Sand squishes between his fingers as he pushes himself up just as Andy squats down and murmurs to Vivian. After a minute she nods, brushing down her dress and allowing him to help her up. Fatigue replaces the grogginess in her eyes. She’s spent too. At least she accepts the danger is over and won’t fight them anymore.
Her tiredness matches his own. Bodies splay across the landscape with even more inside. They’ve got a lot of shit to clean up before they can leave.
“Why the fuck doesn’t she answer?”
Anxiety pulses in Nick’s tone, missing his wife's usual instant response. Shae’s subtle way of keeping him from tormenting himself with worry. His boss swipes the screen and hits the buttons with more force than necessary. Max smiles to himself. Some things never really change, including Nick's impatience.
“Gina better fucking pick up.”
Damn, he’s never wished for his own phone more than now. Gabby should be okay but he’d kill to talk to Millie and be certain. But Nick will never fucking give up his cell until he talks to Shae himself. Fucking taking everything he has to remain patient, he walks over to Giavan and his motionless bodyguards. No response from his damp shoe nudging their torsos. Nothing under his fingertips when he presses against their throats. Just as he expected but never hurts to confirm.
His body winces at the almost inhuman roar bellowing behind him. He jerks around, almost stumbling over Paul’s mutilated body to see what infuriates his boss to the point of insanity.
"God damn fucking son of a bitch."
Vivian steps closer to Andy, her face paling deeper in shock, already realizing the protection the mercenary provides from Nick's fury. He brushes past them to his boss.
"What?"
"No." Nick ignores him, as if the sound of Max's voice doesn't even reach his ears. "She can't be dead."
He can't take Nick freaking out anymore and yanks the phone out of his friend's hand, squinting to see the image in the fading light.
Who's the boss now motherfucker?
What the fuck? His heart pounds against his rib cage. Gina's fucking lost it for sending a message like this to Nick. All of the trauma must have pushed her over the edge. That can be the only reason for her to taunt him. Until the next image pops up.
All the throbbing stops, his entire body numb with fear.
Gina.
Drenched in blood.
He can't scroll fast enough, the cover cracking under the pressure of his stroking thumb.
Shae.
Unconscious on the floor.
Cord.
Head blasted across the wall.
Marta.
Foot twisted in the wrong direction.
Their entire world at the mercy of another madman. And not a motherfucking thing he can do to help any of them.
Chapter 16
Max brushes strands of silky hair away from her forehead. The caramel skin warm and soft under his fingertips. It’s easy to forget how fragile she is. How the immensity of her passion disguises her petite frame. The fierceness of her smart ass mouth hiding the slightness of her body.
Until she’s still.
Quiet and motionless, surrounded by the machines keeping her alive. Her pink lips parted by tubing and an oxygen mask instead of twisting with the smirk he loves. The beeps rolling across black screens the only messages she sends.
Her eyelids twitch again. Teasing him too many fucking times with the hope they’ll open. That she’ll grin at him, shaking her head. Ask him why he looks like shit. Why doesn’t he shave? Or, at least take a shower?
Everyone else questions him too. Why doesn’t he take a break? Get some fresh air? And, it’s starting to really piss him off. Don’t they see why he can’t leave her? Don’t they understand what could happen if he’s gone? He can’t take the chance. Not be away from her when those huge cocoa eyes finally look into his. He has to be the first person she sees. Since he should have been the fucking last. Wrapped in his arms, her head on his chest. Letting him hold her while her eyes drift shut, confident in his love for her.
Instead of fucking here. Broken and desperate. Damn that fucking traitor. That motherfucking coward who hurt the women they love. Son of a bitch better be fucking glad he was dead before they got home.
A bitter laugh catches in his throat. God, he sounds just like Nick. Crazy and vicious. But, now he gets it. Finally understands his friend’s fury over Shae. He thought he did before, but not really. Not until everything he loves might be lost. Unaware how much the fear starts to creep in when the woman he needs more than his own life might be gone forever. He kisses her hand, limp and cold wrapped in his fingers. That cannot happen.
