And she had played the fool. That had made her cry. Well, this lady was through crying. The trouble was, she couldn’t force him completely from her mind. Now, she began to berate herself. She could find every viable reason not to like herself so why should he love her? How stupid and naive could one person be!
Lexy got up to answer the door. Tom and Denise stood in the doorway. Great! Just what I need! Well, really rub your face into the ground, Lexy.
“Hello Lexy. May we come in?” Tom looked smug as Lexy stepped aside to let them in. “I see the old place hasn’t changed. I figured that you would throw out everything that reminded you of me.”
“Don’t flatter yourself Tom.” Lexy was sarcastic, the old familiar frost creeping back into her voice. That was better. To be in control again made her feel stronger.
“You know, Lexy,” Denise interjected, “Your things are a little behind the times. Maybe I could come over and give you some tips on how to get you out of the Nineties.”
Denise’s nasal voice grated on her. Maybe she was a slim, attractive blonde in her twenties, but she was still a bimbo, Lexy observed. She didn’t favor her with an answer.
“What do you want, Tom. I can see this is not a social call. Get to the point.” The frost had turned to ice.
“Actually, we came to discuss our wedding plans with you. I hope that doesn’t bother you. By the way, where is your friend? We haven’t seen him around lately. Did he get tired of you already?” Lexy ignored Tom’s last remark, her heart sinking at the mention of Jack. How could she have ever lived with this louse, anyway?
“Why would I have any interest what so ever in your wedding plans, Tom?” She deliberately left Denise out of the picture as she addressed only Tom.
“I want the kids to be part of our wedding.”
“Now that is interesting,” she said caustically. “Why not give them the back child support money instead of spending money on them to be in your wedding?”
“Real funny, Lexy. We were not planning on us spending the money on them. We just want them to be there. Is that too much for a father to ask, to have his kids at his wedding?”
“I see. You want to make yourself appear as father of the year. With this bimbo by your side, you will look like the perfect family of the new millennium!”
Lexy couldn’t help herself. She was not usually this ungracious, but the combination of everything going wrong in her life at the moment, got the better of her good judgment.
“Let’s go, Tom.” Denise whined in the nasal voice of hers. “I don’t have to stand here and be insulted by your ex-wife just because you left her for something better!”
“I’ll say one thing for you, Lexy, you have a lot of nerve.” He took a menacing step toward her, his fists balled at his side. She backed away quickly.
Suddenly Lexy was very tired of it all. She was tired of fighting, tired of everything.
“Tom, call and talk to the kids yourself. They’re not here right now. I am sure they will be happy to join you for you celebration. And one more thing. We’re not married anymore, so don’t ever threaten me or touch me again.”
Tom smiled that slow, menacing smile she had seen so many times before.
“Now why would I want to do that, Lexy?” He turned abruptly making her jump slightly. “I’ll be in touch.” He started to walk out the door, satisfied that he had made her nervous.
“Fine. Now if you don’t mind, I have a lot of work to do.”
As they were leaving Tom turned back to her. “You and your friend are invited, of course. If he’s still around!”
He always had to have the last word! She closed the door in his face, relieved that he was on the other side. She could feel her eyes welling up with tears. Lexy determinedly march back to her desk. The tears started spilling on the papers she was working on. She put her head down in her arms and began to sob.
“Why can’t he just leave me alone.” She lifted her head angrily, brushing the tears away. “I can’t concentrate on this now. Sleep. That’s what I need.” She rose up shakily and headed for her bedroom. Slipping into her nightshirt, Lexy closed her eyes, finally drifting into a fitful sleep.
Thirty-one
“Get up Lexy girl, get up!” Someone was shaking her. She couldn’t move her limbs, her eyes refused to open. “I said, Get up, Lexy. Now!"
Lexy's eyes suddenly flew open. At the same moment the smell of rancid liquor slammed against her senses, causing her bolt upright.
Tom’s face was within inches of hers. The gravity of the situation hit her simultaneously.
