“My father Joseph Stephens. He was brought in earlier. MVA. Where is he?”
“Wha...hold on a second and let me see if I can locate him.” After typing something into the computer, she looks back up at me with tired blue eyes. “It says he’s in surgery right now. Second floor. Take the elevators to the right and hit two. It’ll take you right there.”
“Does it say anything about his condition?”
With pity in her eyes, she replies, “Critical, honey. I’ll send up a prayer.”
Before she finishes her sentence, I’m headed to bank of elevators, sending up prayers of my own.
“Maybe I should ask again if there’s been any update?” I ask, eyeing the blonde manning the desk. Striding in her direction, Kristen steps in front of me, placing her hands on my shoulders.
“Mal, you just asked ten minutes ago, and they didn’t know anything. She said she would let you know as soon as she does.”
“Why don’t they know anything?” My eyes search her face for answers I know she doesn’t have.
“They’re busy doing what they need to do.”
The snick of the automatic doors separating the waiting room from the restricted area of surgery catch my attention. My stomach knots as a barrel chested, mountain of a man walks through, pulling the cap from his head. Dark eyes scan the room before locking in on mine.
He seems to walk toward us in slow motion, and the dread I feel increases with each step.
“Miss Stephens?”
The words lodge in my throat, and I can only nod.
“I’m Dr. Jack Sanders. I’m one of the surgeons who has been working on your dad. Can we sit down?”
Leading us over to an alcove with a small couch, we sit.
“Your father came in with extensive injuries from the accident. He sustained massive blood loss. His heart stopped twice during surgery. The second time, we were unable to revive him. We did everything in our power to save him, but he was too grievously injured. I’m very sorry, but we were unable to save him.”
Numbly, I sit there, unable to speak, just staring at my clasped hands. Did he really just say what I think he said? Someone says something, but I can’t focus on the words. Pictures flash through my mind of me and my dad like an old home movie.
Kneeling in front of me, Kristen places her hands on my knees.
“Mal?”
Gut wrenching sobs break free, echoing throughout the space. Arms wrap around me to keep me from falling to the floor. He can’t be gone. It can’t be real.
“We’re here, babe. Let it out.”
Standing in the pouring down rain, my eyes follow the lowering of the casket as I toss the white rose on top.
“You don’t have to do this, you know,” Camryn says from beside me.
“It’s for the best. I need a fresh start. There are too many memories of him here for me.”
“Just remember you can always come back. We may not be blood, but we’re family. We love you, and we’ll always be here if you need us.”
“I know. I love you guys, too. But this is for the best.”
“Mallory, it’s time to go,” Todd says from behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I give him a nod to let him know I heard him.
With one last hug to each of my girls, I walk toward Todd—toward my future—my tears mingling with the rain on my face.
Goodbye, Daddy. I’ll love you always.
Mallory
“Mallory, you need to eat something. You’re wasting away. You’ve been holed up in this room for weeks.”
“I’m not hungry.” Staring out the window has become my pastime.
“Mallory, please. It’s just some soup. Your dad wouldn’t want you doing this to yourself.”
The plea in his voice has my head turning in his direction. The concern in his blue eyes makes my heart hurt. “Okay. I’ll try to eat a little.”
The devastating grin he bestows upon me would make one think I offered him the moon instead of agreeing to eat some crappy soup. He returns to the room with the tray bearing the bowl of soup, a can of Coca-Cola, and a slice of cheesecake.
“I know cheesecake is your favorite. I thought I might be able to tempt you to eat some of it too.”
“Thanks.” The bed depresses beside me as he sits down and places the tray on my lap. The delicious aroma of the chicken noodle soup wafts up, and for the first time in weeks, I hear my stomach grumble in hunger. The first sip of the broth wakens my taste buds. The second bite has tender chicken and carrot.
“Good, huh? It’s my mom’s recipe. She sent it over so I could make it for you. It always made me feel better when I was growing up.”
“It’s very good. But you didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”
“It was worth it to just to see you enjoying it. Maybe after you eat we can go sit on the patio? It’s a beautiful day.”
“I don’t know.”
“Finish up. I’ll be back in a little while to pick up the tray.” The disappointed look on his face makes me feel bad. Leaning over carefully, as to not upset the tray, he places a soft kiss on my forehead. “I’m going to clean up the kitchen. Yell if you need anything.”
Watching him as he walks toward the door, head down and shoulders drooped, like he’s carrying the weight of the world, makes me sick. And it’s all my fault. All he wants to do is help.
“Todd?” As soon as I say his name, he stops and looks over his shoulder.
“I think it’ll be nice to go outside later.”
“Great. That’s great, Mallory. You won’t regret it.”
Waking up to my name being softly spoken, my eyes open to see Todd peering down at me.
“Hey, I got the kitchen all cleaned up. You ready to go outside?”
“Sure. I need to put something on first.”
