Surviving the Storm (Surviving Series Book 2)

by Virginia Wine

“We’re going to keep you here overnight for observation, but considering the facts of the accident, Alex, you’re lucky to be alive.”

  I watched as he looked at my nurse. Then she inserted a needle into my line. The pain subsided quickly, replaced with a feeling of weightlessness. Now I was bound to no one. I allowed the feeling to take me away.

  Later they woke me to give me more meds and then they forced me to drink chicken broth.

  “Mr. Storm, you have some visitors, and they’re all anxious to see you,” my new nurse said as she took my vitals. “We’ve moved you out of intensive care, but please keep it down to one person at a time.”

  A prickle of fear caused me to shut down mentally. It was irrational, but panic was beginning to set in, and I realized that the only person who could help me was right outside that door.

  “Can you ask Theo Grant to come in?”

  I was able to reach the water on my own now, so I did. Then I saw a very tired, very worried friend appear in my line of vision.

  He stood frozen, as if already trying to analyze me.

  “You do realize that your brother and Madison were fuming when I was asked to come in.”

  “I’m sure.” I rested the cup on the table. A small groan escaped as my ribs screamed at me. “But I needed to see you first.”

  “Okay.” He pulled a chair closer. “How much do you remember?”

  “That is wasn’t an accident. A black SUV collided with me and purposely pushed me off that cliff.” Theo didn’t seem as shocked as I’d anticipated. “But I don’t want anyone such as the authorities to know about Graham’s part in this. As far as they are concerned, this was purely an accident on my part.”

  “Do I want to know why?”

  “No.”

  His brows bumped together disapprovingly.

  “Madison heard from Graham, and he alluded to being the one responsible.”

  I couldn’t breathe. Even knowing that this was the case, hearing it confirmed scared the hell out of me.

  “So what’s to stop him from trying again?”

  “Steel and his team. Now, can we talk about the last forty-eight hours? How did you survive? Let’s put aside future plans of revenge and just concentrate on your healing. Both physically and emotionally.”

  “Yes, doctor.”

  I felt the tremor in my voice as I attempt to speak, but I push on. I quickly focused on the highlights. I wasn’t ready to revisit the place that had brought me to my knees. Not yet. I just wanted this poison, this anger, out of my system.

  “It’s like my head is playing tricks on me, catapulting me back into the deep dark woods.”

  Our eyes met, and mine were filled with rage. His were filled with compassion.

  “Pieces of my ordeal are coming together quickly, as if I’m truly reliving each and every moment.”

  I tried to explain it the best I could.

  “You’re showing sign of PTSD, my friend. What I’m saying is that you can’t keep everything bottled up inside. Eventually you’ll need to talk to someone who specializes in this.”

  Maybe.

  “It’s all I can do to stay calm, Theo. The panic attacks, the nightmares—it’s as if it’s pitch black outside, and I have to crawl my way to safety.”

  “You still have many lingering symptoms of shock.” He stood then, making his way to my window and sliding the heavy drapes open, allowing the sun’s rays to shine in. “That’s better.”

  “Or sometimes it’s as if something is numbing all my emotions, both good and bad.”

  I watched him take his seat again.

  “I didn’t realize how quickly the man I was before could be destroyed so easily.”

  At this admission, my throat closed and I turned away.

  “Alex, that’s your body’s own way of protecting itself from the trauma you just experienced.”

  I couldn’t help but admire his resolve. That’s what made him such a good doctor.

  Only I wasn’t prepared to tell him yet that hidden deep within me was a hatred so strong it was actually festering. It was a scab I wanted to pick off and watch bleed. I wanted revenge. Justice. Maybe even something more. I wanted him to hurt and to suffer, and I wanted to be the man inflicting all those things.

  “I think Madison will soon be breaking down this door if I don’t return and let her in.”

  I nodded in understanding and watched him leave.

  Then the door cautiously opened and I observed her move with grace toward me.

