Dual Desires (Triple Threat Book 3)

by Bella Jeanisse

  I knew he tried to get me to smile too. However, the headache and dizziness became progressively worse. “It won’t look good.” I grimaced. I wanted the pain gone.

  “Baby, you want painkillers?”

  I closed my eyes. “No. They said this is normal.” I felt the pills were a waste of time.

  “OK.” He slowly put the set on me. He had to unhook the shoulder strap of the convertible bra to get it on. “Damn you’re so sexy, baby.” He smiled.

  Tommy stood up. “Fuck yeah you are.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You guys’re crazy. I look like shit in this broken body.”

  A phone rang and startled me. Tommy touched my cheek. “I’ll be right back. It’s Jon.” He lifted his phone to his ear as he carefully slipped through the curtain slits. “Hey, I’m visiting Crystal.”

  Chad picked up my chin and looked into my eyes. “You’re beautiful all the time in my eyes. I’ve seen you in every light possible, and I never stopped loving you, not even for a second.” He caressed my cheek. “I could never love anyone else but you.”

  Then he pulled shorts out of the bag and put them on me. It wasn’t easy to get them over the cast on my foot, but he managed. Last, he pulled out a spaghetti strap tank top. He very carefully got it around my splinted arm first then unhooked the strap when he needed to.

  “Wow.” Chad’s eyebrows rose. “Your tits look good.” He cupped my left breast in his hand. “Damn these are hard to resist.”

  He kissed the exposed part of my breasts then my lips. I patted the bed, and he lay down next to me. I wanted him to rid me of the emptiness and fear I still felt, so I turned and kissed his lips. He sighed and pulled me close to him, slowly.

  Carefully, he moved so his body was over mine, on his hands and knees for the most part. “God I need you.” He leaned down and covered my lips with his, while he rubbed his erection against my pelvis.

  “I knew it!” Tommy frightened me with his accusation. “You get to fuck her and I can’t?”

  Chad turned his head. “We ain’t fucking.”

  “Not yet.” Tommy sat in the chair. “Hey, maybe we could double team her. Imagine a nurse walking in on that.”

  “Walk in on what?” My mom’s sudden question made us all jump.

  Chad scrambled off the bed and opened the curtain. “Um, Tommy meant, uh...”

  “I was kidding about Crystal playing her base in bed.” Tommy quickly added. “The nurses would flip out.” He laughed loudly.

  Chapter 19

  “They said she’ll be OK. Right?” My mom asked with a sniffle.

  It took me a few seconds to realize my eyes were closed. Slowly, I opened them. Chad’s parents and my mom were in the room. It was dark out.

  “Yeah, Ma,” Chad assured my mother. “It was just a bad dizzy spell. They checked for everything.”

  Then his mom asked, “Then why is she still out?”

  “They sedated her for the tests,” he explained. “She woke up freaking out, so they had to.”

  I didn’t remember any of it. The last thing I could recall, I had been light-headed as Tommy hugged me goodbye. Memories started to flash before my eyes as they talked about me. I had gripped Tommy’s shirt, afraid I would fall. He asked me if I was OK, but I don’t think I was able to talk. After that, I remembered shouts, but that was all.

  There was more electronic noise in the room compared to normal. My head felt heavy, but I looked around. There were more monitors on me.

  “Did you call the guys yet?” Chad’s dad, Luke, was close by. “Tommy called and asked if she was OK while you were in the bathroom.”

  I opened my dry mouth and managed, “Chad, what happened?”

  Chad turned toward me and our eyes met. “I did, Dad.” He came my way. “Baby, it’s OK.” His hand covered my cheek. “They checked you. You’re fine. Just too much stress maybe.” He softly kissed my lips. “How d’ you feel?”

  “My head’s spinning,” I admitted.

  He caressed my face. “Don’t lift it. OK? They said it could last for a while, maybe days. Just relax. Everyone wants to see you, but I told them they have to come in shifts.”

  Then I heard a knock. “Anyone hungry?” It was Jon. “I heard you guys had a long day.” He soon appeared along with Chris. Both carried bags, and I smelled Chinese food. Thankfully, my room was quite large.

  I smiled as they put down the bags and kissed my cheek. “So happy to see you guys again.”

