Breaking The Silence (Fatally Flawed Book 3)

by Dusty Lassetter

  I step into the waiting elevator watching K. J’s retreating back as the doors slide closed. My stomach is in knots, not only for Bethany, because something about that detective seemed off. I’ve got a gut feeling there is more to this than him just wanting to question K.J. about tonight.

  I reach out and grab the door handle for room 425. The one the nurse told me I could find Bethany and Dalton in. I’m not the best person in these types of situations, so I have to remind myself to think before speaking. Anger and happiness I can deal with, but sadness and grief make me extremely uncomfortable. Which in turn makes me say all the wrong things. Taking a deep breath, I open the door, prepared to help my friends anyway I can.

  Bethany is staring at the wall, her eyes unfocused with tears streaming down her face, while Dalton is pacing the floor running his hands through his hair. When he finally registers that the door is open he looks up at me with, grief evident on his face, “she lost the baby Izzy.” The sorrow in his voice has me blinking away the tears that start to pool in my eyes. I’m struck speechless by the news, looking back and forth between Dalton and Bethany, I slowly make my way to the one that I can help. Wrapping my arms around Dalton’s waist, I squeeze him tight, trying to show my support the only way I know how.

  “She won’t talk to me Izzy. She won’t look at me.” Dalton whispers into the silent room. I know he’s referring to Bethany who is lying in bed seemingly out of it.

  “You want me to try?” I offer. He steps back from me slowly walking toward the head of the bed she’s laying in. Leaning down into her line of sight he whispers, “Bethany, love, Izzy is here to see you.”

  I take a few steps closer to the bed, “Bethany sweetie, how are you doing?” The question really is stupid, but like I stated before, I don’t handle these situations well. She never gives any indication that she heard me or Dalton. She just lays there, with her hands on her stomach, crying for the baby she lost.

  I hear the door open before seeing Candice and Jasper walk in with cups of coffee. Jasper strides over to Dalton and hands him the cup he was carrying in his left hand. Dalton takes the coffee sitting it off to the side, on a rolling tray in the corner. “Bethany we brought you some coffee.” Candice says, trying to get her to engage.

  “I think it’s best if you guys just go home. She wouldn’t want everyone seeing her like this.” Dalton mummers, before sitting on the bed next to Bethany. “Call me if you need me brother.” Jasper says, patting Dalton on the back. Dalton simply shakes his head still staring down at Bethany with eyes full of sorrow. Together we say our goodbyes before walking out of the room.

  “I’m going to stay here in the hospital’s waiting room. I don’t feel right leaving Dalton alone.” Jasper declares, giving Candice a kiss on the cheek. “I called all the security guards and told them they needed to stay within ten feet of you guys now. We aren’t taking any more chances.”

  We offer to stay and keep him company tonight, but he is adamant we go home to get some rest. When it’s agreed we will come back first thing in the morning Candice and I share an elevator ride back to the first floor. For the first time, since me and her have become friends, we sit in silence each lost in our own thoughts. Bethany was twenty-one weeks pregnant, and had just found out it was a boy. We were all planning a big shopping trip to buy all the things a new baby would need. I remember Dalton constantly reminding us to get him a baseball hat, no matter the cost.

  The ding of the elevator, breaks me from my thoughts, before the doors open and Candice leads the way out. We walk, side by side, down the corridors until finally making it out of the hospital. “I’ll drive you home,” Candice says, walking me to the new car Jasper just bought her. “Do you think you could come get me in the morning?” I ask, hoping she agrees. This entire situation is screwing with my head. They are no closer to finding who is doing this, and with him still out there none of us are safe.

  “You can spend the night if you’d like.” She offers, probably feeling the same way I do. I normally would jump at that opportunity but Kiersten is still at my apartment, “my sister is staying with me.” I state, rolling my eyes. “But you can stay too. I’ll share my bed with you.”

  “No thanks, I’ll just go to my aunt’s tonight. She has been complaining about me not visiting.”

  “Bitch.” I mumble knowing damn good and well she would stay if not for my sister. I can’t blame her though. Kiersten is my blood, but I still rather sleep at Stacy’s house.

  We get into the car and make small talk, about nothing of importance, until we arrive at my apartment complex. It’s a tactic to keep our minds off our current situation. There is a maniac on the loose with everyone we love in his sights. Jasper nearly lost his life, K.J. is disappearing more, and now Bethany and Dalton have lost their baby. There is no end in sight, so talking about crazy fans and grabby customers is what we do to help keep us sane.

  Chapter 8

  Izzy

  To my surprise when I arrive at my apartment Gunner is sitting in the hall by my door, leaning on the wall. His hair is messy and his tie is hanging loosely around his neck. “Gunner what are you doing here?” I ask, not sure how he knew where I lived.

  “I went by the club to see you and one of the waitresses told me what happened. I thought I would come by to check on you.” He says while standing up to his full height.

  “How did you know where I lived?”

  “You mentioned it over coffee,” he declares, tilting his head to the side. “You don’t think I’m some sort of stalker do you?”

  Thinking back to the night we had coffee I remember being nervous. Usually when I’m nervous I ramble more than usual, but even if I did mention the name of the building, why would I tell him my apartment number?

