“It’s nice, and I like it a lot. A kind older man rented it to me for less so I can afford your school easier,” I answered after a moment, and he sighed with relief. I should have realized he was worrying, poor sprout. “Plus, Marcus and his wife, Ava, are my bosses, and they pay me well. More than I’ve ever received before. So, I shall save up to take us out of the country. Or perhaps buy a house here,” I added under my breath.
“Only if jackass goes away,” Matty sighed, his expression darkening. “He better be careful because I’ll kill him for what he does to you.”
“You will do no such thing, young man,” I denied sternly. “I mean it, Matty.” He scoffed, and I quirked my brow. His eyes widened after a moment, and I grinned.
“I take it back!” He cried, but it was too late. I pounced and tickled him without mercy.
“We’ve been through this, bro, I ain’t afraid to tickle your defiance out of you,” I laughed while he squealed. Marcus watched us with a soft smile, his eyes full of warmth, and I chuckled. “Marcus won’t save you so, hah! And Tammy won’t either. Guess you better change your ways, eh?” Matty laughingly cried never and tried to squirm away to no avail. Once Tammy announced breakfast was ready, I released him, and he ran to the safety of the table.
“You will be a wonderful mother,” Marcus sighed, and I glanced at him with a frown. That’s not random. Then again, Matty, so I guess it wasn’t random. Well, damn.
“Perhaps. I don’t know if I’ll ever find someone I trust enough. As the victim of an abusive father, I can’t risk subjecting someone else to that. I’ll probably die alone since my heart is too scarred for me to risk. Besides, who would want me, anyway?” I sighed with a shrug. No need to candy-coat it. The truth hurts, but it usually does.
“Eh, Riff might have something to say about that,” Marcus chuckled, and my cheeks heated. Without looking at the older male, I followed Matty’s example and retreated to the table. Laughing, Marcus sat a few moments later, smiling at Tammy, who introduced herself and scolded me when I tried to apologize.
“I’ve told you, Angel, you are not to worry about unimportant things like this when we visit. I want you to spend every available second together. I will figure out the rest, all right? It’s good for you to take the weight of responsibility off your shoulders and be a kid when you can. You’re only young for so long, hmm?” Tammy lectured, and I sighed, eating my breakfast and pouting to make Matty grin. It became a contest between us to see who could look more pathetic. He won, but only because I burst out laughing and couldn’t control my expression.
Marcus tried to give me the day off work, but Matty and I protested, so Matty got to wear a nametag proclaiming him to be an honorary worker. He ate up the attention everyone gave him, ensuring he remained polite and helpful, albeit I noticed angry glares aimed at a few backs. Giving him a reproachful frown, I ruffled his hair, and he sighed before hugging me from the side. He and Zach got along great, which made me smile so big I forgot how to frown. My little brother and my first friend getting along was so surreal, but fantastic.
It was towards the end of the night when the usual sense of unease overtook me, and an unwilling whimper escaped my lips. I clenched my jaw to keep from screaming, although Zach rushed to my side when the pain began, and I hunched to brace my hands on my knees. God, this one made the others seem like a walk in the park, and I bit my fist to stop my screams while tears streamed down my cheeks. Thankfully, it was a quick one, albeit I coughed as soon as it was over. This time, however, I vomited blood. I couldn’t stop, although I tried. As my panic built, more blood burst from my mouth until my vision darkened. I was aware of Tammy grabbing Matty, who struggled to get to me while shouting my name, but everything faded away.
I woke to soft beeping and groggily looked around. I recognized the smell before my eyes focused and sighed. I rarely end up in the hospital excluding his visits. I groaned upon realizing I was so excited about Matty that I left my wallet in my pocket. Sure enough, it sat on the table beside me, and when I opened it, they’d pulled my insurance card. Fuck. Well, here’s hoping they’re not looking yet. Anyway, I should have a few days before they show up, so hopefully whatever this is stops, and I won’t be in such horrible shape when they come.
My stomach radiated agony, as did my healing ribs. Uh oh, here comes the nurse. She frowned, and I glanced around to discover that not only did I have an IV, but a blood bag too. That serious, huh? Well, shit.