  “What’d you bring? I’m starving.” Chad’s eyes lit up, and he rushed to look in the bags. It dawned on me that I had not seen Chad eat much in the last few days either. “Damn, how’d you know?” he asked as he opened a container. “Crystal, they got General Tso chicken.”

  That was something we both liked, but I wasn’t hungry. I soon heard a soda bottle open. Then Chad’s mom put food on plates.

  Chad adjusted my bed so my head was up and sat next to me. He held a piece of chicken in front of my mouth. “Eat it!”

  I looked up at him. “I’m not hungry.”

  “Now, or I’m gonna make you,” he insisted. “The doctor said you lost more weight. Do you wanna be here another week?”

  I bit off a piece. “Happy now?”

  “No eat the whole thing!” His expression changed. I knew he was angry. He was probably more stressed out than I was. “Don’t make me force feed you.”

  “Don’t yell at her, Chad,” his dad told him. “Maybe she’s not hungry.”

  “You don’t know her like I do, Dad.” Chad shot a look at him then relaxed on the pillow. “Baby, don’t complain to me when they won’t let you go home. I know you hate this place.”

  I put my good arm under his neck and played with his hair. Within seconds, he closed his eyes and sighed. I knew how to calm him quickly.

  He turned to me and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. “You play dirty.”

  “I know.” I smiled; glad it worked.

  My mom came to me with a plastic cup. “It’s lemonade.” She held the cup to my lips.

  I drank it, glad someone had gotten ice. The cold liquid felt good. “Can I have some more?”

  “Of course.” She touched my cheek. “I bet you’re happier in your own clothes.” As she helped me sip more, she eyed at Chad. “Thank you for caring for her so well.”

  I closed my eyes when the room suddenly spun. Then I grabbed Chad’s shoulder, filled with fear.

  “Lay back.” He handed my mom his food and helped me. “It’ll stop, baby. I promise.” He ran his fingers through my hair, as I looked up at him, fearful.

  Chris came to us. “Is she OK?”

  “Just dizzy,” Chad explained. “It’s from the swelling in her head. They said she’ll be OK.”

  Chris touched a knuckle to my cheek. “Whatever you need. Really, I’m here.”

  “Thanks,” I whispered.

  When the spell was over, a smile formed on my lips. I watched everyone talk and laugh for a change. Since the accident, there had not been much of that. I leaned on Chad as much as I could and finally felt like things would be OK. I may have lost Giovanni, but I had my family and friends still.

  “Wow, uh, is this Crystal’s room?” The voice came from the room door, but I couldn’t see who it belonged to.

  My mom spoke up first. “It is. I’m her mom, Pam, and you are?”

  “Jason, ma’am. She knows me from the clubs.”

  Chad raised his hand. “She’s over here. Come help cheer her up.”

  Everyone moved around. I smiled at Jason, vocalist of the band Main Street. He stood still for a few seconds and looked back at me. It was obvious he had no idea how bad the accident really was.

  Cautiously, he came closer. “Crystal, um, good to see you.” He went to hug me then pulled back. “Uh, will I hurt you if I touch you?”

  “Just be gentle,” I assured him.

  He took a deep breath and kissed my cheek. “Are you doing any better?”

  “I guess.” I groaned as Ch
ad untangled his body from mine.

  He leaned over and held me. “Sorry, baby. I gotta talk to Chris. I’ll be right back.”

  After I watched Chad walk away, I looked up at Jason. “Come sit.”

  I patted the spot next to my left side. Slowly, he walked around the bed then hesitated before he took a seat. I reached out to him. He clasped my hand in his and looked at it.

  “I’m so sorry you lost him.” A single tear ran down his cheek.

  I squeezed his hand. “Thanks. I’ll be OK.”

  “And I’m sorry it took me all week to come see you.” Our eyes met. “We were down in Florida. I’ve been trying to wind down. Didn’t read about the accident until I got home today.”

  “It’s OK.” I was glad his band did well.

  He smiled. “My brother lives down in Palm Beach. It was nice to see him.”

  We were both silent for a while. The room bustled, but the two of us had nothing to say it seemed. Occasionally, I glanced at him, and he stared at our hands again.

  “Crystal, are you gonna be able to play again?”

  The question startled me. I had not even thought of that. “I don’t know.” I eyed my bandaged arm and held back my tears, “Maybe not.”