  “I don’t recall giving you my apartment number. Why don’t you stop with the bullshit and tell me the truth?” I shout. He quickly places his hands in the air, gesturing for me to stay calm.

  “You didn’t. I saw one of your neighbors down stairs and she gave me it. I think she said her name was Margret. We can walk down there together and ask her if you’d like?”

  I know Margret is on the first floor and she is a nosey old woman, so his story is most likely truthful. “Sorry, I’ve just had a bad night.” I state blowing some of my hair out of my face. “Why didn’t you wait inside?”

  “I was in there but your roommate is a little overbearing and somewhat crazy.” He states giving me a small smile.

  “She’s not my roommate. She’s my sister.” Just like that his smile falters and I can see he is thinking of a way to remove his foot from his mouth. Taking pity on him, since he did sit out here for God knows how long, I start laughing. “You forgot to say she was bitchy and needy.” I walk to the door, twist the nob, and notice it’s not locked. When will Kiersten learn that it is not safe to keep the door unlocked?

  “Thanks for stopping by, but I’m afraid I’m not going to be very good company tonight. I’m beyond tired and I have to be back at the hospital early in the morning.”

  “Have you eaten?” He asks.

  As soon as he mentions food my stomach makes a loud grumbling noise. “I could eat.” I declare while trying to remember if there is anything in the kitchen worth cooking.

  “Do you like Chinese?” He asks, taking out his cell phone.

  “That would be a definite NO. They take stray cats and dogs off the streets to serve them with sweet and sour sauce. That is disgusting. I may not be a vegetarian, but I draw the line on eating house hold pets.” I shout, immediately regretting my outburst. A simple no would have sufficed.

  “Pizza it is then.” He reaches his hand out and pulls me to him, “I think it’s cute you are fighting for the ones that can’t fight for themselves.”

  “Cute is the same thing as adorable. Didn’t we already go over this?”

  “You’re right. That little pout you do is not adorable or cute. It’s sexy as hell and makes it hard to concentrate on anything else other
than your lips.” I can see the desire in his eyes while he rubs the pad of his thumb over my lips.

  “Why don’t you go get in the shower and change into something more comfortable while I call the pizza place.” With a nod of my head I agree before he releases me from his grip. Walking to the bathroom I can feel his eyes on me the entire way until I turn the corner for the hall. I need to take a cold shower before I go against my better judgment, and beg him to do whatever he wants to me.

  Chapter 9

  Izzy

  When I return, from taking the quickest shower known to man, I wonder into the kitchen surprised to find only Gunner. Kiersten would normally be out here by now, telling Gunner about every one of my flaws in detail. “Have you seen my sister?” I ask him.

  “Yep, she came out in something completely inappropriate to parade around in, pretending to be hungry. I told her she needed to cover herself up if she wanted to talk to me, then she stormed off into her room calling me every name in the book.” He looks at me with apologetic eyes, studying my reaction.

  “I wish you would have waited until I was out. That would have been awesome to see.” I state, letting him know there are no hard feelings. With Kiersten you either love her or hate her, there is no in-between unless you are family. In my case, I love to hate her, but at the same time love her as a sister. It’s very complicated.

  “I thought we could watch a movie while we wait for the pizza?” He suggests. “I don’t mind that. As long as you are fully aware there will be no touching of anything other than pizza and napkins. Absolutely no fooling around of any kind. I’m just not that type of girl.” I give my declaration with a powerful voice. I need him to know everything I’m saying is truthful, leaving no room for a misunderstanding.

  “Well in that case your pizza is on the way, I’ll see you around.” He starts walking like he is going to the door, but changes directions abruptly and starts backing me up toward the kitchen counter, “do I come off as some horny teenager that can’t control his sexual urges?” His voice has lowered and all the playfulness from his features is gone.

  “Ummm…N N Nooo. I was just making sure we were on the same page.” I stutter out. When the shock of him being so close wares off, I finally get my determination back. Placing my hand on his chest, I push with a good amount of strength, but he doesn’t budge. “I have to admit seeing this feisty side of you does make it hard to not take what I know deep down you want to give me, but I’m a patient man Izzy.” The rest of his statement is cut off from a knock on the door. He takes a few steps back before giving me a sexy smile, “pick the movie, I’ll get the pizza.” Then he walks off in the direction of the door leaving me standing in my kitchen trying to calm down my racing heart. The way he inserted himself into my personal space makes it so much harder to control these damn hormones racing through my body. There is just something about a domineering man that sets my veins on fire.

  I shake the sexual thoughts from my head before walking to the movie cabinet and picking one of my all-time favorites, Frozen. There are several reasons this is a good movie but the obvious one right now is pay-back. I can’t wait to see the reaction on his face when he realizes what I picked.

  He walks in carrying two root beers and one box of pepperoni pizza. He places the two drinks and pizza on the table in front of the couch, just as I hit play on the movie. As soon as the song starts playing, the ice pickers now on the screen, he turns to me with a smile on his face, “my niece loves Frozen, good choice.”

