by L Chapman
“We need to wait here. The lead doctor, who has been treating Mark, is in the room with him. That’s why the blinds are down. He went into the room as I came out to find you.”
I nod, placing a little kiss on Lucy’s head. “I love you, baby girl,” I say barely above a whisper.
“The young lad, I think his name is Len, told me Mark’s girlfriend was here. I had to come find you,” she informs me.
“Thank you, Annabella. I was getting so worried not knowing what was happening.”
“Hi, can I get you anything?” I turn to see a young lady with short ginger hair, wearing a dark blue top.
“This is Kim, the nurse that has been looking after Mark,” Annabella boastly states. It’s nice to know who to talk to if I need to know anything about Mark. Right now, I need to see him. I need to see him with my own eyes.
“Hello, I’m okay. Thank you,” I reply.
“Can we get two cups of sugary tea, Kim? Megan, you need to keep strong for Mark,” Annabella says, being forceful as usual. I should have known she was going to order something for me; she is always looking after others. I could use a drink, though, so I can take some painkillers since my head is killing me.
It seems like I have been standing here for ages. I turn around, trying to gaze into the room through the gaps in the blinds. As I watch a tall figure walk past the window and towards the door, I hear the door slowly open, creaking as it does. The doctor walks out of the room towards us. Although he’s wearing a doctor’s badge, I really don’t notice anything else about him apart from his solemn face that remains deadpan.
“How is he?” Annabella asks.
“He is awake. There are no signs of any major damage. He has had a scan, and we are just waiting for the results. I will be admitting him overnight, though, so we will be able to keep an eye on him, no matter what the results say.”
“Thank you, Dr. Bradybury,” Annabella says, smiling.
“This must be little Lucy,” he states as he walks over to her, placing his hand on her back.
“Yes, it is,” I reply.
“Mark has been asking if she is okay.” He really does care about Lucy. She interacts so well with him; it’s amazing to watch. I sometimes worry that it is Lucy he wants and not me because I have read articles in magazines where men pick up pregnant women just for the child. I hope Mark isn’t one of those men. “You can go inside and see him,” Dr. Bradybury states before spinning on his heels and walking towards the desk labeled “Nurses’ Station”. There are so many different people over there wearing either green or blue uniforms. Kim is wearing a blue one, but that lad Len, I think Annabella called him, has on a green one.
I follow Annabella into the room, taking deep, calming breaths as I go. I don’t know what to expect when I walk in. I know it’s Mark, but I don’t know the extent of the damage that was done to him. “You’re both all right,” Mark says as Annabella and I walk closer to him. I don’t try to hold back my tears as they begin to fall freely from my eyes.
“You’re alive,” I respond, hastily closing the space between us and reaching his bed. I sit on the edge of it, making sure I don’t sit on him or any of the wires attached to him. Even though the doctor assured us he’s all right, there seems to be a lot of medical devices hooked up to him.
“Yes, I am.” He smiles, rubbing my back. I’m supposed to be comforting him, but he is comforting me instead.
“Your head must hurt.” I look deeply into his eyes and see the pain he is in that’s only slightly displayed on the surface. He has a black eye, three large cuts on his head that required stitches, and a cut lip. Who would do this to him? I just don’t understand.
“It’s fine. Have you contacted Connor?” he questions.
“Yes, he is on his way here. Someone broke into Annabella’s house,” I inform him. He needs to know. I can’t keep that piece of information from him since it might be able to help the police.
“Annabella, you’re staying at mine until further notice, no arguing,” he states in a commanding voice.
“Deal,” she replies. “I’m going to find our teas.”
“Who did this to you?” I enquire.
“I have no idea. He was tall with blonde hair. That’s all I know.”
“But why you, Mark?” I probe further.
“Hi, everyone,” Connor says as he walks into the room with a massive smile spread across his face. I have never seen him look anything but happy.
“Connor, we need to find him now,” Mark orders, waving his finger at him.
“But who is he?” he asks. “Did he say anything to you?”
“The only thing he said to me was ‘she’s mine.’”
I sit there listening to the two men talk back and forth, attempting to absorb everything that is being said. Connor tells Mark about the damage inside the house and how all the photographs containing Mark were smashed and his head was ripped off. Connor had left the police and one of the security guards there while they finished checking out the place. Mark recounts what he had seen and heard, which isn’t much. The man came up behind him and when he turned around, Mark smacked him in the face with the back of his fist, which explains the cuts on his hand. Mark continues saying that he didn’t even know the man. He will not tell me any more about the fight. I want to know how he ended up with such a bad injury to his head.
“Megan, come with me,” Annabella says, poking her head around the door frame and holding a brown tray with two cups sitting on it. I need a drink, and I need to take some painkillers. I leave Lucy’s bag with Mark and head out with Lucy asleep in my arms.
Chapter Six
I can’t lose the man I’m in love with. I still remember our first time together and how it was everything I dreamed of and more.
