"The examination is non-invasive," the doctor continued. "Just a quick check to ensure there's no physical evidence of assault. It would put everyone's minds at ease."
Keira's mind raced. If they did the examination, they'd find evidence of sexual activity. Alexei's semen would still be inside her. They'd see the slight bruising on her thighs from where his fingers had gripped her. They'd know she'd had sex recently.
And then the questions would start. The assumptions. When it came out the kidnappers hadn't touched her. The only other person was Alexei. Media nightmare waiting to happen.
"No," she said again, more firmly this time. "I don't consent to the examination."
Dr. Morris frowned. "Miss Warner, I understand you've been through a traumatic experience, but—"
"My answer is no." Keira slid off the examination table, her bare feet hitting the cold floor. "I'm fine. No one hurt me. I want to go home."
The doctor exchanged a glance with the nurse who had been quietly taking notes in the corner. Something passed between them that made Keira's stomach drop.
"Miss Warner," Dr. Morris said carefully, "you're showing several signs that concern me. Defensive behavior, reluctance to allow examination, emotional volatility. These are often indicators that something happened that you're not ready to discuss."
"Or they're indicators that I've just spent thirty-six hours locked in a warehouse wondering if I was going to die," Keira snapped. The timeline was a guess because she had no idea how long she'd been there. "Of course I'm emotional. Of course I'm defensive. That doesn't mean I was raped."
"No one's accusing anyone of anything," the doctor said calmly.
"Prince Alexei didn't leave my side he can tell you the kidnappers didn't do anything," Keira interrupted. "End of story."
But she could see in their faces that they didn't believe her. The defensive tone, the fact that she was refusing the examination—it all painted a picture that she couldn't seem to erase.
Dr. Morris sighed. "I can't force you to undergo the examination if you refuse. But I am required to note your refusal in your medical record, and given the circumstances..."
"No, you can't." Keira agreed.
Dr Morris sighed and left the room.
"Family of Keira Warner?"
Blair was on her feet instantly. "That's us."
Sutton was right beside her.
"I'm Dr. Morris. Good news first… Miss Warner is in excellent physical condition. No serious injuries, just some minor bruising and dehydration."
"Can we see her?" Sutton asked.
"In a moment. I do need to discuss our standard protocol for hostage situations." Dr. Morris glanced around the group. "We typically recommend a full medical evaluation to check for any... assault or sexual trauma."
The words hung in the air. Roman felt Blair go rigid beside him. That hadn't crossed their minds in all this. Rage built inside him. If he could get to the four men now, he would fucking kill them.
"Did she..." Blair's voice was barely a whisper.

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