by K. G. Reuss
“She was. You had to breathe for her.”
“She’s going to be OK, Cole. We need to believe that, man. If we don’t, we’ll all fall apart. Now isn’t the time to lose your shit. I need you, OK? We all do. Let’s just take it moment by moment. We can’t keep lashing out and fucking off. It’s too much drama. I can’t take much more.”
Cole blew out a breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“It’s OK. I’m sorry too.”
“What are you sorry for?” He scoffed.
“I feel guilty because it’s my fault. I thought I was doing the right thing by doing Juliet’s bidding to keep Rosie safe. I’d planned on telling Rosie everything, but then I just got so caught up in her wanting me—us—that I lost track of shit. When Juliet came at me with everything, I felt blindsided and desperate. I fucked up. Bad. I only wanted to protect Rosie. Now look. She’s fighting for hers and the baby’s lives.”
“We’ll take care of Juliet. You read Rosalie’s answer in the notebook. She wants us. I mean, I hope she still does, but it’s the one piece of hope I’m going to cling to. I want us to be happy together. I dream of it.”
“Me too,” I murmured.
We sat in silence for nearly an hour, both of us staring off in the distance. I imagined he was running scenarios through his head just like I was.
“Hey,” Enzo called out as he approached. He had his dark aviators in place.
We both stared at him as he stopped in front of us.
“You two done holding each other’s dicks?”
“Why? Jealous?” Cole sighed and gave him a tired smile.
Enzo flashed his million-watt grin. “Maybe. We’ve got more important things to talk about though.”
I leaned forward, my heart banging hard. “Ethan—”
“He’s awake.”
“He is?” Cole was on his feet in seconds, me following.
“Yeah. And he’s asking for us. Now, you two assholes done fucking around, or do you need me to kick your ass to get your head in the game?”
“Let’s go,” I said, stepping around Enzo, eager to get to Ethan.
“Hey, Fox,” Enzo called out.
I stopped and turned to face him.
“All in? Together?”
“There’s nothing I want more.”
“Let’s do this shit then.” Enzo grinned and clapped me on the shoulder as Cole gave me a knowing smile.
All in. Now, we had to get our fourth.
Twelve
Ethan
My head felt like a sledgehammer had been taken to it. My chest felt worse.
“Get this shit out of me,” I grunted, gesturing to the tube stuffed up my cock so I could piss. “I swear if you don’t take it out, I’ll do it my damn self.”
“Ethan, honey, calm down. Let the nurse do her job,” my mom said from beside me, patting my hand in a soothing way.
Dad hovered in the corner. After I’d woken up and was able to tell the doctor my name and answer his other foolish questions, they’d let my parents in. The waterworks started as soon as they’d laid eyes on me.
No one would answer my questions though. I finally demanded to see Fox, Cole and Enzo. They’d be straight with me.
“Easy,” the nurse said as I fidgeted again. Young. Beautiful. She had nothing on my sweetheart though.
My mind was wild as I thought about Rosalie. Vague memories of Enzo and Fox’s voices telling me she was nearby had me chomping at the bit to find her and hold her.
“Listen,” I started again, more calmly this time.
I was so fucking groggy. But I shoved it all aside, forcing myself to be more coherent. I was an addict for fuck’s sake. If there was one thing I knew how to do, it was how to get my shit together to be coherent and functioning. “I hurt. I want to see my girlfriend. I want to see my friends. Can you please have this thing removed? I’ll piss in a jug if I need to, but this shit needs to go.”
“Doctor Browning stepped out to check on another patient. As soon as he’s done, I’ll ask him about removing the catheter, OK? We just don’t want to have to reinsert it later if something pops up.”
“The only thing that’s going to pop up is my damn anger, Nurse…”
“I’m Jasmine. I’m going to need you to try to relax. You’ve been injured pretty bad—”
“Get me some pain meds,” I grumbled, wincing.
A look of concern filled my dad’s eyes.