“Got it right here. I grabbed a pair of yoga pants and a hoodie for you. That okay?”
At my nod, he pulls back the covers and helps me sit on the side of the bed. Pulling the hoodie over my head, I work my hands through the arms, the warm weight comforting. Todd slides the pants up my legs before helping me to stand, pulling them up over my hips. Finding my TOMS under the bed, he places them on my feet.
“Come on, Mal. The sunshine is calling.”
For the next two weeks, Todd does his best to make sure I get outside every day, until he no longer has to cajole me into agreeing. Slowly, my strength builds back up, thanks to Todd’s constant cooking for me and the added exercise. I still can’t believe how low I let myself get. The first time I left the room to go outside, halfway down the flight of stairs, I was winded. My yoga pants barely stayed on, sliding off my hips with the amount of weight I had lost without even realizing it. The first touch of sunshine on my face had felt amazing, and I’d soaked in as much as I could. We stayed outside sitting on the swing, me leaning into his hard body with his arm wrapped around me, talking about trivial things, until the sun started to set behind the trees and the crickets chirped in the background.
Throwing my car into park, I hurry to get inside to share my news.
“Todd, you home?” Of course, he’s home. His truck is parked in the drive.
“In the kitchen.”
“Guess what?” Clearing the doorway, Todd’s back is to me as he stirs something on the stove. Moving closer, I wrap my arms around his waist and hug him tight. Putting down the spoon, he turns in my arms and gives me a kiss.
“I’m guessing something good judging by the grin on your face.”
“I got a job!”
“Really? I didn’t even know you were looking.”
“You’ve shown me I need to get out of the house more,” I say, grinning up at him. “You gave me the push I needed. I didn’t go through years of hell to never actually be a nurse.”
“I guess. I’ve liked taking care of you, though.”
“You can continue to spoil me if you want. I’m not gonna complain.” Laughing, I lean up and kiss him.
“If this is wha
t you want, I guess congratulations are in order. You’re going to be a wonderful nurse, Mallory.” His hands slide around my waist to cup my ass, lifting me into him.
“I hope so. I’m nervous.”
“Where are they going to put you?”
“After a few training classes, I’m going to the emergency room.”
“Training?”
“ER nurses are required to have more training to respond to emergencies. We’re on the front line.”
“I think we need to celebrate.” He takes my lips possessively, our tongues dancing together until we are both breathing heavily.
“Let’s go upstairs.”
“You’re going to burn dinner.”
“Screw dinner. If it burns, we’ll order in.” Reaching behind him, he turns a knob on the stove. Wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist, I hang on as he walks out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
My back hits the bed and Todd’s weight settles over me. Kissing me thoroughly, his hand travels south and begins to unbutton my shirt, one by one, until the material parts and his hand settles on my lace covered breast. Nipping kisses down my jaw and neck, until he reaches my chest, his hand snaps the front clasp, then slides over my breast before rubbing his thumb over the nipple. Goosebumps spread over me, causing my nipples to tighten. His tongue languidly licks across the nub before drawing it between his teeth with light pressure. The slight pain causes me to arch my body against his.
Leaning back, he pulls his t-shirt off over his head.
“Take it off.” Quickly disposing of my blouse and bra, I kick off my heels before working at the fastening of my pants. Todd moves my hands away, and slides my pants and panties off in one fell swoop.
Covering his body with mine, his hair-roughened thighs rub against mine. His heavy weight feels good pressing me into the mattress. Taking control of my mouth, he situates himself between my thighs, spreading them wide, making me vulnerable to whatever he wishes to do. One hand wraps in my hair while the other moves to the cradle of my hips to cup me. Testing my readiness, two fingers slide into my hot entrance while his thumb circles my clit, making me moan.
He works his fingers faster, sending me higher, then backing off before I fall over the edge, building me up over and over again, until I’m begging.
“Todd, please, let me come.”
“In good time. All in good time.”
“No. Now.”
“So impatient,” he chuckles before sitting back on his haunches. Wrapping one hand around his dick, he slowly strokes it up and down. My gaze is drawn to the movement, mesmerized by the roughness of his hand sliding against the smoothness of his shaft. Grabbing my thighs in his big hands, he pulls me forward until the backs of my legs are resting on top of his. The tip of his head feels huge as he probes my entrance before thrusting forward in one long, slow push, stretching me deliciously before bottoming out. His hands cup my hips as he withdraws before setting up a rhythm that has me crying out. Higher and higher, I fly, but I can’t seem to reach that peak. As if sensing my distress, the heel of his hand presses into my lower abdomen, increasing how much I feel of his cock tunneling in and out of me. When his thumb flicks my clit, I come so hard, stars appear. My hips in his bruising grip, he pounds into me until he finally stiffens, muscles in his arms straining, pecs and abs flexed, sweat dripping down his face.
Finally, he relaxes and collapses on the bed, careful to avoid crushing me, both of us breathing heavily.
