by Erin Osborne
When I’ve tried to shut my mind off so I can get any amount of rest, I’ve been curled up around Flynn. His body is so warm as I listen to his heart beat strong and steady in his chest. Still, nothing will take my mind off of everything Flynn told me today. I’m honestly grateful he didn’t keep me in the dark until all the information was brought to light. I’d rather know what’s going on if it’s going to effect my life in a drastic way. This is definitely a drastic change.
Somewhere around four this morning, as I was sitting out under the moon and stars, an idea came to me. I’m not sure Flynn would even go for it, but it’s worth a try. It all comes down to two things. The first is me getting up the nerve to talk to Flynn about it. Secondly, we’ll both have to go through with what I’m thinking. I can’t even be sure I’ll be secure and brave enough to even mention my thoughts to Flynn.
It’s way too early for where my mind has gone. Not to mention I’m not sure how things would work considering neither one of us are in Australia right now. We’re in the states and everything we need is back home. I’m so lost in my head, I don’t hear Flynn join me outside with a cup of tea for each of us.
“Did you sleep okay?” he asks after placing a gentle kiss on my lips.
“No. I haven’t slept yet. Everything has been playing over and over in my mind,” I answer him honestly.
“I’m sorry. If I could take this all away from you, I would. But, you have to know I told you what I did because you deserve to know and it’s your right to protect yourself. I’ll do what I can to help protect you, but it’s not going to be easy. You have a lot of decisions to make and I’ll listen to what you decide and we’ll figure out a way to make it work for both of us. I wasn’t lying last night when I said I didn’t want to lose you,” he assures me, never once taking his eyes from me.
“I don’t want to lose you either. There’s only one way I can think of to ensure King can’t get my money and no one else can touch me,” I say, taking a deep breath because now Flynn won’t let me hide.
“What’s that, angel?” he questions me, setting his cup down as Rosa walks out on the balcony.
“Since your up, I brought up breakfast early. Didn’t know if you had to leave early or not and didn’t want you to leave hungry,” she tells us, setting full plates down in front of us before quietly disappearing once more.
Rosa never lets us thank her for bringing us meals or cooking for us. Whenever I try to thank her, she basically tells me to hush and leaves the room. I understand she feels she’s simply doing her job, but that’s not how I look at it. I’m a guest here, one she probably wasn’t counting on, and I’m going to thank her when I can. Instead, she leaves wherever I am before I can thank her. I can’t help but laugh at her because she’s so set in her ways.
“What’s your idea, Imogen?” Flynn asks me after we’ve each taken a few bites of our breakfast.
“Well, I was thinking about how you said I have to get married in order to get my money now. So, what if I got married?” I question him, not putting his name in the conversation because I’m not sure how he feels about that.
Flynn’s face turns red as the veins in his neck and temple pulse and push his skin out. I’ve never seen this look on his face before. At least not directed at me. And it wasn’t as bad as it was last night when he was talking to Liam about the possible involvement of his father in this whole plan with King. No, it’s because I mentioned getting married. I can read him pretty good now when he’s in certain moods and this is one I don’t want to see from him again.
“And who were you thinking of getting married to? Tommaso? Or someone else from here?” he questions, his voice tight and harsh as his chest rapidly rises and deflates.
“You,” I mumble under my breath.
Flynn’s eyes are on me as my own are cast downward on the table in front of us. I don’t want to see what he’s feeling or thinking right now. This is too important and embarrassing for me to witness all of the laughter and anger at my suggestion. I don’t know Flynn good enough to feel confident to look at him as he processes what I’m saying.
“Are you serious?” he questions me, standing up and lifting my face so I’m looking at him instead of the table. “You would marry me to prevent anything from happening to your money? Or you?”