My chest ached. My throat felt like razors had played hopscotch inside it. And my wrists were fucked. The pain ebbed from my shoulders to my fingertips. The ugly white bandages served as a reminder of what that prick had done to me. When I get my hands on Ian. . .
“I need some water too,” I croaked as Jasmine adjusted my IV’s. “My throat feels like it’s on fire.”
“Ah, Mr. Masters, it’s good to see you still awake,” my doctor proclaimed with a smile on his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes. He exchanged handshakes with my parents.
“So how are you feeling?”
“Like there’s a drumline practicing in my head,” I answered in a raspy voice. “My whole body hurts. I-I need something.”
Doctor Browning nodded at Jasmine. “I put an order in for some pain medication.”
“I’ll be right back,” she said, stepping out of the room.
“So… You were in an accident,” Doctor Browning started.
“I recall.”
“The police are probably going to want to get a statement from you, but I informed them you’ll need some time to really wake up.”
“Where’s my girlfriend? Rosalie Bishop. Is she OK?” To hell with the cops. I needed Rosalie.
Doctor Browning pulled up a stool and sat down beside me. He shared a look with my parents. “Hospital policy doesn’t allow me to discuss other patients with anyone but their next of kin.”
I started to protest, making the heart monitor beep more wildly.
The doctor held up his hand. “Even though I can’t share any information with you, I’m pretty sure your parents can probably shed some light on things for you.” He shot them a knowing look.
I settled back down and turned to my parents. “Where’s Rosalie?”
“She’s down the hall. Sleeping still. She…” Mom’s voice broke.
Dad took over for her. “Son, her injuries were more severe than yours.”
Tears welled in my own eyes. “And the baby?” I whispered, worry coursing through me.
“The baby’s OK as far as they know. But they’re taking things day by day,” Dad explained.
“Does that mean she could lose the baby still?” Nausea churned my guts. My poor sweetheart. I needed to get to her.
“Anything can happen, and like I said, Rosalie is far worse off than you.”
“Meaning?” My chest ached. I wanted to rub it, but my wrists were killing me.
“Rosalie was in a car accident. She has some injuries that require a little more time to heal.”
A tear trickled down my cheek at my dad’s words, the uncertainty in his tone, and the silence emanating from the doctor. I wanted to demand more answers. But my tears were my mother’s undoing.
“Ethan,” she whispered, reaching out a shaky hand and pushing my hair away from my forehead. “Oh, honey!”
“Don’t cry, Mom,” I croaked.
“We’ve just been so worried, Son,” Dad said in a choked voice, a sheen of tears in his own eyes.
“I’m fine,” I hurried to assure them, wincing as my throat burned.
“Here.” Doctor Browning handed me a styrofoam cup of water with a straw. “Drink slowly.”
I drank it down greedily, enjoying the way the coolness helped to quell the fire. He took my empty cup from me and returned to his stool.
“How are you really feeling?” Mom asked, her eyes filled with worry.
“A bit like I’ve been shot in my chest,” I answered. “But the pain reminds me I’m still alive.”
“Can you gi
ve him something? I mean, with his history,” Dad started, giving me an apologetic look. I knew he was worried when I’d asked for something earlier.
“We’re going to. With Ethan’s history, we’re going to go for some low dose pain medications and see how that works. We want him to be comfortable, but we don’t want to have bigger issues later on.”
“I’m here to tell you right now, I’ll get help if I need it. Just. . .anything right now. I hurt.” I wasn’t milking it. The pain made me want to vomit.
“Is there anything else you can do for pain management? I mean, I’m worried about the potential for long term issues … but I can’t stand seeing him in this kind of pain,” Mom said.
Even though everything hurt like a bitch, I wanted to ease her concerns. “I can handle it,” I promised.
Doctor Browning nodded. “Jasmine will be back shortly with your medication.”
Just as he finished his sentence, she came into the room. She moved to my IV and inserted a needle. A rush of warmth hit me a moment later. I relaxed deeper into my bed and let out a sigh.
Fuck me, that hit the spot.
“How’s that?” Doctor Browning asked.