Mark is sitting on the sofa while working on his laptop. I have seen him do this so often in the months we have shared together, yet each time he does, I am taken aback by how sexy he can make mere work look. His eyes mesmerize me. The saying, “The eyes are the windows to the soul,” must have known Mark’s eyes. I don't believe I can stay away from my feelings of desire anymore. All I can think about is touching him, and in turn, him touching me. I can almost feel his lips trailing kisses and covering my body as we fall into each other. He says he is patient, but the patience is wearing very thin for me. I want him more than I have ever wanted anyone in my life. Tonight, I will place Lucy in her own room to sleep. I want alone time with Mark. I need alone time with Mark.
"I am just off to place Lucy to bed."
"Okay, night night, Lucy Doo. Sleep tight."
As Mark places a little kiss on Lucy’s head, he looks into her sleepy little eyes and my heart melts. I love seeing how he is with her. He would be such a great dad. I wish he were Lucy's father.
"Then, I am just going to do the dishes."
"I'll do them, baby."
Mark walks into the kitchen and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close. I flick some water at him as an attempt to be playful. All I am thinking about is how I want to play the seductive role.
"Did you really just do that?"
"I did, Mr. Reed." I spatter more water at him.
"Oh, that's it, Miss Madden."
Mark spins me around so we are facing each other and then flicks a bit of water at me.
"Are you starting now?"
"I am indeed."
He places his hands at either side of my hips, lifting me onto the kitchen counter. His lips lock with mine as his tongue teasingly seeks entry into my mouth.
He pulls back from our kiss and looks at me with the expression of complete love. "You’re so beautiful, Megan.”
I moan. Mark places his lips onto my neck and passionately blazes kisses down my nape, ending on my chest at the tops of my breasts. I cannot help but exhale deeply.
Looking directly into my eyes, he commands, “Upstairs now, Miss Madden.”
I smile knowingly at Mark. As I move forward, he slowly slides me down the fro
nt of his body. His taut abdomen is firm against my core, and his growing erection has caught my breath and caused wetness to form between my thighs. As he lets my feet hit the floor, he takes my hand, but I take the lead up the stairs in front of him. His hand taps my bum, and I squeal, picking up my pace.
“Behave, Mr. Reed.”
I run ahead straight into the master bedroom.
“As if you'd run away from me.”
Mark grabs me and pulls me straight back into his arms with my back against his chest.
“You are mine now.” I giggle.
He spins me around, placing his hands at the bottom of my top and sliding it over my head. I do the same to him, and I can't believe how good he looks.
His lips go straight to my neck, kissing it fervently, going from one side to the other. He travels down to my black lacy bra. Sliding one hand around my back, he unfastens it and then lets both hands drift to my matching panties. I stand still as he moves effortlessly to slide them down my legs.
"Oh, I am going to devour you, baby," he says as he kneels in front of me.
Moving his thumb to my clit, he rubs it while placing little kisses on it. He slides his finger inside me really slowly, sending me over the edge in ecstasy.
"You’re wet, so wet," he moans. “I want you, need you." He withdraws his finger and stands up to slide off his jeans. His tight boxers strain around his throbbing erection. I gracefully move and slide them down, freeing his cock.
Wow, I can’t help but look at how big he is. I giggle to myself. Mark lays me down onto the bed, kissing my neck and then sliding his lips down my chest.
"Baby, are you sure?" he asks in a caring voice.
I nod and he automatically slides on protection and then smiles at me. At least I don't have to worry.
He slowly slides himself in me, and I take a deep breath. Oh, baby. He places his hands above my head, and I bend my knees to wrap my legs around him. I put my hands into his hair and gently pull, causing him to groan in pleasure. As he begins to gain speed, he lowers his head and his tongue invades my mouth, kissing me passionately. The intensity is so strong that I arch my back to meet him thrust for thrust.
"Baby, you’re so perfect," he says as he takes one hand and starts squeezing my nipple and caresses my face with the other.
"Oh my," I say. I don't think I can hang on much longer.
"Megan, I love you," he declares as he continues to pump harder and faster, never losing his rhythm.
I can’t manage to form words; I just moan. I knew our first time would be easy and special.
"Argh!" Mark lets out a massive growl not long after me and falls down onto the bed beside me. He places his hand on my bum, rolling me onto my side and pulling me in close.
"You’re wonderful," he whispers as he strokes my hair.
"No, you are."
Chapter Seven
I shake my head. Okay, Megan, get your head back here. I will soon have Mark home, recreating new memories. Who knows what fun we can have? I continue to walk out of the hospital room following Annabella. Why does she want to speak to me?
“Yes, Annabella, what’s wrong?” I ask as I sit on the little bench just outside of Mark’s room. I see worry in her eyes. There is something she isn’t telling me.
“I need to tell you something, but don’t tell anyone, including Mark.” She pauses. “Promise me.” She looks down at the carry-out tray containing our drinks that is sitting on her knees. The cups are decorated with a single yellow star and the word “Believe” written under it. Is this some kind of message?
“I’ll try,” I reply. I can’t keep it from Mark if it is something that could help with the investigation. She must understand that. I would only tell him if I need to.
“I got a letter the other day,” she blurts out, keeping her head tilted down towards her lap.
“Saying?” I state the word as a question and place my hand on her arm.
