“Absolutely. Her vitals are fine. Of course, the effects of this type of drug vary from person to person, but she’s not unconscious. Considering the timeline her friend described, after the drug was mixed into her drink, she took only a small sip. She’s thin and probably had an empty stomach, so she fainted, but she’s going to be fine.”
“What should I do when she wakes up?”
“The effects can last anywhere from twelve to twenty-four hours. She’ll probably feel sleepy throughout the day, thoughshe might also wake up normally. Either way, if I were you, I’d keep an eye on her.”
“There’s nothing to discuss. Until I’m sure she’s a hundred percent okay, Jazmina won’t be leaving my side.”
“She’s beautiful. Is she yours?” he asks, surprised. He’s known me long enough to know I don’t bring women home.
“She’s under myprotection,” I growl, and the bastard laughs. “My friend’s sister. And needless to say, her name must not be mentioned anywhere.”
“How many years have we known each other, Rodrick? I’d never talk about what happened tonight, out of professional ethics and because we’re partners.”
“All right,” I sigh, exhausted. “I’m not thinking straight.”
“If anything seems off, call me and I’ll come back.”
“Like what?”
“Thirst and waking up a little disoriented are to be expected. But if she vomits or complains of pain, call me. Still, that’s unlikely.”
Two hours later
I asked Lamar to drive Josephine back to campus and, just to be safe, walk her to the entrance of her dorm. Even though my rage hasn’t dissolved, nor the urge to destroy those bastards, I won’t leave Jazmina until I’m certain she’s all right.
Only the nightstand lamp is on, and her small frame looks almost lost in my massive bed.
The sheet has slipped down, revealing part of the white robe Josephine put on her. It contrasts with her long, thick, reddish-brown hair spread across my pillows.
She’s stunning. Not the kind of beauty that needs makeup or styling. She’s naturally breathtaking. Those inquisitive green eyes, sharp and challenging, only add to the almost unreal perfection of her face.
How the hell is she supposed to survive among predators like the ones out there? I know exactly what happens on university campuses. It’s not uncommon for girls, especially freshmen, to be drugged with what people call the date-rape drug. Most victims don’t even report it, even when they’re sure something was off the night before. The few who do are usually accused of being drunk and of having had consensual sex—which, in my mind, are mutually exclusive. If you’re under the influence of any substance, alcohol or drugs, how can you know what you want?
That wasn’t the case with Jazmina. According to Josephine, who explained everything more calmly afterward, she’s certain one of those two guys drugged her.
I know I should call Kaled and tell him what happened, but that would completely destroy the girl’s hopes of experiencing the life she dreams of. Even if it risks creating a fracture in my friendship with him, my loyalty right now is to her.
Not that I’m not furious with her for having left the apartment without my security team, but nothing that followed was Jazmina’s fault.
I run a hand over my face, wondering, not for the first time, what the hell I’ve gotten myself into. I never asked for thiskind of trouble, and it took me five minutes with her to realize she’d bring me loads of it.
“Rodrick,” she whimpers, and I get up, moving closer to the bed.
“I’m right here.”
“Can you stay with me a little?”
“I’m not leaving the room. I—”
“Not like that. Closer.”
“Are you awake?”
“Yes, but I don’t want to be alone. I feel scared, and I hate it.”
“Do you remember what happened?”
“No, only the feeling of being unsafe.”