  “No worries, baby,” I said, attempting to turn on the charm, but she wanted no part of it.

  Instead, she slipped in close to me, carefully avoiding any injuries I might have, and buried her face in my neck.

  “I thought I’d lost you.”

  Her words shook me to my core, and I felt her tears landing on my shoulder.

  “What’s all this?” I whispered.

  She glanced up, her blue eyes filled with tears.

  “It’s all my fault,” she declared.

  “Is that what you think?” I wiped a tear from her cheek. “No, we knew the risks we were taking, remember?”

  I was so drawn to her, and she didn’t realize it, but she’d saved me out there. Wrapped in her love both then and now, she was somehow able to chase away my deep fears, which were hidden behind the walls I’d constructed.

  “It must have been a nightmare.”

  “It was, but I kept returning to the memories of us, and they saved me. You saved me. You’re the most important person in the world to me.”

  Our lips brushed against each other’s, her moist, plump ones against my chapped, dry ones.

  My erection came to life with startling urgency. Apparently, I had no injury in that department.

  “I go home tomorrow. Say you’ll come with me.”

  “Of course.” She held me gently, her breath still on my neck. Her familiar scent surrounded me like a cocoon. “I’d love to stay wrapped in your arms forever, but your brother is here to see you. I’ll pick up some supplies and be here in the morning to take you home.”

  With a sigh of relief, she kissed me goodbye and left.

  Ben entered next. His dark suit and starched collar were all business. The large vase in his arms filled with flowers? Not so much.

  “I must have died and gone to heaven. Those from you?”

  “Hardly,” he said as he set them on the shelf and grabbed the card, handing it to me.

  “The office is a lot quieter without you,” he teased gently.

  “I bet.”

  I read the card. It was from Janelle.

  Good news: we settled out of court. Your chivalry apparently convinced the lawyers that her claims weren’t legitimate. Her case was just falling apart. You saved me, my charming friend, and I owe you—big. Get well soon, Janelle Xxoo

  “From one of my many admirers.”

  I smiled as he turned to the shelf, resting the only bouquet where I could see it.

  “Ah, the only one, apparently.”

  He took the same seat as all the others had, and let his head drop to his chest.

  “I’m okay, Ben. A little banged up, but okay.”

  Our eyes met, and I noticed that his eyes were welling up. He reached for my hand.

  “Says the man with a head injury and several broken bones.”

  “Well, when you put it like that…”

  A corner of his mouth lifted and a partial smile appeared. He had been my rock and my sidekick ever since we were little. I understood his concerns. If the situation were flipped, I would feel the exact same.

  “I’ll be fine, Ben. I just need a little time.”

  “Okay, big brother. I’ll stop by the house this week. Can I bring you anything?”

  “Yes, a new Audi R8. Maybe red this time.”

  We smiled at that and he left.

  Then I was all alone. Well, as alone as you could be in a hospital. My thoughts drifted back to Steel and my plan. I felt a certain calm that just
ice was within reach, but Graham still owned my nightmares.

  They came at me in waves. I must have yelled out once during the night, because it woke me. I found myself both sweating and shivering. Alone in the dark, the only sound was that damn monitor, beeping. Then the nurse arrived and checked me over, helping me calm my breathing. She tried to reassure me that I was alright, but morning was still a long way off. When I finally closed my eyes and surrendered to the night, it took me violently.

  But I welcomed dawn. Its arrival meant I was going home.

  ***

  Madison drove me home in hopes that she would be caring for me, but helpless Alex was not happy Alex. I wasn’t sure if I wanted her to see me under those conditions. But Nurse Perry did have a nice ring to it.

  We slowed down when we reached the upscale area. I lived on a tree-lined cul-de-sac. The winding driveway weaved as the house came into view. It had been built with brick and stone, and I had painstakingly worked with the architect for over a year to get it just right. I even decorated every corner myself. Much to everyone’s surprise, and the endless mocking of my male friends, it had turned out great, and I liked having a place with my stamp on it. All the guys had eaten their words when I’d showed them the six-car tandem garage—every spot filled, by the way.