“What are doing here? In my bedroom. In my house? How did you get in?” Her head was spinning.
“I still have a key, Lexy girl. For times just like this. In case you’ve forgotten, this was my house, my bed, too.” His breath nearly made her faint.
She shrank from him. And took a deep breath. “You’ve been drinking, Tom. I think you should go home. This isn’t your house anymore.”
He grabbed her arms and yanked her off the bed, causing her fall against him. He staggered out the door of the bedroom, dragging her with him. “You little whore. I’ll kill you before I let another man take my place in my kid’s lives.” Tom pulled her close to him, his nails digging into her flesh.
“And don’t think I didn’t know about Ryan from the beginning. Remember, he’s my son. It’s my name on his birth certificate. Not that no good bum you are so fond of. It wasn't him that was there when you were pregnant. You never forgot him, did you Lexy? He came between us every time we made love.”
Lexy strove to free herself. “Tom, please. No one will take your place, I promise. We...we can talk about this.” She struggled to keep her composure, all the nightmares coming back.
“Come on Tom. Let’s talk. Over here.” She pointed towards the sofa, her mind working overtime, trying to figure a way to get to the phone to call for help.
“Not on your life, Lexy-Bitch! I know your sneaky, conniving ways. Like the time you called the cops. Tell me now that you didn’t mean to do it. You didn’t mean to make a fool out of me.” He pulled her closer. “I’ll show you who’s boss and you’ll like it, bitch. A bitch in heat. I want some of what he’s getting.” His mouth came down on hers, savagely. His hands grabbed her breasts and squeezed them until she cried out in pain. Lexy turned her head, trying to free herself.
“Tom, please! Don’t do this. Let me go.” She pushed him with all her strength.
He held her at arm’s length. “All right, Lexy.” Without warning the back of his hand slammed across her face, sending her careening into the wall. She fell, a warm sticky substance oozing down the side of her face, as waves of unconsciousness were taking over.
Through the haze she heard Tom cry out in pain. A sickening crunch followed. She fought to stay conscious, drifting in and out of a fog. She heard a familiar voice that seemed far away, as if it were an echo in a canyon.
“You stinking, lousy, drunken creep! Don’t ever come near Lexy again. This is just a sample of what you’ll get.”
Jack picked Tom up off the floor. “Do you recognize me now, Tom? The kid you nearly beat to death that night on the beach? This is for me too.” Tom’s eyes opened wide as Jack opened the door, throwing him out head first. “Don’t ever try to see her again. You’ll regret the day you come near her way again.”
"Mom. Jack. What's going on. What happened. Mom!" Dimly, Lexy could hear voices far away.
"It's okay, kids. Your...father, Tom was drunk and hit your mom. Ryan. You’ll have to take care of things around here. I'm taking your mom to the hospital."
"But I-
"Not now, buddy. I need you here. Your sister needs you." Jess was sobbing, trying to hold Lexy. Jack lifted her gently and gave her to Ryan.
"Go on, son. Take her to her room and stay with her. I'll call you from the hospital." An understanding look passed between the man and the boy. Ryan led Jess away, turning once to gaze at the dark haired man beside his mother.
“I’m here, Lexy, sweetheart. It’s me. You’re safe now, baby. I’ll never leave you again.” He continued to caress her face lovingly. Jack picked her up with great tenderness. Holding her close against his chest, he left the house and gently deposited her in the front seat of his rented car.
“Lean your head back, Lexy. Close your eyes, sweetheart. I’m taking you to the emergency room.”
“My head hurts. I’m...I’m bleeding!” A sob escaped her lips.
Jack pulled her close to him, keeping his arm around her tightly. “Shhhh. I’m here for you. You’ll be all right. It’s a good idea to have a doctor check you. I’ll be there the whole time. I won’t leave you again. Close your eyes, sweetheart.”
He drove as fast as he could without making her nervous. Jack's mind was racing. He’d left her alone and his worst nightmare had come true. God! How could he have left her, knowing this might happen? A grim expression etched his face. Lexy was breathing slowly and deliberately. His arm tightened around her as St. Francis Hospital came into view.
