“God damn it Coral, keep still! Did you hear what I said? She shot you, you need to be careful, keep still!” He snaps.
Tears prick my eyes as it all comes crashing down on me. I saved Tristan, he’s safe now and Susannah is locked away somewhere, she can't hurt him now…she can't hurt him.
Tristan strokes my forehead as he hovers above me again.“Hey, there’s no need for tears. I’m sorry I got mad,” he murmurs, then gently kisses my forehead.I close my eyes I must be dreaming this, I must be!
Then I remember my Mother.
“Was it her Tristan?” I whisper, opening my eyes, staring up into his. “Did Susannah kill my Mom?” I whimper. I’m not even sure if I want to know the answer to that one.
“No baby, Gladys told me it was heart failure.”
“Oh.” I choke back the tears that threaten again. Then I remember what Susannah stole from me. “My photograph!” I shout, feeling incensed again that she took it.
“Coral, I really don't want you to worry about things like’ – “Did they get it back?” I snap, feeling like I want to stamp my feet.
“Yes, it was found in her hotel room along with the photo of us. And they found a set of your keys on her when they arrested her.”
“Good,” I whisper. “That’s good.” I close my eyes again…I really do feel out of it. I hear the door open, and force my eyes open. A woman in a white coat walks in the room.
“Mr Freeman,” she nods in his direction. “Well now....” she turns and smiles at me. “How are you feeling Coral?” she asks.
“Groggy, confused…” I don’t really know what else to say.
“Do you remember me?” she asks.
“We’ve met?”I question, looking from her to Tristan for an explanation.
“Yes, yesterday morning. My name is Dr Green.” I frown back at her.
“We did?” I say in surprise, I do not remember meeting her – What’s wrong with me?
“Coral, has Mr Freeman explained why you are in here?”
I nod my head. “Yes, Susannah shot me,” I whisper.
“And has Mr Freeman explained’ – “Dr Green,” he snaps, interrupting her. “I haven’t had chance to explain…everything.” He adds.
They stare at one another for a moment. Dr Green doesn’t look too happy, and I can see it in Tristan’s face – whatever they are disagreeing about, Tristan will not budge!
Finally, she turns to me and smiles. “Coral, all your vital signs are looking good, you’re healing quickly, but I’m afraid we’re going to have to keep you in here a little while longer, I want to monitor you a little more. I want to be absolutely sure that all is as it should be before we send you home. If you have any further questions regarding this, or if you would like to speak to me about anything, just let Nurse Jenny know you want to see me,” she says patting my hand.
“Nurse Jenny?” I question.
“Your nurse,” she and Tristan both answer at the same time. Uh-oh! Something is definitely going on there.
“Ok, thanks…Dr Green.” I smile weakly at her.
“You are very welcome Coral.” She smiles back at me, shoots a disappointed look at Tristan then walks out off the room.
“What have you done?” I turn to Tristan with one eyebrow cocked up.
“Nothing,” he says avoiding eye contact, so I know he’s done something.
“Tristan!” I scold.
“It’s not important,” he says. He’s not going to tell me, so I decide to leave it for now. I look down the bed and around the room – Smells funny in here!
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
I glance over at him. “A while longer…?” I say anxiously. “I hate hospitals,” I add.
“I know, but like it or not you’re staying. You’re healing nicely but they just want to be sure you’re ok; so do I,” he says frowning deeply and squeezing my hand.
“It was just a gunshot,” I say, hoping he’ll change his mind and take me home. “It doesn’t hurt. I'm ok, you can take me home now.” I wince as I try to move – God damn it!
“Don’t do that Coral,” he softly admonishes.
“Do what?” I feign innocence.
“Lie to me,” he growls. “And stop thinking you have to be so tough all the time will you. Christ!” Tristan runs his hand through his hair in frustration.
“Sorry,” I say, tears welling up again. “I don't mean to be difficult....” I choke.
“I know,” he sighs and kisses me again. “Now go to back to sleep, you need to rest.”