  We parked on the circled drive. In the distance, the sounds of rustling leaves triggered a flashback, but I stomped it down before it could take hold.

  “It’s beautiful, Alex.”

  I didn’t hide my pride. I smiled instead, knowing the best was yet to come. The place was a showstopper, alright, nested within the trees, yet not obstructing the panoramic views of the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Mount Rose only a fifteen-minute drive to skiing. There were many year-round activities. If you liked hiking, the lake only an hour away. I was excited to share all of this with Madison.

  “Hey, baby, Steel is arriving shortly. I’ll give you the tour after he leaves, okay?”

  Her curious look didn’t go unnoticed, but I had to put my plan in motion—at once.

  “Alright.”

  She helped me to the front door. I wanted to rip my arm away, telling her I could walk up five damn stairs, but I withheld the petty urge. That wouldn’t be starting things off on the right foot.

  “But you’ll rest before?”

  I agreed as we made our way up the grand staircase to the master bedroom. Madison’s eyes traveled around the open-floor space as we ascended one step at a time.

  “I can make you something to eat. Are you’re hungry?”

  She sat on the side of my king-size bed once I’d been tucked in and gave me a half smile.

  I had to admit that I was practically pain-free laying here in my comfortable bed, in my familiar surroundings. It was also drug-induced, of course.

  “I forgot to mention—I hired a cook who also cleans a bit. I’ve used her before. You’ll love her. She’ll be here to cook dinner.”

  Madison looked surprised at this, but I only wanted her company when she was here, not her cleaning or cooking skills.

  “Oh,” she said. “So, you’re only interested in my nursing skills now? How about a sponge bath?”

  I wanted much more than that. Fuck, there were no injuries down there. My cock was in full form.

  Before I had a chance to address her flirty comment, the doorbell rang and she reluctantly left my side to answer it. A few minutes later, she peeked her head in.

  “It’s Steel. Do you want me to show him in here?”

  I wasn’t keen on Steel seeing me in this condition, but walking down the stairs didn’t appeal to me, either.

  “Thanks babe. Please send him up.”

  Steel knocked on my door a few moments later, even though it was open. His form was overpowering as he stood in my doorway. I was reminded of how powerful his presence could be, but that only proved that he was the right man for the job.

  “Feeling any better, Mr. Storm?”

  He slowly approached me, then slid a chair closer.

  “A little. And you can call me Alex.”

  He nodded, despite the fact that it wouldn’t have been his first choice.

  “Alex, I’ve handled a few of the details you requested. There’s been no media attention, and I’ve been withholding any evidence that would suggest the crash was anything but an accident.”

  “Did you find him?”

  The eagerness in my voice was thick with rage.

  “We’ve had a minor setback. We learned that after the accident, he left Nevada on his father’s private jet. We’re trying to locate the flight plan to find out his whereabouts. With his vast resources and connections across the globe—not to mention his endless supply of funds—it’s not surprising that we lost him—temporarily.”

  “He’s more clever than we anticipated,” I grumbled. “And he did a good job of covering his tracks. This all leads me to believe that this isn’t the first time he’s done something like this.”

  I made a mental note to get Ben to approve the use of the company jet, if it was needed.

  “Steel, do whatever it takes to find him and bring him back.” I handed him a card. “Here’s the address of a warehouse I’m renovating. I’ve stopped all construction for the time being. I’ll also secure the use of our company jet, if needed.”

  Steel nodded, understanding what it was that I wanted.

  “Once you find him, detain him there. Call me once he’s at the location.”

  I was well aware of the fact that this was insane, but to get my sanity back, I needed to do this.

  “Oh, and Steel? Blindfold him immediately, once you get your hands on him.”