Pulling into the emergency stopping zone, he touched the brakes, slowing the car to a gentle halt. Getting out of the car quickly, he strode around to her side.
“We’re here, sweetheart. Come on, let me help you.” Carrying her in his arms he walked briskly through the doors. Spotting a nurse, Jack hailed her.
“She need a doctor, now!” The nurse, seeing the dried blood on Lexy's head motioned him to follow her. He trailed her into a tiny, sterile room.
“Lay her down here. Someone will be right with you.”
Lexy moaned as he spread her out on the spartan table. She opened her eyes, looking at him inquisitively. “How did you get here, Jack?” Trying to focus her eyes, the pain on the side of her head was becoming more pronounced. “I...I don’t understand.” Her clouded eyes were full of questions. And accusations.
“Honey, I got home as soon as I could. I can’t believe I was so stupid. That I didn’t see what was coming. I left as soon as I knew you called and I couldn’t get a hold of you. I could see how Tom was as soon as I laid eyes him.” He’s seen enough violence in his time to know better.
“Lexy angel, sweetheart. Can you ever forgive me for being so blind?”
“I...I...Gina. What about Gina? It’s her you want, not me.” Tears mixed with the smeared blood on her face.
Jack gently wiped away the scarlet tears. “No baby. You’re just confused right now. It’s you I want. It’s you I love. Have always loved. Since the first time I saw you, so long ago.
He continued to soothe her. “Tom will never hurt you again, Lexy. He’s gone for good. I’ll never let him near you again. I’ve been such a fool.” He laid his head on her lap. Lexy stroked the dark hair she loved so much. He really was here. And he did love her.
Jack sat up. He cupped her chin with both hands. “Will you marry me Lexy? As soon as you are out of here. Right away?” His dark eyes pleaded with her. “Please say yes, Lexy. I can’t...I won’t live without you.”
What did he just say? Something about marriage? Lexy tried to clear the cobwebs from her mind. “You...you want what?”
“Marry me, Lexy.”
She sighed and closed her heavily lidded eyes. “Okay, Jack. If you say so.” The reply was barely audible.
He placed a tender kiss on her hot, dry lips. “More than anything, I want you to be my wife. And both the kids to be mine. I will take care of you and the kids. We’ll be a real family. If you will have me.”
“Ummm. Yes Jack. A family.” Lexy fought to keep her eyes open. The door opened suddenly with a jerk.
“Well. Let’s see what the problem is.” A young doctor stepped over to her. Examining the top of her head he exclaimed, “A few stitches should do the trick. We’ll keep you overnight for observation.” Turning to Jack. “She’ll be fine. It’s best if she stays the night in case there is a concussion.” He glanced at the chart the nurse had started, and then at Lexy.
“Mrs. Kane.” He paused. “Please wait outside Mr. Kane. The nurse will have you fill out a report.”
“But I...”
“You can see her when I’m finished.”
Jack was summarily dismissed as the doctor turned his back and began attending to his patient. Outside, as he filled out the forms, he fumed. As soon as Lexy was settled in, he had some business to take care of. Tom! He would make sure this never happened again.
Going to a phone in the lobby, he called the house. Ryan answered. Jack calmly explained that his mom was okay.
“I’m going to stay here with your mom. You take care of Jessie. We should be home tomorrow. I’ll call first thing in the morning.” He hesitated. “I need your dad’s address. And son. We need to talk when we get back.” Jack knew it wasn’t going to be easy to listen to what he had to say to the kids.
He planned to take Lexy and the kids to his ranch, away from Tom. If the bastard caused any trouble concerning the kids leaving, Jack would make sure he saw the inside of a jail cell for a long time. As it was, after the doctor read the report, Tom would have some explaining to do. No matter what, he would pay.
“Mr. Kane.” The physician poked his head out of the room. “You can see your wife now.” Jack didn’t bother to correct him on the name. “She’s been given something for the pain and a sedative.”
