Chapter 3 - Leaving

Sasha's P.O.V.

"Can you give us a minute?" Tatum asks. Dr. Dobbs and Karla walk out. Tatum turns to me and gently strokes my head.

"I know you don't know me or anything about me, but I can take care of you. I live alone in a two-bedroom apartment, and you're welcome to stay in the guest room. I promise I won't hurt you." He's speaking so softly while holding my hand and stroking my head. Should I go with him? I don't really have any other options if I want to leave the hospital. I know it's ridiculous, but I feel in my gut that he won't hurt me.

"I'll go with you." His face breaks out into that gorgeous smile again. I could get used to that. He kisses my forehead and sends a jolt to my system. Where has he been all my life?

"Great." Tatum pushes the call light, and Dr. Dobbs and Karla return.

"I'll take her home with me." He says. They didn't look surprised, but I guess they expected this after he told them I was his girlfriend.

"Okay, good. The police want to talk to you. Do you want me to have them come here or meet you when you get home?" Dr. Dobbs asks. I look at Tatum, and I swear he knows exactly what I'm thinking.

"We'll talk to them when we get home." That simple statement warms my whole body. I need to talk, but my mouth is dry.

"Water." I croak out. Karla lifts the head of my bed and holds a cup of cool water to my lips. Why does hospital water have to taste so bad? At least it wets my mouth and throat.

"How soon can we leave?" I ask the doctor.

"I'll print your discharge paperwork now. You can go ahead and get dressed. Your clothes were ripped, and the police took them, so we'll give you a set of scrubs to wear home." He leaves, and Karla pulls out some scrubs.

"I'll step outside." Tatum stands up to leave so I can get dressed, but I refuse to let go of his hand. I didn't realize he was that tall.

"Please stay and help me. I don't want you to leave." I don't know why I'm so scared to be away from him, but I am. It feels like I'll break if he's not near me. How can a complete stranger make me feel that dependent on them already? He leans down and kisses my forehead again, instantly calming me.

"Okay, I'll help if you're sure." Karla walks over with a big smile.

"You two are such a sweet couple." She says as she and Tatum help me sit up. He puts his hand on my back while the world spins around me. Once I'm steady, he steps to the side but keeps his hand on my shoulder.

Tatum unties the gown and helps me remove my arms. I hold it in place to keep myself covered while he puts the top over my head. He then helps me get my arms through the holes, taking care not to hurt my sprained wrist. Once my top is pulled down, I pull the gown out. Tatum squats in front of me to put the non-slip socks on my feet before helping me with the pants. He pulls them up as far as he can with me sitting. He and Karla help me stand, holding me until I stop spinning. He then carefully pulls them all the way up and removes my gown.

"I'm going to get a wheelchair." Karla walks out and leaves us alone. Tatum helps me sit on the side of the bed, and rather than taking the chair, he sits next to me, letting me lean on him.

"How do you feel?" He asks while putting his arm around me. I close my eyes and soak in all the warmth and comfort he's giving me.

"It's hard to explain. When I'm touching you, I barely feel the pain. When we're not touching, I feel like I've been hit by a truck. I know you're only doing this to be nice, and I appreciate it, but you make me feel safe. That's something I haven't had in a long time." I'm being honest with him because I don't want him to think I would just go home with anyone.

"I'll keep you safe and do whatever you need to help with the pain. You're not alone." Those three words are something I've been wanting to hear for years. Karla walks in with the wheelchair, and rather than have me stand, Tatum lifts me in his arms and sets me in the chair. Can he hold me like that forever?

"Here's your paperwork. Dr. Dobbs ordered you some pain medication. It's in the bag. Please make sure she stays awake for at least a few hours to ensure she doesn't get sick. It would be best for you to monitor her when she sleeps for the first time in case she has any trouble. Do you have any questions?" Karla hands me some papers and a small bag.

"No. Thank you." I reply. Tatum takes the wheelchair from Karla and begins pushing me.

"I don't have a car, but I ordered one to pick us up." He pushes me out the door, and I see several cars. When he walks up to the fancy Bentley, I look up at him in surprise.

"You ordered a Bentley to take us? I would have been fine in a cab." I say. Tatum locks the wheels and smiles.

"Nothing but comfort for you from here on out." The driver gets out to open the door, but Tatum shakes his head. He then leans over, picks me up out of the wheelchair, and puts me in the back of the car. I notice the people standing around watching us. Is it wrong that I get pleasure from seeing the jealousy on some of the women's faces? He's not mine, but they don't know that. He then slides in next to me. Well, folks, I don't know where I'm going, but as long as Tatum is there, I don't care. This could be the best or worst decision I have ever made. I guess time will tell.