He pulls out the paper tucked in his pocket. The crooked fold and bright colors give him his first real smile since Nick… He shakes his head. Nope. Can’t go back to that fucking moment when his greatest relief was gutted by his greatest fear. “Gabby made you a get well card. She wants you to come back and play princesses with her.”
Pink glitter rains down onto the white blanket tucked around her as he holds up the drawing for her to see. “I’m not quite sure why my hair is blue. Or, my feet are bigger than my body. But, when you get better, I’ll take you back. And, we’ll ask her. Or, she can come here. And, my mom and sister. They’ll be so happy to see you. Or whatever you want. I’ll take you any place you want to go. Anything you want to do.” The paper slips from his fingers and he leans closer, trying to figure out how to stop fucking rambling like a fucking idiot and make her hear him. Make her understand how sorry he is. “Please, Gina. Open your eyes so I can make you happy. So I can fix everything I did to hurt you and you’ll be happy. Please?”
Nothing.
No flutter of lashes. No words of protest or agreement. No fingers curling into his or shoving him away. Just the sound of oxygen whooshing. The essential element pushing in and out of her lungs. Forcing her to live despite the injuries threatening to steal her away. “Keep fighting, G. I know you’re in there. I need you to come back to me. Just don’t give up. Please don’t give up.”
He flinches at the door creaking behind him. He’s not fucking leaving, no matter how much whoever the fuck it is, tries to talk him into it. Metal scrapes across the tile floor from the chair Nick pulls up next to him. Anger races through his taut body as his best friend drops down beside him. What the fuck is he doing here? Doesn’t he know he can’t fucking worry about protecting Shae right now too? “Who the fuck is guarding Sh--?”
“Andy.” Nick’s palm flies up, his 'don’t give me any shit' look flashing across his drawn face. “She’s at home, and he’s staying with her until I get back.”
Thank fucking God. She’s safe. With one of the few people besides Nick he actually trusts. He rubs over his matted hair. At least that part of his life is under control. The only fucking part.
Lack of sleep fucks with his mind. Of course, Nick would never put Shae in danger. Nick would never leave his wife to fend for herself.
His stomach churns again. No. Only he himself abandons the women he swore he would protect because of his fucked up past. Deserting the people he promised he would never let anything happen to. How did he fuck this up so badly?
At least Nick won’t fucking nag him, or try to take care of him. He slumps back and accepts the flask he hands him, welcoming the smooth burn down his throat. “Thanks. I needed that.”
Nick nods before pulling out his own bottle and taking a long drink. His friend as spent as he is. “She’s in your bed actually.”
What the fuck? He almost spits out the second taste. Must be more exhausted than he realized because that fucking makes no sense.
“They released her this morning. Our bedroom’s still fucked up, and she wanted to be with Marta. And of course, Carrie’s all over her like a fucking mother hen. So, the nurses have them in your room since it’s the biggest bedroom on the first floor.”
At least he gets a small laugh from the image of the three women cuddled together. That’s fucked up.
“So that’s why you escaped?”
“She’s freaking out about you.” His friend shakes his head, his expression softening as he glances from him to Gina. “About both of you. The stress isn’t good for the baby. So I promised her I would come and check on you.”
All the conversations of the past few days blur together. He can’t remember what’s actually real, or what he hopes to be true, beyond the broken woman lying in front of him. “But, she’s okay, right? That’s what you said.”
“Yeah, the doctor says they both are.” The uncertainty in Nick's tone contrasts with his words. A reminder of his own regret stealing his confidence. "She's on bed rest for the next few days and then nothing strenuous after that."
A little bit of the shame squeezing his chest loosens. “Good.”
“Thanks to her." Nick's free hand flexes and curls into a fist, sliding back and forth on his thigh as he nods toward the bed. Probably aching just like him to punish Oscar for what the bastard has done to them. “Marta told me Gina took the bullet to protect Shae. What kind of motherfucker tries to kill a pregnant woman?”