Lexy smiled wearily as he took her hand. “Don’t leave me Jack.” She was fighting to keep her eyes open.
“Hush, angel baby. Go to sleep I’ll be right here.”
“Promise?”
“Cross my heart.”
“The doctor said something about me being your wife. Did you...”
“Tomorrow, honey. Well talk about it tomorrow. You need rest now. Go to sleep.” He stroked her hair lovingly.
Just then, an attendant came in to move her to another room. Jack walked along, holding her hand. She was asleep by the time they got to her room. Jack looked down on her peaceful countenance. He caressed her cheek. She would remain asleep until he returned.
A merciless look on his face, he stepped outside the door. He and Tom would have one final discussion tonight.
(One week later)
Jack closed the door behind them as they entered the exclusive penthouse suite of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
“Do you think the kids will be all right? It was wonderful of your aunt to come out right away like she did.” Lexy gazed up at him with doubt in her eyes.
“They’ll be fine sweetheart. Aunt Isabel will be in her glory. Charlie was accommodating enough when I called to say they were coming. I’ve always thought there was more to him than he was willing to show. I wouldn’t be surprised if the four of them aren’t one happy little family by the time we get back.”
“What about Ryan? He seemed to take the idea of you being his father fairly well. But, you never know how he will react once he really thinks about the situation.”
“Don’t worry, Lexy. He’ll be fine. He didn’t reject me. That’s a step in the right direction. We’ll be there for him when he needs us.”
“But...”
“Shhhh, angel. Isabel will handle everything. If she could handle me, she can handle my son.”
“Now, come here, angel. Your mine now, all mine. I finally have something I can call my own. I’ll love you forever, Lexy. I’ll never hurt you. You will always be able to count on me.” He reached over, lightly tracing the line of stitches on her head.
“I will love you forever, Jack. I’ll always be there for you too. Always.” She gazed at him with rapture.
“Touch me, Lexy. Love me.”
Lexy moved toward him. He stood with his hands at his side, willing himself not
to touch her first. She reached out, unbuttoning his pants, slowly unzipping them. An alluring smile on her face, Lexy tugged his trousers down. Jack groaned inwardly, closing his eyes, as she took his hot shaft in her hands, caressing it gently.
“You are solo big Mr. Wyatt. I don’t know if I can handle all of this.” Her flushed lips touched his nipples, nipping at each one. Her tongue darted in and out, tasting him.
Jack emitted a strangled cry, his big, strong hands taking her shoulders, clutching her to him, perspiration already on his forehead.
“I'm all yours, baby. You can handle me. Show me what you can do.
“I can do a lot. How does this feel, Jack.” She continued to caress him as her mouth explored his hard stomach. Jack moaned, fully aroused. He lifted her up against his chest.
“I want you Lexy, now. God. You do things to me, honey. You are something else, lady.”
“Take me Jack. Make love to me. I need you to touch me. I want you inside me. Now.”
“Yeah baby. I’ll show you what making love is. When I’m through with you, you’ll think you died and went to heaven.”
“Stop talking and prove it to me, Mr. Wyatt. Her voice was sexy, hot, teasing. It nearly drove him insane.
“Yeah, I’ll prove it. Come here, angel. I’m going to make you beg for it. Nice and slow. Easy, baby, easy.”
Jack massaged her shoulders and neck. Slowly, he began to unbutton her shirt. One button at a time. With his teeth. He ripped each button off, kissing each spot. When he reached her breasts, his hands slipped her blouse off her shoulders. He took the front clasp of her lacy bra in his teeth and snapped it off. Lexy was already writhing in his arms, her breathing heavy.
“Do you like this, Lexy?” His mouth took one breast, taking the nipple easily between his teeth. He ripped the rest of the buttons off with his free hand. Lexy let what was left of the two garments fall to the floor. She arched her back, thrusting her breasts into his mouth and hands. Her lashes fluttered shut as she steadied herself against the night stand.
“Beg me, Sexy Lexy. Beg me to take you.”
Looking Out for Lexy Page 22