*mentions of physical abuse*
“What the hell was that? You were fucking him with your eyes, Y/N” Sam barked. “Another couple minutes and I think you would have screwed him right there.” Sam pushed you up against the car.
“Well, at least I didn’t fuck a co-worker, Sam. Someone I have to see every day.” You regretted the words as soon as they left your mouth. Sam backhanded you across the cheek so hard you saw stars and tears stung your eyes.
Sam grabbed your shoulders and slammed you against the car.”Oof.” The wind was knocked out of you.
“That wouldn’t have happened if-”
“NYPD. Back away from her Sam.” The strong voice was a welcome sound. “Now turn around, slowly. Put your hands behind your head.”
Sam narrowed his eyes at you. “This isn’t over.” He gave you a malicious smile before turning around, making your skin crawl.
Nick hurried over, handcuffed Sam, shoved him in his car, then radioed for a patrol car and a medic. Once that was done, he approached you. He gently grasped your shoulders. “Are you okay?” He gingerly touched your face where a bruise was already forming.
You sucked air through your teeth and winced. “Ah.” Nick’s jaw clenched at your pain. “I’m fine. Really. I’ve had…,” you cleared your throat. “I’m fine.”
You saw the disbelief in his eyes. Nick shook his head. “This isn’t the first time he-” Nick stopped his question. He already knew the answer. He scratched the back of his neck. “I’m sorry. It’s not any…”
The arrival of the squad and cops halted the conversation, much to your relief. This was not a conversation you wanted to have with a stranger. A medic helped you onto the back of the squad. You watched as Nick hauled Sam out of his car and into the cruiser.
“So how soon will he be out?” Nick looked surprised at your question. You averted your gaze from NIck to your feet.
“I don’t think anything is broke, but you should still get an X-ray. Examined for a concussion.” The medic put a small bandage over the small cut on your cheek.
You nodded your head. “Thanks.” When you looked back to Nick, he was studying you. “It’s not as bad as it looks.”
“Uh, you’ll need to give a statement. I assume you are pressing charges?” You nodded in the affirmative. Nick offered his hand to help you from the squad. “C’mon. I’ll give you a ride. But first, the hospital.”
Nick left you with one of the officers to give your statement. “I’ll be right back.” He touched your shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
“Hey, Marino. How ya doin’?” They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
“Nick. You gotta see this guys file.” He pushed it to him. “I don’t know how he is still on the streets, let alone a doctor.”
Multiple assault, domestic violence, harassment and other charges- all dropped or dismissed. A couple were from you, the rest were from other women, over the last 10 years. He looked over where you were sitting. Now he understood your question about how soon Sam would be out.
“He is a piece of work. She okay?” Marino nodded toward you.
Looking over to where you were sitting, he sighed. “Yeah. She will be. I’ll be sure of it.” He turned back to Marino. “Where is he?”
“Mr.- excuse me, Dr. Wonderful,” Marino said sarcastically, “is making his one phone call.”
“Hey, baby. It’s Sam. I need something-” He chuckled. “We’ll get to that later. I need a favor…”