What kind of woman risks her life to save another? Twice. Jesus. She's so fucking fearless. Never backs down no matter what the consequences. Gratitude battles with guilt in his gut. Shae's alive because of Gina. Proof of her own selfless heart that she sacrifices herself for their friend and the baby.
And, he's the motherfucker who put her in the position to have to choose between herself and the woman she thinks has his heart. No wonder Nick's so fucked up from the remorse of Shae suffering because of their world. Now it's about destroyed him too.
“Fucking Spencer and now this." Nick blows out a deep breath. "I don’t know why the fuck they even put up with our shit. But, Gina's amazing. I don't think I've ever known a woman that brave."
Pride pounds in his chest. Fuck yeah she is. Even more than a lot of men. "Me neither."
"I owe her more than I can ever re-pay. My wife and child would be..." Nicks rakes his fingers through his hair as his jaw clenches, spitting out the words through gritted teeth. "...dead, if it weren't for her."
A fate he can't think about either. He shakes his head, pushing away the fury engulfing him again. "They're both safe. That's all she wanted."
His best friend nods, long and slow, accepting the gift Gina gives all of them. "Andy's brought in some of his guys - men he trusts completely - to guard the house and the two of you here. So, you can focus on taking care of Gina. You don't have to worry about anything but her."
A bit of the tension pulsing in his exhausted muscles releases. Nick gives him exactly what he needs. "Thanks."
"You'd do the same for me."
One last pat on his shoulder before his friend shuts the door behind him. Alone again. Not that he minds. Having her all to himself is a pleasure he can enjoy for only a few minutes more. Once her mother arrives he'll accept his relegated position. But, damn he's dreading it. Like that won't be fucking awkward. Not just because he looks like fucking death. The first time he meets her after finding out he's been sneaking around with her daughter like a fucking pussy.
His lips brush Gina's cheek before a smile curls his mouth. Maybe if he gets shitty with her again, she'll wake up and give him the hell he deserves. "You know it's all your fault that your mom isn't going to like me. I'm just warning you now that I'll always be--"
Fucking shit! His pulse pounds in his rigid body.
She fucking moved.
For the first time in three days she finally responds, her head turning toward the sound of his voice. Shaking fingers cup her pale cheeks as her eyelids fight to open. "Gina?"
A groggy gaze meets his, a spark of recognition brightening her beautiful face before her eyes fall shut again.
No!
“Stay with me.” He strains closer, needing to keep her from leaving him again. To keep her from drifting away before she understands his absolute conviction. His thumb follows the tear trailing down her temple. Please fucking God hear him. “I love you.”
Her cheek fills his palm from her head falling lax again. Only his hands hold her up. Fear clenches his throbbing muscles. Why the fuck is she crying? The thought of her doubting him is more than he can bear.
Or, her suffering. Too many fucking tubes snake into her body. One of them better be fucking morphine. Where the fuck is the nurse?
He kisses her again before settling her against the pillow. Fuck this shit. He'll get her the help she needs. Striding toward the door, he freezes at the truth he's been hiding from, now a reality playing out behind the glass.
Nick speaks with an older woman, Enrique's arm curled around her waist. She shakes her head, ebony hair swaying across her shoulders, disagreeing with Nick's words. Max may not have been introduced but there's no doubt she's Renata, Gina's mother. Her squared shoulders and defiant expression match her daughter's fire exactly.
Anger seems to stiffen her petite body, fighting against Enrique holding her in place. Until Nick leans forward, tapping on his chest, and then points to Gina's door. Her face reddens as she follows the direction of his gesture and tears slide down her cheeks, now understanding the sacrifice her daughter made.
A tissue presses against her mouth as she stares at Max. Definitely not happiness darkening her face. Not that he can blame her. Fuck buddies aren't held in high esteem, especially for their married daughter. Even if it's true only on paper, not within her heart.