“Are you aware that you have broken ribs, young lady?” The stern-faced nurse asked gently, and I sighed. Nodding, I waited for the lecture only to flinch with a pained hiss when she hugged me instead. “You gave us quite the fright. You don’t remember, but you woke throughout the night, coughing up blood or hurling it. The doctors thought we might lose you, multiple times. And your young man paced, at least until they gave him a sedative.”
She stepped aside, and I noticed Matty curled up in the chair behind her, clutching his bear. He was sound asleep, looking so innocent my heart ached knowing I must have scared him so much. Geez, he finally got to visit, and I fell apart. Poor kid. While I watched, his eyes blinked open, filling with tears of relief when he saw I was awake. “Sorry, bud,” I whispered, holding out my arms for a hug. He climbed in the hospital bed, stretching out beside me and crying into my shoulder.
“Your spine worries me, too, do you have a chiropractor? Are you keeping up with your physical therapy?” The nurse asked, and I sighed while shaking my head. “Oh, dear. We are setting you up with both before you leave. I will check in to ensure you make your appointments, dear.” I sighed, although secretly, I enjoyed someone caring. But I wouldn’t be going to either. Still, it’s nice she was willing to try.
A frazzled doctor walked in later and asked if I had any idea what caused my episode. When I shrugged, she frowned but admitted they had no grounds to keep me since I hadn’t coughed up blood in hours. She recommended I stay another night, but I turned her down. I signed the discharge papers while asking the kind nurse about her family to distract her from the fact that she wanted to set up those appointments. It worked, and I learned that she had two kids who shared her love for helping people, although her son took to water like a fish. Her daughter preferred to play the violin when she had the time to spare. Smiling after she left, I dressed, after which Matty clutched my hand so tight his fingers turned white. Tutting, I patted his head and chuckled. I wouldn’t alert him to the trouble coming my way. He didn’t need to worry about me.
Tammy waited out front, bustling us into a cab, and soon enough, we were back at my apartment. A sudden sense of disappointment thrummed through me, almost as if Marcus were in front of me to voice his displeasure. Shaking that weirdness off, I smiled in understanding when Tammy said she wanted to take Matty to the hotel room to force him to nap and shower. I admitted I needed to do the same. Tammy mentioned that Marcus took Ava to a doctor’s appointment, which was why he wasn’t at the hospital, and I smiled with a shrug. Sometimes Tammy read me pretty well too, although she’s known me for six years, so it made sense. Before they left, Matty gave me one of his amazing, loving hugs, and we bid each other goodbye just in case. Never take a moment for granted, ever. Us together was never guaranteed.
Even though neither of them ever mentioned it, I hoped the test was positive because Ava would be a wonderful mother. Shaking my head again, I snorted. Where the hell did that come from? What is going on? This place was beginning to worry me. What was happening to me? I noticed my phone from Char was blinking. I had two hundred messages. Holy shit. Ah, well, Matty came first. I wanted to get candy or something to apologize for worrying him. I placed my phone from Char in a drawer, some instinct saying I needed to. No idea why, but whatever. I wouldn’t bother with the messages now. I was too tired and wasn’t in the mood. It was noon on Monday, I spent the night in the hospital, and I didn’t want to relive it.
When I opened the front door, the hair on the back of my neck stood, and reliving last night se
emed like a wonderful idea. Swallowing nervously, I stepped out regardless, because there was no stopping it now. As soon as I was outside, but my door was not yet closed, hands on my shoulders jerked me backward. I knew better than to cry for help. All it did was irritate them and make them even crueler. Like trying to swat a hornet. Dreadful mistake, but you only do it once.
Gritting my teeth when two men held me in place with their hands on my shoulders, I raised my gaze to glare at the bastard. “Angel, Angel, Angel,” he sighed, “I am so disappointed. How many times have we done this? Yet you made a mistake you haven’t in years? Are you in love or something? I will handle that problem for you.” The man who stars in my nightmares stood before me with a grim frown and disappointment in his eyes. He’s attractive, I’ll give him that. Usually, his voice was velvety smooth, and most people hung on his every word. But his anger made it harsh and abrasive, like rotting silk.
