The Millionaire’s Ultimate Catch Read Free Page A

touched a prominent bruise on her cheek. “It could have been much worse. Luckily, Naomi saved me.”
    Only then did he take in the complete picture. He stood in a patient’s room. A curtain partially drawn shielded his view of the person on the bed. Monitoring equipment beeped their noisy intrusion in the small space.
    Chantelle pulled the curtain back completely. He stepped closer, now a bit reticent to intrude. His sister took his hand inviting him closer to the bed.
    “Naomi,” his sister whispered. “I’d like you to meet my brother.”
    The woman, heavily bandaged, lying against the pillow, opened her eyes. She blinked as if trying to focus. He didn’t know what to say. His eyes drifted to her face and neck, taking in the vivid purple and blue bruises.
    “Who did this to you?” Outrage burned in him.
    The woman opened her mouth.
    “Shh, remember the doctor said that you shouldn’t talk.” Chantelle touched the woman’s arm. “This is Naomi Venable. She saved me.”
    Zack noted his sister’s open admiration. He looked at the injured figure lying in the large hospital bed. Tubes led from her arm up to the IV bags at her side. One hand was encased in a soft cast up to the wrist.
    “I heard them tell her that she strained the muscles in her hand. They also bruised her ribs, and she might have a slight concussion. The doctor wants to keep her for observation.”
    Now, Zack felt his own admiration stir. “Have they caught the guys?” Zack didn’t often use his influence around town, but the police chief was only a phone call away. He wanted someone to pay.
    “One guy was caught. They’re looking for the other three. But also they got evidence from the scene and from us.”
    Zack’s head snapped up. He hated to ask. “Did they—”
    “No, neither one of us was raped.” Chantelle’s eyesfilled with tears. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m crying.”
    Zack pulled her into his arms. Her head rested lightly below his chest. Then he saw the woman looking at him. “Thank you,” he mouthed. She slowly blinked her response.
    Zack reached down and touched the hand that was free of bandages. He squeezed it slightly, sending his message of thanks again. She returned the gesture. He allowed her hand to rest in his. This woman who’d saved his sister stirred his curiosity but also deep admiration.
    “Where did you two meet?”
    “We didn’t meet.” Chantelle smiled at Naomi. “That’s the thing. My friend at the game wanted to go hang out at a club afterward. I didn’t want to go. I was going to cut through the parking lot to get a taxi.”
    “Why didn’t you call me?”
    “I didn’t want a lecture,” she said plainly.
    Zack opened his mouth to launch into one but realized this wasn’t the time. He waited for Chantelle to continue.
    “First the guys approached like they were all cool and helpful. Then one of them started saying really nasty stuff. I told him that I didn’t like it. But they were like a pack of dogs looking for the latest catch.” Chantelle’s voice hitched. “Me.”
    Zack rubbed his forehead. He struggled to find the appropriate comforting words when he wanted to declare war.
    The woman groaned. He returned his attention to her. Her eyes flickered open. Her mouth moved, but no sound emerged.
    “Her teammates found us. Those guys barely escaped. Those women were ready to kill them.”
    “Who is she?”
    “You are so clueless. If you didn’t work all the time, you’d know. This is Naomi Venable. She plays for the Chicago Ladybirds.”
    “Ah.” He still didn’t have a clue. “That’s nice.”
    “Nice!” Chantelle punched him in the arm. “She played tonight. She risked a lot to help me. Thank goodness the season is over. Could you imagine if this was in the spring?” His sister’s eyes rounded in horror. “Now look at her, she won’t be able to finish the exhibition games. Hopefully, though, by the time they start practicing, she’ll be back to her