“She’s awake,” Dex told the nurse, although Kate could clearly hear the sudden strain in his voice.
“She’s been awake before. Is she fully coherent and able to respond appropriately now?”
“Yes, she’s fully aware, remembers what happened, and is in pain.” Dex sounded annoyed, and Kate didn’t blame him. The nurse was condescending as hell.
The woman shooed Dex away from the bed so she could get near Kate to check her over. She poked and prodded, asking several questions that Kate barely heard, although she suspected she responded correctly from the woman’s expressions and nods.
Finally, the nurse stopped talking and told them she would get the doctor to come in and clear Kate for some pain meds.
“You’re correct. She’s awake and fully responsive,” the woman finally declared. Kate resisted the urge to do a face palm since it would probably hurt right now.
Dex just shook his head and glared after the nurse as she left the room.
As soon as the door closed behind her, Dex resumed his post next to her bed. Kate wasn’t sure if he would answer her previous question, or if he would make her repeat it.
“Kate. I was sent into The Dungeon to get close to you and find out if you and anyone else were involved.”
She sucked in a small breath, not sure what she had expected him to say.
All the pain she had experienced when she first overheard that conversation came flooding back, and she blinked several times to make sure she wasn’t going to start to cry.
Dex took her hand. “It started that way, but it definitely didn’t stay that way. I knew you couldn’t be involved; it just took me some time to prove it.”
His expression turned bleak. “I know there’s nothing I can say to make this sound any better, and I know this is horrible timing, but Kate, I love you. I’ve never met anyone like you, and if you can ever forgive me, I’d like the chance to prove that I’m worthy of you.”
Kate’s chest squeezed, and the backs of her eyes burned with unshed tears. She couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. It had to be the concussion.
The door opened, and the nurse and a doctor came in, effectively ending her conversation with Dex. At least for now.
But he’d said he loved her.
Now she just had to find the right time to tell him she felt the same.
Chapter 28
FOUR MONTHS LATER…
Kate took the elevator down to Basement 4, adjusting her little black dress and hoping her feet lasted all night in the stilettos Dex loved to see her wear.
She had finally fully healed and felt like her life was back on track. Tonight, Dex was throwing a housewarming party for the two of them. Except it was being held in Basement 4 since their new house was still being built.
They had been living together since she’d come home from the hospital anyway, so when Dex found some vacant land nearby that had come up for sale, he had proposed they build a house together, and she had jumped at the chance.
The elevator doors opened, and she gasped. The last time she’d seen Basement 4, all the normal play areas had been removed. There had been only a stage with stocks like the ones they used in the medieval era to punish lawbreakers, and hundreds of cushions scattered around on the floor.
She had watched the event-turned-orgy from Basement 3 in Dex’s private alcove, and they had celebrated on their own.
She smiled at the memory.
The stage was still set up, but surrounding it were several round tables, reminding her of a ballroom in a high-priced resort.
“It’s about time you made an appearance.” Kate gasped as she recognized Uncle Carl’s voice. He enveloped her in a tight bear hug that she returned with equal gusto. She had seen him several times since she’d been released from the hospital, but it was great to see him here at the party.
“How are you feeling?”
He winked at her. “I feel great. I’m still young enough to bounce right back. How about you?”
Kate sighed with contentment. “I’m great, actually. Happier than I’ve ever been.” She smiled as memories of him over the years came back to her. “I’m glad you’re here—I’m just surprised.”
“Surprised I would show up at a kinky sex club?” He laughed. “My only problem now is that Gloria wants to tour the place, and I think she might pressure me to try it out.” He smiled. “I survived the alligator attack, but I’m not sure I would survive a membership here. I guess we’ll find out.” He shrugged. “I never could say no to my wonderful wife.”
“Let me know if you guys do want to join. I can introduce you to the owner.”
He nodded and patted her shoulder. “Brent and I already met, but I appreciate the offer. I don’t want to monopolize you. I know there are several people wanting to meet you.” He pointed toward a table at the front of the stage, where a stunning black woman was openly studying her.
“Thanks, Uncle Carl. I love you.”