“Why are you still here?” I ask.
“Where else would I be?” he asks incredulously.
“Tristan you should go home, get some rest, you look exhausted,” I tell him. He just stares at me, his big chocolate eyes, wide and weary. “You’re not going to leave?” I whisper.
“No.” He tells me firmly,then reaching up he gently strokes my hair.
“Am I dreaming?” I whisper.
“No.” Tristan gazes down at me with those deep, soulful eyes of his.
“Am I dead?” I question.
“No.” He states clearly.
“Prove it,” I challenge.
Tristan leans forward and gently rests his forehead against mine.“Feel this?” He says, clutching my hand in his.
“Yes,” I whisper, it feels heavenly.
“And this?” He says, kissing my forehead, I smile up at him. “I love you,” he tells me. “More than life itself. When I thought I’d nearly lost you’ – I press my fingertips against his full, soft lips. Now I know I'm not dreaming; I can smell his hypnotic scent invading all my senses….He smells like home.
“I love you too,” I softly say, and slowly but surely his lips gently meet mine…
CHAPTER TWO
MY STOMACH GRUMBLES LOUDLY making us both smile. I look up at Tristan; I guess the kissing is over for now.
“Hungry?” He asks.
“Yes, I feel like I haven’t eaten in a week,” I state.
Tristan frowns and looks down at our entwined fingers.
“What?” I question. “What are you looking so worried about?” He silently shakes his head at me. “Tristan!”
“You’ve been in here a while baby, you took your time coming round after the operation.”Operation?
“So what are you saying?” I ask.
“You’ve been out for ten days baby.” I frown back at him, then smile – He’s winding me up, he’s got to be.
Lifting my hand to his lips, he softly kisses my knuckles.“Happy birthday darling.” Shit! He’s telling the truth.
“It’s my birthday?” I squeak in horror.
“Yes.” Tristan kisses my hand again trying to soothe me.
“But...but, Gladys and Malcolm were getting married today!” I squeak, suddenly remembering that conversation.
Tristan shakes his head at me. “They’ve cancelled it baby.”
“What?” I screech. The machine that I'm hooked up to starts rapidly beeping; echoing my anxiety.
“Coral, with everything that’s happened, it was the last thing on their mind, don't you understand? You were shot baby, your heart...” Tristan stops for a moment and squeezes his eyes closed, it’s as though he’s in pain, then he opens them and glares down at me. “They had to resuscitate you...you came back but you’d lost a lot of blood, they had to give you a transfusion. Then they took you down to surgery, we all thought...prayed you would pull through,” he takes another deep breath.“When you were wheeled into ICU after your op, we all breathed a sigh of relief, but then you wouldn’t wake up....I thought....” He takes a deep steadying breath. “It’s been the most horrendous ten days of my life,” he says, his eyes wide, weary and full of fear.“I thought you’d never wake up again,” he says bowing his head as he chokes back tears.
“Tristan!” I gasp and pull him to me.I take his head and rest it on my chest, it hurts like hell, but I don't care; I need to comfort him.“Baby, don't cry, I’m here and I’m not going
anywhere,” I say running my fingers through his thick, soft hair.
He lifts his head, and I see the fear and the pain behind his eyes, he’s been to hell and back. He sniffs loudly, kisses me with his soft tear stained lips and puts his head back on my chest.
“Tristan, you look terrible. When was the last time you slept? I ask.
“I don't know...” he mumbles, looking up at me.
I place my hands on his cheeks. “Baby, when I get out of here I need you to be fit and healthy so you can look after me, not so exhausted that you’ll get ill, now go home.” I order.
“No!” he barks back.
“You’re being very stubborn,” I mutter.
“Yes, just like you,” he says cocking one eyebrow up at me.
I shake my head at him, trying to think of a way to get him home, he looks awful.“Ok, I’ll make a deal with you,” I say.
“A deal?”
“Yes.”
“Ok, I’m all ears,” he says.