“It had the words ‘I’ll destroy you all’ written on it,” she says, lifting her head up slightly to look at me.
“Why didn’t you mention it?” I ask. I really don’t have any idea what to say to her. She placed herself and everyone around her, including my daughter, in danger. If she had said something, this might not have happened. I know I shouldn’t blame her, but I don’t know what is happening,
“I thought it was a joke,” she answers with a tear rolling down her cheek.
“Do you still have it?” I ask. I hope she does, then maybe we can use it. It might help.
I need to remain calm.
She places her hand inside her bag, pulling out a torn cream envelope. “Here.” I turn it over and notice the word “open” written in a deep shade of red lipstick.
“You do know I need to tell Connor, right?”
“Yes, but I don’t want to worry Mark.” She doesn’t want to worry Mark, but does she think Connor won’t tell him? Of course, he is going to worry.
“Don’t worry.” I take a deep, cleansing breath while placing the letter into my jacket pocket. I walk back to the door of the room and smile at Annabella before pushing it open and rejoining Mark and Connor.
“Is everything okay?” Mark asks, looking directly into my eyes. I think he realizes something isn’t right. He knows me too well.
“Yes, she is just worrying,” I say, looking down at him in the hospital bed.
“Tell me the truth,” he states, reaching out for my hand.
“What?” I exclaim, moving my hand away.
“I know you well enough to know when you’re lying,” Mark points out. I knew he would be able to see right through me.
“Oh, she had a letter dropped off the other day,” I say, pulling out the envelope and passing it to Connor. “Stop worrying, Mark. I told her you wouldn’t say anything to her about it.”
“I won’t.”
I sit on the side of the bed, holding Mark’s hand and listening to him tell Lucy stories until he falls asleep with her in the crook of his arm. I hear a tap on the door, followed by Kim walking into the room.
“Miss, I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” she says quietly.
“Sure, what time can I return?” I ask. I knew I would have to leave at some point; I know what these hospitals are like.
She politely hands me a printed copy of the visiting hours and days. “Different times, different days.”
“Thank you,” I say. I turn to face Mark and pick up Lucy. “I love you.” I place a little kiss on his forehead.
I leave him asleep and follow Connor out to his car. We find Annabella asleep in it. I did wonder where she had gone. Since Connor had spent the afternoon taking calls and walking in and out of the room, I thought he might have taken her to Mark’s house.
“We need to find out who did this, Connor,” I insist, leaning against his car. It must be a new one because I have never seen him in a red car before today. I have to admit; it’s very smart.
“I know. I will,” he replies, rubbing the outside of my arm. “You’re cold.” I don’t care if I’m cold. I care about everyone’s safety.
“No, we will.” I pause. “If they come back, my daughter is at risk, too.”
“We have a plan,” he counters, informing me of an extra security plan. Someone will keep an eye on Lucy at all times. “Mark thinks of Lucy as his daughter. Don’t forget that. He isn’t going to let anyone harm her. She is precious to you both.”
“Thank you. We best get these too sleepy heads home and fed,” I state, looking down at Lucy. “Oh, crap. I need some dog food, too.”
“How about takeout for tea?” Connor asks before informing me of a little street that has lots of different takeout restaurants on it and a supermarket for other items. It’s a place where we can get everything we need in one stop. How did I not know about this?
“Thank God I have you. I don’t know this part of town.” I slide Lucy into her car seat that Connor has gotten for me out of Mark’s car.
“I know. Get in
,” he says, opening the car door.
“What about my car?” I question.
“Scott will collect it later when he collects Mia. She is going to come and stay with you. She is upset.”
“Who is Scott?” Now this is a name I definitely haven’t heard before.
“He’s Mia’s security guard. Well, that’s his official title,” he says, shrugging his shoulders.
“So…he’s more than that,” I say, laughing. That doesn’t surprise me, though. Mia is at the age where she sleeps with several men.
Chapter Eight
It seems like I have been at Mark’s for hours now, just waiting for Mia to come and join us. I can’t relax until I know she is safe, so I send her a text.
Mia, we have Chinese here. It’s your favorite, or so Connor said. I will keep it warm unil you arrive. I can’t wait to see you. I need a hug. Xx
Megan, I’m on my way now. I need to drop off my final designs. Hug is on its way. Get Connor to give you one for now. Xx
Erm, no. That’s just weird. See you soon. Xx
I love the fact the Mia is finally buckling down and working her bum off trying to get her work done, but seriously, I am not giving Connor a hug. That’s just weird. Annabella is being so helpful, like an angel. She has kindly taken Lucy for her nighttime bath, giving me some much needed time to sort out my head. I definitely need it. I send Connor out to walk Jessie because I have no energy to walk her tonight. I can’t do with her wanting me all night, so hopefully, she will be tired and settle down. I know she is in a strange environment, but I still hope she sleeps since I don’t think she has ever stayed here before.
It doesn’t feel right being in this house without Mark or without knowing he will be here shortly. I have never spent a night in this house without him, and I’m not looking forward to it.
I reach for my mobile to contact Jenny. I need to check how everything went.