  “You will.” I lifted my head. Chad came toward me. “They’ll fix your arm tomorrow. I swear.” Jason moved away and Chad took his place. While he held me, he whispered, “You’ll play again.”

  Jason suddenly uttered, “I didn’t mean to upset her.”

  Chad turned his head. “Relax, man. She knows you didn’t mean it.” He kissed my lips. “You just gotta give it time, like everything else. We’ll figure everything out.”

  Jon came to us also. “Phil and Mark are downstairs. We’re gonna switch OK?”

  “Yeah,” I softly replied while Chad stood up.

  Soon I heard, “Hey, why wasn’t I invited?” Phil tried to make light of the situation. Something he did every time he visited. He was always able to make me smile. “Hey, Crystal.” He came to me and winked. I got a kiss on the cheek before he squeezed my left breast. “Gotta cop a feel you know.” His voice was so low I barely heard him.

  I laughed. Since he came to terms with his guilt, he was back to his old self. It was funny how him being a pervert cheered me up, every time. He knew me well.

  “Cut it out,” Mark almost whispered after he slapped Phil upside the head. “You did fuck her. Didn’t you?”

  Phil and I stared at him with our mouths open. Obviously, Phil didn’t brag about it. “Uh…” Phil seemed to be at a loss for words. “No?”

  “You dick,” Mark said just loud enough for us to hear. “When’d you fuck her? And why didn’t you tell me?”

  Chad put an arm around Mark’s shoulders. “Tell you what?”

  My eyes opened wide. “Nothing.” I glanced at Mark and Phil. My eyes pled not to say anything. “They’re talking about a girl.”

  “Phil the playboy.” Chad laughed. “As bad as Rosario. So who’s the hot chick of the week?”

  Mark grinned and held in a chuckle with his hand. “Seems we can’t tell you.”

  “Damn, I know her?” Chad smirked. “Don’t tell me it’s Chris’ baby sister. She’s seventeen.”

  Phil grinned. “That’s legal in this state.”

  “Only you.” Chad bit his lip. “There’s only one girl for me.” He gave me a look filled with desire before he turned back to his dinner.

  Jason shook his head. “You guys are worse than us. I can’t imagine what it would be like with a chick in the band.”

  I looked at him. Band? What band? The realization came to me again. I reached my hand out to Chad, who lifted it to his lips.

  “We’ll figure it out.”

  Jason touched my cheek. “Maybe I should go. I keep saying the wrong thing.” He stood to leave and moved away from me.

  “Don’t go.” I held back my tears. “I’m OK, really.”

  My mother’s voice made my head snap up which made me dizzy again. “What are you doing here? Oh my God. I can’t believe it.”

  I tried to see who my mother fussed over, but couldn’t raise my head. Then the group parted, and my mouth dropped. “Paulie?”

  “Yeah.” Paulie stepped toward the bed cautiously. “I came as soon as I heard.” He glanced around at our audience. Then he made a beeline for me and hugged me. He lifted me slightly.

  I wanted to scream. Instead, I clung to him and whimpered. Tears sprung from my eyes when his arm pressed into my right side.

  “No. Put her down,” Chad cried out.

  Paulie set me on the bed and turned to Chad. “What’s wrong?” Then he looked back at me, and our eyes met. “Oh God. It’s worse than I thought.” He leaned down and kissed my forehead then brushed my tears away with his lips. “I’m so sorry. Didn’t mean to hurt you.” He laid a hand on my cheek, his eyes glassy, and his lips quivered. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything. I’ll stay and help you. I missed you.” He pressed his forehead to mine gently. “We’ll get through this.”

  “I’m OK,” I assured him. “Chad’s been great. He does everything for me.”

  Eyebrows up, Paulie glanced at Chad. “Wait. Is this the same Chad I know? Did he take a hit to the head too? The Chad I knew was impulsive and relentless.”

  “I still am,” Chad admitted. “But she’s more important than anything.”

  Paulie sighed. Then he glared at Chad. “Why didn’t you call me about this? Natalie had to tell me. She read it on the fuckin’ internet!”

  “Sorry. I only called her mom,” Chad explained. “Someone else made the other calls for me.” His face screwed up with anger. “You don’t understand how things’ve been. I don’t have time to think.”

  The room had fallen silent. Most likely everyone expected it to come to blows. I did as well. Paulie fumed. My eyes flitted from one of them to the other. They stared at each other. Each dared the other to do something.

