“Do I have to?”
“You don’t have to just yet, but it might make you feel better. It’s necessary for all victims of a violent crime.”
“It’s for the best, sweetheart.” I look at Anthony and know he’s worried about me.
“Okay. I will.”
“Good. Now, we’re going to make sure you’re well hydrated and resting. If you need anything, just buzz the nurses’ station. I’ve got a couple more rounds to make. It’s good to see you again, Ms. Walker.” He nods, then shakes Anthony’s hand and leaves the room.
“Thank you for saving me. I don’t think I told you, but things would have been so different if you hadn’t come.”
“I know, but don’t thank me. I shouldn’t have left you that day. I shouldn’t have let you go a day without knowing that you mean the world to me. I’m a fool, Jules. I came back to tell you that.”
“What changed your mind?”
“I wanted to go back into the house the second I left, but I figured you didn’t really want me. What I feel for you isn’t just something small. I don’t want to let you go, ever. I pushed you away to give you a chance at living your life. Then I learned that you didn’t want to be with a man like me.”
“Didn’t want to be with a man like you?”
“Yes. My sister told me that you didn’t want our kind of life, and your uncle reminded me of it when you quit.” I had to think back on it. “If you didn’t want forever with me, I couldn’t let my selfish love for you steal away your joy. One day you’d grow to hate me.”
“You love me?”
“Since before I should have.”
“What do you mean?”
“From the first time I walked into the bakery, I wanted to make you mine.”
“And it’s been over eight months since then, and you are only telling me now. Why did you push me away?”
“You didn’t want to be with people like us.” I sigh, thinking even then that those words said out of spite would come back to haunt me.
“I didn’t say that until I saw relief flood your face in the bakery when I thought you were going to kiss me.”
“Jules, relief? The only relief I felt was that I hadn’t stripped you bare and fucked you on that counter for my sister to see. You deserved more than me putting my baby inside of you while licking buttercream off your tits.”
“Whoa. I don’t need to hear that shit.”
“Then knocking is probably something you should work on in the future.”
“You got me there, but the wife refused to wait.”
“Dear girl,” my aunt sighs, moving to the opposite side of Anthony. She reaches over to brush my hair out of my face and tucks it gently behind my ear. “The boys are on their way. Penny is on her way with Jackson as well.”
“I’m here,” Penny calls out from the door, waddling her pregnant butt in hurriedly.
“Calm down, Pen. You’re going to have the baby right here.”
“I’m fine.” Penny nudges Anthony out of the way, and he manages to avoid the machines with ease despite nearly being barreled over. “How are you? I could kill that bastard. Jackson will, you know.”
Chapter Seven
Blade
This has been one hell of a twenty-four hours. I sit and stare at Jules as she takes a nap, running my fingers over her hair, thinking about how I’ve failed her again. I broke her heart without realizing it, and then I let someone harm her. I should get my ass handed to me by her uncle and maybe her cousins. Penny’s got some tough older brothers that I’ve met before. I’m about to beat myself up some more when Penny knocks on the door and strolls in with Jackson in tow, carrying several bags.
“How is she?”
“She should be cleared to leave in the next couple of hours. I’m so glad you could do this for me. How did it go with her parents?”
“You don’t want to know. Just keep those assholes away from her. We can talk about that in more detail later,” Jackson snarls as he sets the bags on the large sofa.
“We can’t stay, but I wanted you to know that if you need anything, just give us a holler.”
“I will. Thanks, brother.” We shake hands, and I give Penny the slightest of hugs before they split. I return to my vigil, wanting Jules to know that I’m always here and I’m not going anywhere
I’m not sure what the fuck he learned, but one thing’s for sure; they’ll never get that close to her again. I resume my perch next to Jules and doze off for a bit. My phone vibrates in my pocket, waking me, so I slide it out quietly and answer, stepping off to the other side of the room. It’s Roxie calling. She’s concerned after learning about the incident and called to see how I’m handling it, but after a quick reassurance, she drops the subject and reminds me that my birthday is in a week. I barely hang up with her when I get a call from Denver, wondering how Jules is doing.
I look over as I answer him only to see that she’s awake, looking around until she finds me, and a soft smile spreads across her face. “I’ve got to go,” I tell Denver. Ending the call and tucking my phone in my pocket, I walk over to her and sit on the bed, taking her good hand in mine. “How was your nap?”
“Good. Who was that?” Do I sense jealousy?
“Your uncle. He was just checking up on you.”
“Oh. When do I get to go home?”
“We’re leaving for Steeleville as soon as they get the release papers to us.”
“I need to go to the bathroom,” she says meekly, hiding her face so I can’t see her blush. We all have to go. I won’t tell her that she farted in her sleep. It wasn’t very loud, but she’d probably be mortified.
I help her out of the bed so that she can walk there. Once she comes back to get dressed, we can break out of the hospital.
She steps out of the bathroom looking more refreshed than a few minutes ago, and I swear my dick is trying to break out of my pants. He doesn’t care that she’s been through hell. He wants to unload on her in any way possible. "How are you doing? Do you need my help getting dressed?" I choke out, swallowing hard.
"As much as I'm sure you'd love to see my ruined body, I can manage,” she remarks, moving to the suitcase on the chair.
I grab her hand and turn her toward me, pulling her into my arms. Tipping her chin to get her to look at me, I ask, "Ruined? Are you talking about the scars?"
"Yes, I looked in the mirror last night and right now. I look like I fell through several panes of glass."
"You proved that you're a fighter. I want to kiss every single nick that fuck made on your body, and kiss away any worries you have. You're the most beautiful creature I've ever seen, and I mean that with everything I am. Now, please start changing." I release my hold on her and walk to the door, but I don't leave. Instead, I flip the lock, making sure no one dares see my woman naked.
"I thought you were going to wait outside."
"I never said any such thing. I just asked if you needed my help. Unless you don't feel comfortable, but I promise, one day when you're ready, I'm going to strip you bare and fuck you so good like you deserve."