“I’m not sure if it’s the right answer or not, but it’s the only one I can come up with. I would marry you if the money wasn’t involved. We both agreed we were working toward a future together. I assume that would include getting married at some point in time,” I begin, keeping my eyes on him this time. “We’d just be doing it a little sooner than planned. I would never even think about doing this with someone else, Flynn. Only you. If it’s not something you want to do, then we’ll figure something out. Like I said, it was just an idea.”
Flynn doesn’t say a word to me. He holds my gaze for several minutes before picking his phone up off the table. I have no clue what’s happening right now. Especially when he walks away and I can’t hear what’s being said. Dread fills me as the thought of him leaving me hits home. This could be the one thing that will push him over the edge and have someone else take over watching me. Maybe leave me in the hands of someone here so he can go back home for good. I won’t be a concern for him any longer.
Tears fill my eyes as I push my plate away and make my way back in the room. Grabbing a change of clothes, I make my way to the shower, so Flynn won’t hear me crying. He can take a shower to get ready for his day in his old room. It’s not like that wasn’t how things happened when we first got here. Today is just the beginning of the end because I opened my mouth and didn’t fully think through bringing up the subject of marriage with him.
I sink down in the shower, letting the hot water fall over me. Lowering my head, I mask my tears even further since the water is cascading down from my hair and rolling over my face. Silently, I cry and let the tears fall over and drop carelessly to the floor of the shower being washed away with the rest of the water.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been sitting in the bottom of the shower and I truly don’t care. However, I hear the door open and minutes later the shower door opens. Flynn is down in front of me, pulling me into his arms without a second’s hesitation. He holds me while rocking us back and forth until I can get my emotions back under control. When he feels as if I’m ready to talk, Flynn pulls me up out of the shower and washes my hair and body. I’ve never had a man wash me before. It feels amazing to be taken care of by someone. Flynn makes me feel special and amazing every single day.
“Why are you crying?” Flynn asks me once he has a towel wrapped around my hair and my body is dried off.
“You just walked away,” I tell him, more tears rolling down my face. “Figured you were making a call to send me away or leave me here while you go home.”
“Never,” he answers vehemently. “I was making a call to Liam so he can send me all of the necessary paperwork we need to get married. You put the idea out there and we’re gonna make it happen. I don’t want to wait until we’re back in Australia to make it happen though. We’ll get married and then together we’ll figure out when we can go home. We’ll be home soon though. I love you Imogen. Never once thought I’d ever say those words to someone not in my blood family. You have changed so much about me. Today, I’m going to have Tommaso help me get some things ready and be back early. You rest and try to get some sleep, angel. You need to get some sleep and not let all of this get in your head.”
“I love you, Flynn. I’ll get some sleep and see you when you get back,” I tell him, pressing my body against his for a kiss.
As Flynn goes into the bathroom so he can get ready for his day, I put on my light lounge pants and tank top. Brushing my hair, I toss it up in a messy bun. I’m so exhausted, but I want to see Flynn leave. So, I sit up against the headboard and pull the covers up. The TV is on a blank screen, so I lift the remote and turn on the movie we left off with last night. It’s an action so I don’t have
to pay attention to it. I can have it as background noise while I fall asleep.
Flynn comes out wrapped in nothing more than a towel. He walks past me to the closet where he pulls out one of his suits. I watch him get dressed, admiring all of the lines on his body and his muscles as they ripple and move with every movement of his body. My mouth waters and I want to get a chance to explore his body. Again.
“See something you like angel?” he asks me, knotting his tie and pulling it tight.
“Yes,” I answer without hesitation.
I’m not going to lie about it. Flynn’s body does something to me and I’ll gladly look at him any chance he gives me.
“I’m heading out,” he says, walking around the edge of the bed. “I’ll see you soon my sweet angel.”
“I’ll see you soon. Love you, Flynn,” I murmur, sliding down under the covers.
Flynn covers me up and gives me a kiss before leaving the room. I don’t even hear him close the door behind him because my eyes are shut, and I’m passed out. Sleep doesn’t hesitate to claim me since I’ve been up for over a day now.