He was taller than Riff, with a more muscular build. Although, he hid himself behind a well-tailored suit. Sighing, he took off his coat, hanging it on the knob of my front door. A calculated insult that caused me to bristle until I remembered to control my expression. He casually rolled his sleeves back, and I swallowed while keeping my eyes on the ground at my feet. Talking back led to him commenting how horrible it would be if I could no longer sing because of the loss of my tongue. If I fought, he mentioned how upset I’d be if I couldn’t draw because they removed my left hand. No, he demanded obedience or silence. I didn’t even dare to think sarcastically in his presence for fear of what might slip out. He made good on his promises.
“After all these years, you carelessly use your insurance? How foolish. Did you want us to find you? There are easier ways to get our attention, ways that won’t get you hurt,” he growled. I felt his anger even from several feet away and forced myself to remain calm. Trembling in fear won’t save me. In fact, it’ll make it so much worse. He grabbed my hip, and I couldn’t stop my yelp of pain. But, oh, how I tried. Unfortunately, bracing yourself can only do so much. “Angel?” Raising my shirt, he whistled under his breath. “Ah. So, you made a friend.” His fingers were gentle when he brushed my bruises, but I still shuddered with a soft whine escaping my throat. “That awful? Internal bleeding then, huh? So, you vomited blood, passed out, and woke in the hospital. Very well. It’s not your fault in the least then. Tch. My poor little Angel, so abused and misunderstood.”
After forcing me to accept one of his damn kisses, he stroked my cheek, and I shuddered, gritting my teeth to keep from growling. He nodded, and I stiffened when the smell of cigarette smoke wafted on the air. Ah, crap. I loathed this part. Grabbing my hand, he revealed my palm and pressed the cigarette into it. I didn’t blink, nor flinch. For all the world cared, it never happened since I did not react in the least. “Good girl, Angel,” he praised, and I shuddered inwardly. If I responded, I received two more until I stopped. I learned that lesson years ago. He was a firm believer in ‘two for flinching.’
With a smile, he stroked my hair, and I growled inwardly, although outwardly, my expression didn’t change in the slightest. I barely kept from rolling my eyes and tuned out what he said for several minutes, watching him pace while wondering what was happening at school. Perhaps Riff will embarrass Kyler in gym again. Finally, his expression became softer, and I started listening again. I swear he loves to hear himself talk. “Pity, isn’t it, that you were part of what happened? When I told you how I would kill someone, I never meant for you to be amid it. My poor little Angel, I tried to save you. I never meant for you to witness the carnage. No, I intended for you to be blissfully unaware. I suppose it’s better this way, since you’ve become quite the young woman. You’re beautiful enough to be a doll, but they’re fragile and so breakable. But not my Angel. You stand against the storm, learning from it to ensure you won’t fall prey to its destruction. Your father wanted to do the unspeakable, sell you to a man who would have done horrible things and left your body dolled up for the police to find. So, I feel it’s only fair to return the favor by doing so to his golden child.”
Since he burned my right hand, how thoughtful, my left clenched into a tight fist which he noticed with a slight smirk. “Temper, Angel,” he warned cheerfully. “I’ve offered you a place within my home, but how about a different deal instead? If you tell me where you’ve so cleverly hidden Matty, I will give you your freedom. No more looking over your shoulder, no more running. I will stay out of your life, and you can do whatever you like.”
My fist tightened, and before I could stop myself, I snarled, “fuck you.” I suppose it was poetic, but my nails cut into my skin deep enough that blood leaked through my fingers.
“Oh, Angel, I thought you’d never ask,” he breathed with delight lighting his eyes. Oh no. No, no, no, no, no! I struggled when their hands tightened on my shoulders, trying to hit them with my elbows or feet, but they chuckled indulgently and squeezed hard to leave me gasping in pain. Still, my fingers gripped the doorframe, and I fought with everything I had. I knew what awaited me and what would happen first.
With fear gripping my heart in an unforgiving vise, I did something I’ve never done. “Marcus! Help!” I cried, knowing it was unlikely he was close enough to hear. Still, hope was all I had. The bastard quirked his brow, chuckling when his cigarette loving lackey put his hand over my mouth and jerked me back into the depths of my apartment.
Aftershocks
“Angel!” Someone shook me gently, and the fog surrounding me receded. “Angel!” Shaking my head, I discovered I stood outside my apartment, my fingers curled in tight fists, without a shirt. Marcus sighed with relief, straightening when I blinked.