  Shaking him up a bit beforehand would only heighten the eventual experience.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Madison

  As I walked Steel out, I wasn’t naive about the fact that Alex wouldn’t let Graham get off scot-free, but what he was planning I didn’t know. Quite frankly, I believed Graham deserved whatever horrible plan these men would dish out.

  “Steel.” He turned and looked down at me. “Make him pay.”

  His face revealing nothing, he simply nodded and left.

  I quietly made my way upstairs and peered into Alex’s room. As expected, he was asleep. I chose one of the guest bedrooms and put my things away. I anticipated some resistance from Alex at first, but as soon as he was stronger, I would be more than happy to share his bed. For now, I would hold my ground.

  Then I decided that I’d explore on my own. The great room had a stone fireplace that reached the vaulted ceilings. Hardwood flooring was beneath my bare feet. The windows were all floor to ceiling, giving the impression that you were living within the wilderness. They also wrapped around, leading me into the kitchen, which was undoubtedly state of art.

  Down the hall, I relished the sight of Alex’s masculine office and extensive book collection. I was learning more about the man than I’d expected. There was also a workout room. I bit my lip as the memory of his firm physique and ripped body. I remembered the thick muscles of his arms holding me in place as he pressed his solid form against mine. A tremor of desire ran through my body at the thought, but then I heard a loud shout which immediately pulled me from my racy thoughts, startling me.

  I scaled the stairs in no time, then stood frozen in Alex’s doorway. As I observed him thrashing with explosive power, I realized that his nightmare was in full force. I cautiously approached the bed.

  “Alex,” I said firmly.

  I attempted to reach for his arm, but the monster had a tight hold on him. The scene before me was unfolding with such intensity that I couldn’t move and I couldn’t breathe. I gathered what courage I could muster and called his name as if I was drowning, needing him to rescue me.

  He shot up too quickly and a moan escaped as he held his side in pain. His eyes met mine, and sudden fear pierced through me as if a high-voltage spear had penetrated my heart. I could see all his naked rage, and the panic
. Sweat covered his entire body, and he was hopelessly wrapped in his twisted sheets.

  “Hey, it’s me. Alex, look at me. You’re safe now.”

  I searched his eyes, which were still processing his surroundings. He took some time to answer, which caused me to worry.

  “I’m sorry,” he finally said, his mind clearly elsewhere.

  “How can I help?” The frustration in me was mounting as I realized I could only offer feeble attempts to calm the storm inside of him.

  “No one can…”

  “Surviving something so traumatic comes with a backlash of complications.” I reached for him and his eyes diverted our connection. “Look at me, Alex.”

  I felt his hesitation, and I intuitively understood that he didn’t want me to see him like this.

  “Let me in,” I begged. ”We can fight this together. We’re a team. We’re partners.” I squeezed his hand. “We’re lovers. I love you.”

  I would break down the psychological walls he had made brick by brick if I had to. I also blamed myself for what had happened. My involvement with Graham had led to this. Freeing myself from blame wouldn’t fix this nightmare, but maybe my love would.

  “Take these.”

  I was aware that the pain medications might intensify the nightmares, but I was left with no choice. He followed my instructions, and slowly the sensation of the medications raced through his bloodstream. I could see the pain receding as his eyes closed again.

  Once I made it back downstairs, my phone blinked with a text from Eden.

  We’re bringing dinner over for the both of you. Won’t stay long. Be there at six.

  I appreciated that, as I knew the cook wouldn’t start until tomorrow.

  Maybe that’s exactly what Alex needs right now: Theo.

  To clear my thoughts, I grabbed a water and slipped out the French doors leading to the patio. I liked it there. The quiet surrounded me as the peace of nature engulfed me. I enjoyed the sun that heated my body. I let it sweep over me, healing me with each step I took. The dry heat also soothed me, despite the fact it was topping out at one hundred degrees here in the desert. As far as I could see, there was an absence of color, but that didn’t take away from its beauty. Yet as I turned, making my way back, the colors exploded within the landscape surrounding the house. Colors and shapes of every variety stimulated my scenses.