  Ripping off a piece of the cheesy goodness, I take a huge bite smiling on the inside. He doesn’t want me to know the truth but it’s written all over his face when he thinks I’m not paying attention. I knew no man could possibly enjoy this movie. Well you can just suffer buddy like I am with all these unwanted thoughts about your lips.

  After the third piece I am completely full and need a napkin to wipe my hands on. “Do you need a napkin?” I ask him, preparing to get up and get one. He shakes his head no before taking the fingers I used to eat with, one by one, he places them in his mouth swirling his tongue around. Had anyone else told me a story where a man just licked pizza grease off their finger I would call them complete weirdos and tell them it was disgusting, but the way Gunner is staring at me and nibbling on the ends of my fingers has my hormones going from a curious newcomer to full blown horny bitch.

  “Izzy I’m going to break one of your rules if you keep looking at me like that.” He mutters leaning further into me. I start to lower myself onto the couch, my back completely resting against it now. He places both his hands on the sides of my head, holding himself up with his lean arms. Instinctively I lick my lips, wishing for him to break my rules, hoping he places his on mine. He leans in until we a breathing in each other’s air, both staring, waiting on the other’s next move. I throw my stupid rules and caution to the wind, my hormones finally winning their battle.

  The moment my lips touch his I know there won’t be any regrets in the morning. They are so soft, yet masculine at the same time. He licks my top lip, as way of demanding me to let him in. I eagerly obey. My body no longer listening to any reason. He’s slow and sensual at first allowing me to get used to the feel of him. When I start to run my hands through his hair, he deepens the kiss, but still manages to keep his control. I want him to lose it. Just when I’m about to test his restraint further, I hear Kiersten’s voice above me, and its effect on my libido is instant. “Get a room why don’t you.” The blood in my veins go ice cold as I break the kiss.

  “Sorry.” I mutter at the same time I start to fix my crumpled clothing. Gunner is still looking at me with disciplined desire, and that’s when I start to compare him to K.J. Like I do every guy I end up dating. He is strong and domineering like him, but there is a lack of craving in his eyes, that I see in K.J.’s, whenever he looks at me. I know it’s ridiculous for me to compare someone to a man that has never given me the time of day, but I can’t help it. Looking at Gunner, I make a promise to myself, I will not ruin what we could have over a teenage crush that will eventually burn out.

  Chapter 10

  K.J.

  I follow the officer to an empty waiting room, on the far side of the hospital, currently no mood to sit around and answer unwanted questions. He is banking on the element of surprise. Confident he has managed to catch me off guard. Underestimating me is something everyone does, before learning the hard way not to make the same mistake twice. I knew he would be here tonight, just like I’m certain he isn’t here to learn more about what occurred tonight.

  “You want to go over exactly what happened earlier?” He asks. Aware that saying too much could potentially cause problems, in the future, I state the obvious. “Bethany was attacked.”

  A look of frustration briefly flashes across his face, “I was told by the officer on the scene she was stabbed in the stomach only once before you arrived.” There is no question for me to answer so I just stay quiet, giving no indication on whether the story is accurate. “I would say that is pretty good timing on your part.” He says, hi tone full of accusation.

  “Not really.” I declare, not hiding the anger in my voice from not making it to her on time.

  “Let’s cut the bullshit Kade. You and I both know you were not there by chance. As a matter of fact, there seems to be a trail of missing people you have left behind in your wake. I have no evidence to prove my theories on those, but it just so happens we found a John Doe, not far from a group of abandoned storage sheds, that appears to have been skinned alive.

  I make sure to keep my stare blank. Any reaction at this point will only cause more problems for me, but inside my blood is boiling with a barely controlled fury. There must be a rat amongst Lorenzo’s men. How else would he know about the storage sheds?

  “I know who you work for. What you do.” He says with a confidence. “I also know that without you, Lorenzo’s empire would fall, and I won’t rest until you are rotting away in a cell where you belong.”

 
; Crossing my arms over my chest, I take a step toward him. “If I’m as dangerous as you claim, where is your partner. Why come alone?” I ask, wanting to see the look on his face when he realizes I know more about him than he thinks.

  “He had other leads to follow.” He states, out gazes still locked.

  “If it’s information on me you’re after, you’ll get nothing out of her.” I say.

  “Your confidence will be your down fall.” He declares before walking off. Not letting him get too far away, I turn around and shout out, “tell your wife congratulations for me.” I arrogantly say. “A new baby in the house is something to celebrate.”

  He stops mid step, a look of fear briefly flashes across his face, before he is able to hide it. Having made the first impression, I wanted, I dismiss him by walking away. That’s right, asshole. You will never have the upper hand when it pertains to me and my life.

  On the way to Bethany’s room I see Jasper, in the waiting room, stress from tonight evident in his posture. Sitting in a chair, too small for his frame, he is staring at the floor. I’m able to go unnoticed, as I approach him, until purposely making my footsteps heard.

  He looks up, eyes full of dread, “You alright?” I ask.

  “That’s what I should be asking you.” He declares, glancing at my injured shoulder.

  “How’s Bethany?” I question, not wanting to discuss an injury I’ve dealt with many times before.