“I’m good,” I mumbled, my eyelids heavy. “I want to see Rosalie. I want to see my friends.”
“You will. But we need you to rest up, OK?” Doctor Browning patted my hand gently. “You’re a hell of a fighter, kid. Hell of a fighter. I’ll be back later after my rounds to check on you again. If you need anything, use your call button.”
And with that, he left the room, taking Nurse Jasmine with him.
“I’m sorry,” I started groggily. “I didn’t mean for this to happen—”
“We know, Ethan. It’s OK,” Mom murmured, running her fingers gently through my hair.
“You guys won’t be able to afford the hospital bill. I-I’ll sell more photographs and get a second, even third, job to help—”
“Don’t worry about it, Ethan. We’ll figure it out. We can remortgage the house,” Dad said. “Or take out a loan.”
My eyes burned with the threat of tears. “I don’t want you to do that. It’s too much. I’ll pay for the bill myself—”
“Honey, don’t worry about it, OK? Dad and I will take care of it. We just want you better. Jace and Emma miss you so much.” Mom sniffled.
“I miss them too,” I mumbled sleepily. “I’ve caused you guys so many problems—”
“You’ve been a great son, Ethan. Don’t start thinking otherwise. We love you.” Dad reached down and rested his hand over mine. “When we thought we lost you, our whole world came crumbling down,” his voice cracked, and he wiped at a tear. “Just get better for us. That’s all we want.”
“I will. I promise,” I said softly.
“You ready to see your friends? They’ve been here pretty much every day. Enzo is in the lounge right now. I can get him.”
“Please. I-I want Cole and Fox too.”
“OK, honey.” Mom placed a kiss on my forehead and left the room.
“Dad?”
“Yeah?”
“Is Ian here?” I wanted to kick his ass. Putting a bullet in his chest seemed like the best idea, really. The piece of shit didn’t deserve to draw breath. Ugly scenes from that night flooded my mind, and I gave a shudder.
“No. Ian. . . he passed away.” Dad didn’t look the least bit upset at the information.
My heart thudded hard in my chest.
“How?”
“Car accident they say. Cole and Fox found his car wrapped around a tree with him and Rosalie inside. They tried to save him. Fox pulled him from the fire—"
“It was on f-fire?” my voice shook at the information.
Dad nodded. “Yeah. Ian didn’t survive his injuries. Fox performed CPR until help arrived to save Rosalie. She’s banged up pretty bad.”
“Sweetheart,” I whispered, a tear slipping from the corner of my eye.
“The guys will tell you more, I’m sure. Rosalie’s mom has been keeping Fox updated.”
I closed my eyes, trying to shove the ugly images of Ian on top of her out of my head. It was the shit nightmares were made of.
“Ethan,” Dad called out softly.
“Mm?”
“Enzo told us about, uh, you guys.”
“I love her. I love them, Dad. I always will. They’re like brothers to me. It’s that simple.”
He patted my hand gently again. “OK. We only want your happiness.”
“They’re my happiness.”
“Then that’s all that matters.”
The conversation ended because Enzo, Cole, and Fox came into the room. Dad got to his feet and stepped away.
“Your mom and I will be back later. We’ll see about getting you some food, OK?”
“Thanks, Dad,” I whispered, watching him lead Mom out.
I shifted my swimming vision to the guys.
“Hey, dicks,” I greeted them in my soft, raspy voice.
“Hey, you immortal son of a bitch,” Enzo returned, grinning.
“Get over here,” I called out, the smile making my face hurt.
The guys came to my side. Enzo reached me first. He pressed his warm lips to my forehead.
“I thought we’d lost you, E. I’ve never been so scared in my entire life.”
“You saved me, man. I owe you a lot.”
“You don’t owe me shit but a promise to get out of this bed and join us.”
“Done.” I laughed softly as he backed away.
Fox was next. “I don’t even have words. I’m just so glad you’re back. I love you, Ethan.”
“So I’ve heard,” I chuckled, recalling his words from when I was under. “I fucking love you too, Fox.”