Chapter Twenty-One
Flynn
THE LAST TWO weeks have dragged by. We’ve been waiting to find out exactly what we need to get married while we’re in the states. Other than waiting on our birth certificates, I think we have everything else taken care of. Liam made sure the paperwork we needed because we’re not United States citizens was faxed to Sal. Imogen and I have filled it all out and now we wait on our certificates to get here.
Tommaso and Sal have been helping me get everything else ready. Imogen doesn’t want anything over the top or elaborate. She’d rather we get married in one of her favorite spots here; out back behind the pool. There’s a small garden of Gerbera daisies of all different colors. When she’s not reading by the pool, that’s where she’s been spending her time. Rosa showed them to her and she instantly fell in love.
Imogen has been tending the garden and never looks better than when I get back and she’s covered in smudges of dirt with her hair falling all around her face instead of up in whatever she had it in during the day. Rosa lets her have this because she’s so happy to work out there. And it keeps her occupied.
We’ll make sure the ceremony happens there. Anything to make her happy. I think it’s perfect because there’s stone pavers lining the walkway to the gardens behind the pool. There’s also an archway already built in that leads to the deep backyard where no one ever goes. Other than the armed guards. It would make a good area for a large party, but that’s not what we’re doing. The only ones who will be attending the wedding and small reception are Sal, Bianca, Tommaso, Dom, Mia, Gabriel, and Diego. Sal’s lawyer, Anderson, will also be here to ensure we have everything we need to make our marriage legal. Not only here in the states, but in Australia when we head back home too. Rosa will also be in attendance because this is her home and Imogen has a bond with her.
I’m with Tommaso, unloading a shipment of their product when I get a call. Pulling my phone from my pockets and see someone from the house calling me. I’m not sure who the hell would be calling as my heart begins to race.
“Hello?” I question as Tommaso looks up at me with the hesitancy in my tone.
“Flynn, it’s Rosa,” she says, her voice low over the line. “I got your number from Sal. I’m sorry to call but Imogen is sick. She hasn’t eaten all day and has been throwing up since getting out of bed this morning. I wanted to take the mail up to her, but I don’t want to bother her. I’m not sure what’s wrong with her or what to do to help her.”
“Okay. I’ll see if Tommaso can call in the doctor. I’ll be there in a little bit. Do you know what the mail is?” I question her.
“Just that I had to sign for the envelop and it’s from Australia,” she answers. “Should I take her up some ginger ale or juice maybe?”
“Please do,” I tell her. “I’ll be there soon.”
Hanging up, I put the phone back in my pocket and explain what’s going on to Tommaso. He calls the doctor as we unload the last three crates so we can head out. The doctor will be meeting us at the house. Tommaso also calls Sal to let him know what’s going on. Sal isn’t pissed we’re leaving if something is going on with Imogen. The few times they’ve met and interacted, he’s respected her and likes her. If something is going on with her, he’ll make sure it’s taken care. In fact, Tommaso has to call and let him know what’s going on once we find out.
After locking up the warehouse, we head out. Tommaso races through the streets until we get to the house. The doctor pulls in right behind us as I leave them and run to the room we’ve been sharing; Imogen’s room. She’s lying in the bed with no TV on, the doors to the balcony are shut, and she’s made the room as dark as she can get it with sheer curtains. Since the light coming through the curtains is still so bright, Imogen has her head under the blankets as I reach her side and pull her into my arms.
Imogen opens her eyes and I feel her face to find no fever. She’s not hot which makes me extremely unsure of what’s going on with her. Her face is pale, lips dry, and her eyes are watery as she looks up me. Imogen’s hair is all over the place while her clothes are rumpled and looks as if she’s been wearing them for days instead of the few hours since I left the house.
“Angel, what’s wrong?” I ask her, my voice pleading to my own ears.
“I don’t know,” she groans out.
“The doctor is here,” I let her know as he walks in the room and to the opposite side of her.