“We eat something, because you look like you haven’t had a decent meal in you for days, then you go home. I don't expect to see you until tomorrow morning, deal?”
“No, no deal,” he says, shaking his head at me.
“Tristan!” I moan.
“I’m not leaving Coral, so drop it,” he snaps.
I roll my eyes at him. “Fine!” I bob my tongue out at him.
“Fine!” he mimics me then smiles his cheeky grin.
“You’re crazy,” I say laughing and shaking my head at him.
“And hungry,” he says.
“Tristan, there’s no excuse for you not eating!” Why the hell hasn’t Gladys fed him up while I’ve been in here?
“What are you hungry for beautiful?”He asks, ignoring my telling off.
“You,” I tease.
His smile spreads from ear to ear.“As I am, for you my darling,” Tristan says, softly stroking my cheek, then he gets to his feet; he seems very tired and weary. His face contorts as he stares down at my body, then he leans down, pulls the covers back, and lifts up my horrid, hospital nightgown.
He plants a soft kiss on my belly – I notice a funny look in his eyes as he does this – then he slowly brushes his prickly jaw against my skin, it sends tingles to all the right places – I so would right now, if I could.
“Don’t tempt me,” I growl, running my hands through his hair.
“Tempt you?” he asks, brushing his stubble against me again.
“Just because I’m in hospital and unable to move, doesn’t stop me shagging your brains out!” I grumble. He has no idea the effect he has on me.
“Yes it does,” he firmly says, kissing my belly once more.
“Get up here,” I say, pulling on his hair. Tristan smiles shyly as I pull his lips down to meet mine.The machine suddenly goes silent as my heart splutters to a stop. I still can’t get used to the feel of his lips against mine.
Tristan instantly stops kissing me, his lips frozen millimetres from mine. Then he looks across at the machine, just as my heart thuds a couple of times, then zooms into action. I blow out a deep breath.
“What was that all about?” he asks.
“You just…drive me wild!” I say against his lips.
“Wild eh?” Ok, he’s enjoying this.
“More than you’ll ever know,” I add.
“Ditto baby,” he says sweetly, kissing me softly again.
“Tristan, I really want you to’ – “I know what you’re going to say,” he interrupts. “And I’m not going anywhere, the only time I’m walking out of this hospital is with you in my arms,” he states.
“Tristan, that’s silly,” I admonish.
“You nearly died Coral, so I don’t think it’s silly at all. Now, what are you hungry for?”
“I’ve told you. You!” I pout, wishing I could make love to him.
“Well I’m afraid I’m off the menu for a while….so?” Tristan cocks his head to the side waiting for my answer. For some unfathomable reason I’m craving Macaroni Cheese, yet I never eat that stuff.How odd?
“Well?” Tristan pushes.
“Macaroni Cheese,” I answer.
“Sounds good,” he chuckles.
“You like it too?” I question.
“Yes.” Tristan kisses me again, then takes out his mobile and types up a text.
“What time is it?”
“Lunchtime.”
“Who are you texting?” I ask.
“Stuart.”
“Why?”
“To get us some food from the cafeteria, he’s been here the whole time Coral, to get anything we need,” he adds. There’s a cafeteria here?
“He has?” I squeak.
“Yes, he’s been worried about you too.”
“Well he should take your sorry ass home, so you can shower, shave and get your butt into bed for some rest,” I admonish. I don't want him to know, but I’m really worried about him, he looks terrible.
“You don’t like the beard?” he asks running his hand across his jaw.
“Actually I do, I think it looks really sexy but’ – “You do?” he says in surprise.
“Um...yeah,” I smile. “Tristan, I think you’re sexy with or without it, so do want you want to do baby, keep it if you like it,” I say smiling up at him. He smiles his shy smile, then shakes his head at me in wonder.“What?”
“Nothing, I just...Coral, I love that you care about me so much, that you think I should go home, but I can rest here,” he says, patting the bed next to me.