She nods at Enrique's words in her ear and takes a deep breath, almost as if bracing herself. Stepping sideways out of her path as she marches into the room, he bites back the words forming on his lips. There is so much he needs to say to her, to make her believe what he feels for Gina is more than lust.
That he loves her child. But, Gina may be in pain and right now that's all he can focus on. That conversation will have to wait.
"Richard!" Renata engulfs the man jogging past him and up to her and Enrique. "Você está aqui!"
Lava runs through his veins from the thick accent in her soft feminine voice. The words may be unrecognizable to him but the relief in her tone translates perfectly clear. Richard's the man she welcomes in her daughter's life. Not him.
A nurse in yellow scrubs stands in the doorway, pursing her lips together as she scans the small group. "I'm sorry, folks. But, only two people are allowed in here at a time. The rest of you need to move to the waiting room."
Enrique nods toward Renata and Richard. "This is her mother and husband. They need to be with her."
Richard shakes his head. “Enrique, I told you...”
The man's voice fades along with all the color from his face as he takes in Gina. Seeing the same horrible nightmare that’s been torturing him for days. Fury pulses in Max's chest. And, where’s this motherfucker been? Rolling in here like he cares about her. Like he’s fucking upset to see her like this.
Richard turns on Enrique, his face tight with anger. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would've been here. You know I would do anything for her.”
Before her father can respond, Richard sits down, scooting the chair closer to the bed. The answer no longer seems to matter. All his focus pinpoints on her. "How could this have happened?"
Enrique squeezes Richard's shoulder. "I fucked up. I didn't protect her when I should have."
The guilt breaking her father's voice matches his own. Neither of them realizing the enemy among them until it was too late. The cruelty of their world always the harshest to the most innocent victims.
“When she came to see me, she had a bodyguard with her. I knew something was wrong even though she wouldn’t admit it. Always too stubborn to ask for help.” Richard leans forward, grasping her hand in his. “I just didn’t know how bad it was. If I had, I wouldn't have let her go.”
The words slice like a knife through his gut. He fucking hated himself for telling her to talk to Richard again. For forcing her to choose. Who was he to fucking act so righteous? When all along he was fucking lying to himself that h
e wouldn't feel guilty if she chose him over her husband. But, he would've fucking lived with that burden just to have her with him. For her to be his world. Instead of with Richard. Where she was safe. Damn, he's a selfish bastard.
Enrique frowns at Richard before his eyes widen as the realization sets in. "You talked to her?"
"Yeah. After all this time, she finally told me the truth about Lily.” A small smile softens Richard's worried expression as his fingers sweep over her hair. "I never thought it would happen, but she let me back in. Like we used to be. Before everything fell apart."
Renata sits next to her son-in-law, taking his free hand in hers while curling her other fingers over Gina's. Connecting the four of them. Uniting a family. Everyone bound together to help the woman they love.
Except for him. No room for the interloper who threatens her marriage. No place for the asshole who keeps them from reconciling.
Tears shine in Renata's eyes but she nods at Richard, complete conviction in her unwavering gaze. "Ela vai ficar bem. Nós vamos cuidar dela juntos e ela vai ficar bem."
Enrique glances from her to his son-in-law, interpreting her words. "She says Gina will be all right. We're her family, and we'll take care of her together."
"Thank you, Max." Enrique extends his hand leaving him no choice to grasp it. To accept the dismissal from her room. And, from her life. "You've been a good friend to us, staying with her until I could bring Renata. There is no doubt as to why Nick trusts you with everything so very precious to him."
His lips part to protest but it's too late. Enrique's attention returns to his daughter. The banishment complete. Dead to her mother and her father. Yet, it's the other man in her life who drives his pain.
Richard's gaze never leaves her. Richard's wife. The mother of Richard's child. His.
Not mine.
Never mine.
She can't ever be fucking mine.
What a fucking idiot. Fucking fooling himself all along to ever think he could be anything more than temporary. This is her life. Where she belongs. Not with a fuck buddy who can never seem to give her what she needs. Or what she deserves.
Truth About Tequila (Surviving Absolution #3) Page 13