Sighing, I unclenched my fists and looked Marcus over to make sure they didn’t hurt him. Relief filled me when he appeared fine, and my shoulders relaxed. Wincing when the movement hurt, I mustered the courage to meet Marcus’ gaze. His beautiful blue eyes were full of worry, relief and horror. A slight smile tugged at my lips, and I sighed, “you realize that this is nothing, right? This was just them getting started and being careful of my ribs and abdomen.”
“Careful!?” Marcus snarled, his eyes narrowing with fury and hate swirling within their depths. “You call this careful!?”
“Considering that normally I can’t even move, yeah. Typically, he calls an ambulance as he leaves,” I shrugged after dropping my gaze. Not only was the skin between my shoulders crawling, but I sensed his disappointment, and it made me uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure if he was upset with himself or me, but either way, I didn’t like that he felt that way. Biting my lip, I tried to think of something to say that might make him feel better, but my mind came up with diddly squat. Great. What’s the point of being smart or witty if it does you no good when you need it?
“But I ran him off before he could finish with you,” Marcus finished, his voice seething with fury. I nodded, and the growl that left his throat was low, feral, and terrifying. I took a step back, briefly meeting his eyes, and he calmed. “I’m sorry, Angel, but that he got to you so easily, I feel like I failed you.”
A bitter laugh burst from my mouth, and I shook my head with the beginnings of tears in my eyes. “Marcus, I expected no one to protect me. This is the price I pay to keep Matty safe, and it’s worth it. I’m grateful you stopped what he intended to do before he left this time, but I’ve come to terms with it. Only once I leave the country do I have a chance at freedom,” I declared in a voice that trembled even though I kept my volume low to prevent that. “If you don’t mind, I better retreat to my bathroom and do what I can. I don’t relish returning to the hospital so soon after leaving it since I doubt they’ll let me out this time.”
“No, I will help you. I have a cream that helps prevent scarring and aids in a speedy recovery,” Marcus sighed, his eyes looking me over, and I blew out my breath.
“I have it too, dork, why do you think I’m not covered in scars?” I replied with a slight smile. God, sometimes I swear Marcus could be my older brother.
“This time, other than what I already suffered, the damage is external. Because they knew my ribs hadn’t healed yet.”
“How generous,” Marcus snarled, and I sighed with a roll of my eyes. “If he cared for you, then he wouldn’t hurt you.” Yeah, if he wasn’t a sick bastard.
“That’s not his schtick,” I scoffed, crossing my arms only to grimace when the movement reminded me of the wounds I needed to tend. “He shows his affection with each drop of blood that falls. Every bruise, broken bone, lash, and burn are declarations of love in his eyes.” I raised my gaze with a sigh, “he wants me to be a masochist to his sadist, but I’m just not into that. Still, if I cry or plead, it gets worse. Two for flinching. I learned quick to pretend it doesn’t hurt, which, oddly enough, is what he wants. I’m sure there’s a deep psychological meaning to it, but I don’t care.”
Marcus growled while his eyes darkened, and I took a cautious step backward, watching him warily. “I won’t hurt you, Angel, but I will kill that bastard for daring to touch you. Was he going to rape you?” Marcus asked through gritted teeth, and I dropped my gaze before nodding. I flinched, hissing out a breath when a growl tore from his throat so loud and feral the air vibrated with it. “I should have killed him!”
“No, he’s my monster, I’ll deal with him by vanishing. It’s bad enough he knows you exist because now he might target Ava to get rid of you first,” I denied tearfully. If something happened to either of them because Marcus answered my cry for help it would decimate my heart and soul. I would never forgive myself if they got hurt because of me. No, I needed to leave. I’d take a few days to heal, but then I’d disappear. Swallowing, I pulled my phone from my pocket, wiping the blood on the screen onto my pant leg, and emailed Tammy to warn her that the asshole was here. God, if he learned Matty was in town, he’d rip it apart to find him. And he would enjoy every person he had to hurt to make it happen. Tammy replied they’d lie low for a few hours, since running into him, literally, would be the absolute worst.
Bouquet of Regret (Angel's Shifters Book 1) Page 10