“What are you doing? Put me down, this instant!” Terrified and freezing she trembles as he stalks to the bed and places her down. When she attempts to sit up, he pushes her down again.
“Yes, Caroline, I do require assistance.” Victor turns to look at Caroline who nods her head and hangs up the dress before following him into the chamber. Summer struggles to get up embarrassed to be seen in this shape.
“Stop! You will only cause more damage. Why didn't you tell me sooner? Stretch out, Summer. Let me check your bruises.” Summer looks at the horror on his face and does as he asks. Tears stream down her face, and she turns away in shame as he covers her with a large blanket.
“I only wanted to get to Alex. I’m okay, Victor, just sore.” He doesn’t speak, he rolls her to the side that isn’t bruised and speaks gently to her.
“Did you do this to her?” Caroline demands her anger rising at the massive bruising on Summer’s body.
“Of course not! Caroline would you clean up the water in the bathing room, so my son doesn’t fall on it.” Caroline rushes from the room to do as asked.
He turns back to Summer, “I will be the judge of your injuries. I promise to only reveal what I require to see.” When he goes to touch her towel, she smacks at his hands.
“Have you no boundaries? You’ve seen enough; besides I have already checked.” Victor growls at her and leans close.
“Obviously you do not possess a single ounce of self-preservation in your body, Summer. If you have a broken bone, it can puncture a lung or worse! Now stop acting like a child and let me see.”
For the second time, she takes hold of his hand and whispers, “I can't bear it, Victor. I don't want to see the disgust in your eyes when you look at me.”
He tilts backward in shock, “I am not disgusted by you, but only by the fact that he touched you at all. I need to see for myself that you’re okay,” he pleads with her and Summer looks into his eyes and finds the truth in that statement.
“I can help,” Caroline says hoarsely from the doorway. Summer nods and releases his hands and Caroline helps lift the blankets from her. “I need more light.” Victor stalks away to turn the lanterns wick up, while the woman wraps the towel around the front half of Summers body and helps her roll to the side that isn’t bruised.
Victor and Carolina gasp at the same moment. Her body is beautiful, with high firm breasts, peaches and cream skin marred by the colorations of a monster. Victor covers her bottom half with a sheet and leaves the bruises open to his view. His desire is quickly dampened when he looks at her.
“My God, Summer. I'm sending for the doctor.” He stalks from the room, and Caroline helps her sit up and pull her nightgown, followed by her wrap.
“Thank you, Caroline.” She is breathing hard by the time they are finished. Caroline quickly brushes her hair out and dries it. The pain causes her to sway, and Caroline lays her back reaching for a wet cloth.
“I thought slavery was outlawed,” Summer whispers.
“It is. My brothers and I are free. The family who owned us offered to pay us if we stayed on. Work is hard to find.” Summer’s body is covered in a sheen of sweat by the time he returns.
“I’m sure,” Summer murmurs.
“Tell me exactly what he did to you!” He demands. Carolina watches the exchange with a frown.
“Why? So you can torture yourself?” Summer rolls over and closes her eyes against a fresh wave of pain. “My honor is intact, Victor.”
Caroline guides him from the room and looks up at the handsome man. “Your wife needs time. I don't know what you've been through but bullying her will only cause her to close up. Give her time, love her, and she will tell you. I will return in the morning with your clothes.”
“Thank you. I will keep that in mind.” He digs out his wallet and offers cash to her. She smiles and takes the money. “I may need your help during our stay. Will you be available?”
“Yes, sir, I will be,” Caroline leaves just as the doctor shows up.
“Mrs. Yates, I understand you were accosted yesterday. Your husband tells me he is worried about your ribs, tell me what happened and describe your symptoms.”
Summer hesitates and looks at Victor. “Go ahead, Summer. Tell him what he needs to know.”
“I was attacked by a fat man with a lead foot.” The doctor looks shocked at her description and struggles not to laugh. “He slapped me around, squeezed on certain parts, and then kicked me repeatedly in the ribs; all before my husband arrived and saved my life. I'm sore, and it hurts to take a deep breath…” Summer goes on explaining her symptoms, and the doctor listens.
“I will need to examine you for broken bones, Mrs. Yates.” She nods and stands with Victor’s assistance. He lifts her gown, while Summer hides her face in Victors’ neck.
The doctor murmurs as he prods and notes when she gasps. Victor grows angrier by the second. If he had known the extent of her injuries, he would have dragged that bastard’s death out longer. He kisses the side of her head and stares at her naked body in the mirror, while the doctor finishes his exam and lowers her gown. Victor had imagined her naked, he is a man, but nothing could prepare him for her beauty.
“You have a possible cracked rib, but it will heal with rest. No hard riding for a little while, no lifting of heavy objects, you have a son correct?” She
