Beneath This Man(145)

The doctor looks back at me when he gets no response from Jesse. 'We need to do an examination to determine whether you were raped.'

'What?' I blurt. Oh God!

'She wasn't alone,' Jesse replies, more calmly than I expected. 'I watched her hit the deck, I was there in a split second.' He turns to face me, and I stare into his tortured eyes. I feel devoid of any emotion. I think I might be in shock.

'And you are sure of this?'

'Yes.' Jesse all but growls.

'Sir, I would like to carry out the checks,' he pushes, 'for bruises and scratches, initially.'

'I've checked every square inch of her. There isn't a mark on her.' Jesse stomps across the room and flings the door open. 'Kate?'

I hear a brief exchange of abrupt, muffled words from outside the door, no doubt Jesse pressing for answers. The doctor flicks a confused gaze from me to Jesse, while I continue to wrack my brain for something.

He's by my side again. 'Baby, Kate said she went for a cigarette, but Tom was with you. Can you remember that?'

'Yes.' I answer quickly. I definitely remember that. 'But Tom went to the toilet while Kate was having a cigarette.' I add.

'Okay, do you remember what happened during the time you were on your own?' he pushes.

'Yes.' I won't tell him why I remember. Holy shit, mentioning Matt would be a grave mistake. 'Why?' I ask.

'Because, Ava, I don't want anyone poking you about unless they really need to, so please, think hard.' He squeezes my hands. 'Before I turned up, were you okay? Do you remember everything?'

'Yes, I do.'

'That is good.' Doctor Manvi interjects. 'But, Ava, I would be happier if you would consent to the examination.'

'No! I know nothing happened. I have no bruises, no cuts.'

'If you are one hundred percent sure, Ava, I can't force you.'

'Damn right you can't f*cking force her!' Jesse hisses.

Oh God, get me out of here. 'Nothing happened. I remember everything until Jesse arrived.' I look at Jesse. 'I remember everything.' My voice is shaking. I'm shaking.

He slides his palm over me cheek. 'I know. I believe you.'

'Okay. All of your vitals are fine.' Doctor Manvi says. 'You'll have a sore head for a while, but other than that, you will make a full recovery. Once I've sorted your discharge papers, you can go home.'

'How long will that take?' Jesse has reverted back to madman.

'Sir, we are in the aftermath of a Saturday night in central London. How long is a piece of string?'

'I'm taking her home now.' Jesse says with utter finality. I look up at him and know immediately it's a battle not worth fighting - not if you want to live. Doctor Manvi looks at me, and I nod my acceptance.

He rises from his chair. 'Okay.' he practically sighs. He's not happy.

I lay back in a complete trance as I watch the Doctor talking to Jesse. I hear nothing. It's all a muddled garble in the distance. How did this happen? I didn't once leave my drink unattended. I didn't accept a drink that was offered. I was careful and sensible. Jesus, what if I had of gone to the toilet a few seconds earlier and missed Jesse at the door? I could have been unconscious and completely unaware of anything going on around me. I could have been raped. I'm attacked by unexpected tears and uncontrollable shakes as I start sobbing in my hands.

'Baby, please don't cry.' I feel his warmth engulf me, holding me tight as my body jerks under him. 'Baby, I'll get really crazy mad if you cry.'

I sob relentlessly while he comforts me, muttering his own little curses and prayers above my head. 'I'm so sorry.' I heave between sobs. I don't know why I'm sorry, maybe for defying him and going out anyway. I really don't know, but I feel so remorseful.

'Ava, please shut up.' he pleads, holding me tight and stroking my hair soothingly. I'm aware of the frantic clatter of his heartbeat under my ear.

When I've finally regained a little control, I wipe away my tears and sniffle. I must look like a tear stained mess. 'I'm fine,' I say, taking a few calming breaths and pushing him away, 'I want to go home.' I sound like a spoilt brat.

I start to clamber from the bed, but I'm met by the fierceness of a tall, lean, green-eyed wall. He picks me up and starts for the door, meeting Kate on the way. 'Get her stuff.' he orders, striding past her.