  “Stop it.” I reached for them, and they both took my hand. “Please. Just stop.” I took in a sharp breath. My head throbbed.

  Chad quickly lowered the head of my bed. “You’re making her worse. She can’t have stress. She passed out again today.”

  “How bad is it?” Paulie crouched beside the bed and kissed my hand. “Will she recover?”

  Chad nodded as he replied, “It’ll take time, but she will. She’s strong.” He caressed my cheek. “I got it. Don’t worry.”

  “I’m back, and I can help.” Paulie squeezed my hand. “Tell me what I can do.”

  I pulled his hand to my chest. “This is what I need. Friends and family. I can’t get through this shit alone.”

  “You won’t have to.” Paulie smiled.

  Jason cleared his throat. “Uh… I really should go.”

  “Sorry.” Paulie stood and put a hand out to Jason. “I’m Paulie. Do I know you?”

  After a brief look at me, Jason replied, “I don’t think so. I’m Jason. I sing in a band.”

  “I play guitar.” Paulie shrugged. “Not in a band right now. I’ll find one though.”

  Jason grinned. “Let me hear what you got, and I’ll see what I can do for you.”

  “Look up Reckless.” Paulie’s eyes drifted my way. “I played lead for them the last few years.”

  “I’ll do that.” Jason stood next to the bed. “I’m going now. I’ll see you again. We’re back in town for the next few months.” He leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Hope you feel better.”

  I watched him disappear before I turned to Mark, who had not left my side. “How’s Rachael?”

  “She’s glad I’m not leaving but don’t like my new job.”

  I was confused for only a minute. “Oh, right. You need to keep working for the baby.”

  “Um, yeah. I had no choice. That’s why I can’t come see you much. I gotta be at work in twenty minutes to tell the truth. Just wanted to show my face.” He pushed Phil jokingly out of the way and carefully hugged me, while he whispered, “Don�
��t let this dickhead fuck you again till you get home. He’ll wind up knocking your IV out or something.”

  I laughed then softly responded, “I won’t. I promise.”

  “I hate to break this up, but Crystal needs some sleep.” Chad came to me and ran his fingers through my hair. “The doctor said no stress today.”

  Phil sat on my bed. “He’s right. We can party when you get home.” He kissed my cheek. “I’ll be back tomorrow.” Then he got up and started his goodbyes with Mark at his heels.

  Within minutes, my mom came to me. “Do you mind if I go back to Valerie’s for the night? I’ll be here when your surgery’s over.”

  “It’s OK.” I knew she was tired. “Get some sleep.”

  She caressed my cheek. “I love you. See you in the morning.” After she planted a kiss on my forehead, she went right to her bag.

  “Goodbye sweetie,” Chad’s mom said while she came closer. She carefully hugged me. “Have Chad call if you need anything.”

  Paulie waited until everyone else was gone. Then he approached me and went to hug me but stopped. He turned to Chad. “Where’s she hurt?”

  “I’m in the room.” I was tired of them talking around me.

  He frowned. “I’m sorry. This is kinda confusing.”

  Chad came closer. “On her right side, literally from head to toe she has bruising, stitches and broken bones. Her left side’s OK. Try not to move her though. She keeps getting dizzy.”

  A pained expression crossed Paulie’s face. He scanned my body and closed his eyes. It obviously wasn’t easy to see me in such a state. He took a step forward and slid a hand under my neck then cradled my head. His lips met mine, and he didn’t move for a few seconds.

  When he pulled back, he stared into my eyes. “I never stopped loving you.” Without another word, he was gone.

  “You a’right?” Chad asked

  My teeth toyed with my lips. “Uh, I guess.”

  He sat next to me and took my good hand in his. “Do you still love him?”

  “No.” I sighed. “I let him go and moved on. Not sure why he didn’t.”

  Chad’s expression told me Paulie had. That meant there was a story for Paulie to tell me. I had the feeling he hid something. The little things he had said over the past months were odd. I was glad we started to talk again. However, some days, Paulie had a look in eyes that told me he was heartbroken. I hoped he talked about it, at least to Chad or Natalie. Then I wondered why Natalie hadn’t visited. It came to me that she moved to Texas for a job. My memory was spotty at best sometimes since the accident. Although, it got better by the day.