“Imogen, you’re not feeling good today?” he questions, sitting his bag down on the bed and pulling several items out.
She shakes her head and I watch on as her eyes get large and she covers her mouth with her hand. Imogen jumps out of my arms and races to the bathroom. Following her in, I hold her hair back as she gets sick. My heart hurts hearing her lose the nothing in her stomach. I can’t make this better for her or take away the pain she’s feeling.
After several minutes, she pushes away from the toilet, barely able to move from her weakness. I help her wash up her face as tears slide down her face. Wiping them away, I help her back out to the bed. Once she’s settled back down and covered up, the doctor begins examining her. She shivers when he uncovers her and keeps her eyes closed against the bright light. Maybe Tommaso can get something we can cover the doors up with to help her.
I stand back and watch Doc go over everything with my angel. She answers his questions and lays back with her eyes closed when he’s not talking to her. This is killing me. Doc draws some blood before asking me to wait out in the hallway. I’m not sure about leaving her side, but she opens her eyes and silently lets me know it’s okay.
“Do you have any idea what could be going on with her?” I ask him, needing to know how serious this is once he leaves the room.
“I have an inkling about what’s wrong. The bloodwork should confirm my suspicions,” he answers, not giving me anything other than that. “For now, try to get some bland soup in her along with water and ginger ale. Nothing heavy or carbonated. I want everything she eats or drinks as bland as possible.”
I walk him down and wait for Tommaso to come back inside. While I’m waiting, Rosa hands me the manilla envelop that came in the mail today. Ripping open the top, I pull out our birth certificates. This was the only thing holding us up from getting married. Now, I’m not even going to mention it to Imogen because of how sick she is. She only needs to be worried about feeling better and whatever the bloodwork shows.
“How’s she doing?” Tommaso asks when he comes back in.
“Not good. She got sick while the doctor was up there. I don’t even know if I can call it sick because there’s nothing in her stomach to get rid of at this point,” I answer him. “He took some blood and said he’d get back with us as soon as possible. We have to try and get her to eat bland soup and drinks so there’s something in her stomach.”
“What’s that?” he questions, nodding down to the p
aperwork in my hand.
“Our birth certificates,” I tell him, putting them back in the envelop. “The only thing I care about is her feeling better. What I did want to ask is if there’s any way we can darken that room up there? She’s burying her head under the blankets.”
“Yeah. Give me a minute to have Rosa grab the darker sets of curtains we can put up for right now,” he answers me, heading off in search of her.
I make my way back upstairs. Imogen is still under the covers. I grab a bottle of water Rosa left for her and walk over to her side. Sitting down gently so I don’t disturb her too much, I pull the blankets back slightly.
“Angel, I need you to try and take a sip of this water. We need to get something in your stomach,” I tell her, placing my head on her cheek.
Imogen barely sits up as I tip the bottle to her mouth. She takes a few sips of the water before laying back down. I cover her back up as Tommaso knocks on the door and walks in. His arms are full of material. Standing up after placing a kiss against her temple before helping Tommaso. We hang the black curtains over top of the sheer ones. Between the two of them, we’ll make the room dark enough for her. At least so she doesn’t have to have her head covered and can get some air.
Once we’re done. Tommaso walks over to her, rubs her back for a second, and leaves us in the room. Now, we just have to wait for the doctor to call us back and we’ll know where to go from here.
I’ve been sitting with Imogen all afternoon. Sal and Tommaso have each called to see if we’ve heard from the doctor yet. We haven’t. Movies have been playing as Imogen sleeps on and off, drinking and trying to get the soup in her stomach when she’s awake. So far, she hasn’t been sick again and has been keeping the food down. Maybe she has some sort of twenty-four-hour bug or something like that. I hope so because I can’t stand her being sick.
When she falls asleep once more, my phone rings once more. Looking at the caller ID, I see it’s finally the doctor calling me. At least I’m hoping so because I don’t remember the number.