“Yes, you can,” I say smiling broadly at him. “And of course I care about you like that, I love you Tristan, that’s why I took a bullet for you. But now I think about it, maybe I shouldn’t have?” I say staring down at the bed. “It was a really silly thing for me to have done, and now I’m in pain and I can’t move, which means I can’t bed you whenever I want to!” I say putting on a pretend pout, teasing him.
“Ah baby...” He leans down to kiss me, chuckling hard against my lips.
“S’not funny!” I moan as it all starts to sink in – If I’m in this much pain lying still, there’s no way any sex is going to happening! God damn it!
“Sex deprived?” he titters.
“You’re going to have a lot of making up to do you know,” I mumble.
His eyes glint wickedly.“Oh, it’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it,” he chuckles.
“I’m glad it’s you,” I say.
“Yeah?” He croaks.
“Yes, you’re my man baby. You make me feel safe, protected, loved. All those women that wanted you, I feel sorry for them. They lost out, but I got you and I’ll always remember that, I’ll never take you for granted.” I say surprising myself.
Tristan loses his grin. His face falls and his eyes grow dark.“Baby...” he chokes trying his best to hold me without hurting me. “It’s always been you, always will be,” he whispers then pulls back, gazing adoringly at me again - like I'm the air that he breathes. God knows why?
“How much longer do you think I’ll have to stay in here?” I ask.
“You want to go home?”
“Yes, I want to go home.”
“When you say home?” he questions.My heart sinks. Doesn’t he want me with him?
“Well, I mean with you...I mean...well I can't go back to my studio...?” I say frowning deeply at him.
“You sure this is what you want?” He asks.
I sigh inwardly. “Tristan nowhere has ever been home to me. I mean...I love Gladys and Debs,and the house I was raised in, but...well, the first time I ever felt at home, was when I met you. So my home is where you are.”Tristan silently nods as he digests this information, but I keep pushing, because I want out of here.
“I’ll heal quicker there, I know I will. Please baby....” I stop remembering something. “Dr Andrews works here,” I say hoping he’ll sign me out.
“Coral, he’s in a completely different department. He can't sign you out if that’s what you�
��re thinking?” My face falls. I so want out of here.
“But I’ll see what I can do, I don't want you leaving’ – “Tristan, nothing is going to happen to me. I want to go home, I want to sleep in our bed, I want to sit on the sofa with you and eat home cooked food. Please baby, get me out of here.” I beg.
“Sounds heavenly,” he says. “I’ll see what they say,” he adds.
“I don't care what they say, I want out.” I pout.
“I know,” he says kissing me again. “Let’s eat and then I’ll go talk to them.”
I smile back at him. “Thank you Tristan.” I lean forward to kiss him and wince – Fuck that hurt!
“Where’s the nurse?” I ask, panting in pain.
“You want pain killers?” Tristan asks, I nod frantically at him, Tristan leans over and presses the button again.“She’ll be here in a sec,” he says squeezing my hand in his. “Nice deep breaths baby,” he soothes.
I close my eyes briefly and concentrate on blocking out the pain. The door opens and a nurse in a blue uniform enters.
“Hi Coral,” she smiles. “Sorry about the delay, we’re really busy today. You need some painkillers?”
“Please,” I whimper.
“Alright honey,” I watch her inject something into my drip. “You feeling better?” she asks, I nod back at her. “Ok, see you later.” She smiles and walks out of the room.
“You know if we go home you’ll have to take painkillers in tablet form, it won't be this easy,” he tells me.
“Tristan, you’re rich,” I rightly point out. “I want a nurse and a drip at home,” I say gritting my teeth. Tristan chuckles at my little rant, then we both look up as the door is opened again.
“Stuart!” I beam. Tristan is straight to his feet taking the tray off Stuart and placing it on the table in front of me – It smells delicious!
“How are you feeling Coral?” Stuart asks.
“Good thanks; you?” I smile.
“No complaints, glad to see you’re awake,” he says nodding once at me.
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 90