where does it hurt?”
    â€œSide,” she croaked.
    â€œHere, Shayna,” Michael said, reaching for the glass. “Drink some water.”
    Gregory stayed his hand. “Not yet, Michael. Let me first determine what’s happening internally. I need to raise you up and remove your jacket,” he informed Shayna. “Michael, help me out.” Michael held Shayna as motionless as possible while Gregory removed the now torn and soiled off-white creation. After Michael laid her down, Gregory softly placed his hand on Shayna’s midsection. “I’m going to apply slight pressure,” he said, his voice calm, almost melodic in its delivery. “It may hurt just a bit, but I need to determine if anything’s broken. Okay?” Shayna nodded. Gregory placed a hand just underneath her breast and slowly, methodically worked his way down one side and up the other. “Feels like we’ve got a couple cracked ribs here,” he said, moving his hands from her midsection down to her pelvic area, then across to the bruising on her arm. He squeezed the area around her bicep. “Pretty good bruise here, but no fractures or breaks.” He noted the bruising around her neck and again, the brothers exchanged glances. “Some pretty nasty scratches, too, but those should heal quickly.” He finished his examination and stood. “We’ll need to get you to the hospital to get x-rayed,” he said, pulling down his shirt sleeves and buttoning the cuffs.
    â€œI’d rather not,” Michael quickly interjected. “At least not until we find out what happened. I don’t want this turning into negative press.”
    Gregory nodded. This wasn’t the first time he’d had to get creative when it came to his brother’s clients. “Very well, then. I’ll call a doctor friend of mine and we’ll take you over to his private practice. Get you checked out, taped up, and let the healing begin. But first, Shayna, we need to