He grinned at me. I looked to Cole.
“You look like shit, bro.”
I gave him a tired smile. “So do you, asshole. What’s got your panties in a twist?”
“Your crazy ass. I’ve been worried sick about you.”
“Prove it,” I challenged, struggling to keep my eyes open.
He approached my bedside and pressed a kiss to my forehead and rested his head against mine.
“Are you crying?” I whispered.
“Fuck you, Ethan,” Cole sniffled. “I fucking love you, man.”
“I love you too. I’d love you more if you brought me something to eat.”
He laughed softly and backed away. “I have a fruit basket for you, but I forgot to bring it.”
“Well, shit,” I muttered. “Does it at least have strawberries?”
“You know it, man.”
“Nice. Bring it tomorrow.”
“I will.”
The guys shuffled around, pulling two chairs up, one on either side of my bed. Enzo took a seat near my feet at the end of the bed.
“Tell me about Rosalie,” I demanded.
Fox cleared his throat. “She’s been in a medically induced coma since she arrived, like you. They ran some tests today to see if they could wean her off the ventilator and wake her up… Her breathing wasn’t strong enough to take her off just yet, but they’re going to try again soon. The bleeding she had on her brain has stopped, so they aren’t going to have to operate at this point.” Fox’s voice was thick with emotion.
“Fuck,” I choked out, my chest aching for a whole slew of new reasons. “What else?”
“Ian cut her up pretty bad, so she had to get some stitches. Almost all the ribs on her left side are broken or fractured. She has a fractured leg and arm. And she suffered some burns in the accident. But they weren’t super serious since Cole and Fox got her out in time. They’re mostly on her feet and legs. First and second degree. She needs help breathing, so she’s been on a ventilator for a few days. They’ve been trying to wean her off, like Fox said, but some days seem to be better than others,” Enzo gazed out the window as he spoke.
I wanted to scream. I wanted to fucking bring Ian back from the dead and kill his ass all over again. That useless son of a bitch
!
Fox reached out and wiped my eyes for me with a tissue and offered me a sad smile. I looked over to see the photo of her in a purple sundress, smiling.
My sweetheart.
“Which one of you killed Ian?” I whispered.
The guys looked at one another. I didn’t think they’d answer me until Cole spoke up.
“Me.”
“How did you do it?” I asked thickly, desperate to know.
“I broke his neck.”
I nodded, my throat tight. “Good.”
“They think it happened in the accident. No one knows,” Cole continued softly.
“And no one ever will.” I leveled my tired eyes on Cole.
He smirked. “I’m only getting started.”
I shifted my gaze to Fox who frowned and then to Enzo who gave me a quick smile.
“Whatever you’re planning, I want to help.”
“Didn’t doubt you for a minute,” Enzo said. “Welcome back.”
“It’s good to be back,” I answered. “Now, let’s get our girl to join us.”
Thirteen
Fox
“The Bishops are on their way,” I said quietly, looking to Enzo. “Her mom just texted me.”
I didn’t need to explain to Enzo what that meant. We needed to make sure Cole was kept away. Keeping the peace was important. Being able to continue to visit her and get updates from her parents was vital to our sanity. Plus, I didn’t know what Rosie had planned, but I didn’t want any of us to fuck up anything for her.
“Cole, you should take Ethan his fruit basket. I’ll go with you.” Enzo’s dark eyes took in Cole whose mouth was drawn into a deep frown.
I was just about to clear my throat to get Cole moving when he got to his feet before leaning down and placing a kiss on Rosalie’s temple. We’d been sitting with her all morning, and only by the grace of Mrs. Bishop’s patience were we able to stay to see her. It appeared John had been pissed about her overruling him, but she’d stood up to him.
“I love you, Rosebud. I’ll be back later,” Cole whispered. “Please be here when I get back. Keep our blossom safe.”
My guts twisted at his soft, desperate words. Silently, I watched as he moved lower and leaned over her abdomen, giving it a tender kiss. His hand rested just below where he’d placed his lips.