“I think you promised me dinner.” Looking over at him with a smirk, he smiles.
“Do you want me to finish what I was cooking or order in?” Rolling to my side, I throw one of my legs over his and prop my chin on his chest.
“Do you mind ordering pizza?”
Picking up my hand, he twines our fingers together before bringing them to his lips
and kissing the back of my hand.
“Pete’s? Sweet chili chicken pizza?”
“You know me so well.”
“You only mentioned it every day for a week after we tried it. It wasn’t hard to guess.”
2 years later
“Where the fuck have you been?” The slurred words come from behind me, startling me. Jumping what feels like a foot in the air, I turn to look at Todd, my hand on my chest.
“Jesus, you scared the shit outta me!”
“Where. Were. You?” Bringing the bottle dangling from his fingertips to his mouth, he takes a long swig of the amber liquid.
“My replacement had a flat tire on the way in. I had to stay and cover the patients until she arrived.”
“And you couldn’t fucking call me?”
“It wasn’t even an hour, so no, I didn’t call. I’m surprised you’re home anyway.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Taking a staggering step toward me, he pulls the bottle up to his lips.
“You’re usually out drinking with the guys after work. I figured I’d still beat you home.”
“I work my ass off. If I want to go out with the guys after work, I fucking will.”
“I never said you couldn’t.”
Pointing his finger at me, he sneers, and takes another step, unsteadily, his shoulder rubbing against the wall. The look on his face is alarming, and for the first time, I’m frightened of the man in front of me.
“You…you bitch, you just don’t understand the fucking pressure I’m under.”
Slowly backing away from him, inch by inch, I reply, “No, I’m sure I don’t. Look, I’m going to go take a shower and read a book.” I don’t mention I have to be up before him to go to work. At this point, I don’t think that will help the situation.
“What the fuck ever. Go!” he shouts, waving the bottle in my direction. “Get the hell out of my sight!” Abruptly, he turns, losing his balance before falling into the opposite wall. I take the stairs two at a time until I reach the landing. Breathing out a sigh of relief that he hasn’t followed me up, I lock the bedroom door as soon as I enter. Emptying out my pockets in the tray on the dresser, I walk into the bathroom. As I wait for the water to warm up, I strip off my blue scrubs and place them in the extra hamper, keeping them away from the rest of our clothes because you never know what I could bring home from work.
The hot water cascading over me helps me to relax, but I can’t help but replay what happened downstairs in my mind. Usually by the time Todd gets home at night, I’m ready for bed and he ends up crashing on the sectional in the living room. We’re more like ships passing in the night than a couple.
Ever since he received his promotion at work, he’s changed—flying off the handle at the smallest things, drinking with the guys every night. Since I’m working twelve-hour shifts, I’m gone fourteen hours a day at least, and already out of the house before his alarm goes off. Even the days I’m off, I’m heading to the gym before he’s turned back the covers.
I miss the days when he would get up early with me and make me breakfast before work so I had something healthy. Or go to the gym so we could work out together. The weekends I was off, we would spend the time together hiking, going to the lake, or skiing, depending on the season.
The loving man who showered me with attention disappeared after his climb up the corporate ladder. And I’m not sure I like him anymore. Maybe after he gets more comfortable in his position, the man I care about will make a reappearance. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
Finishing my shower, I throw on a tank top and panties. Leaning against the door, I don’t hear any movement in the outer room. Turning the lock, I ease the door open and check to make sure Todd isn’t in the room. The sigh of relief that leaves me shouldn’t make me feel better. I shouldn’t be scared in my own home. Climbing into bed, I pick up my paperback copy of Maya Banks’ Never Seduce a Scot and keep an eye on the door, praying he sleeps it off downstairs.
Present Day
Tick-tock. Tick-tock. My head pounds in rhythm with the ticking of the clock. Something warm runs dow
n the side of my face, and I blink open my eyes, seeing only beige. Trying to lift my head off the cold tile, a sharp pain shoots from the back of my eyes to my neck. My stomach churns and bile burns the back of my throat as the contents of my stomach empty. My vision dims, and the last thought I have before the blackness consumes me is I hope Donna comes back before Todd does.
3 Months Earlier
Lifting my top up to under my bra, I touch the purple bruising blossoming across my ribcage and flinch. Fuck, that hurts. Reaching for the ace wrap in my locker, I attempt to wrap it around my torso to help stabilize my ribs. Groaning in frustration, I can’t make myself pull it tight enough.
“Need some help?”
The voice surprises me, and I jump, sending shooting pain across my ribs. Son of a bitch. I was positive to check and make sure the room was empty before this attempt. Gingerly, I turn to see my boss, Donna, looking at me with something akin to pity. Before I can answer, she takes the wrap from my hand and begins to wind it tightly around me.
“What was it this time? Another skiing accident?” Blushing, I lower my head as she refers to the time a few months ago when I came to work with a broken ankle, sprained wrist, and black eye. Todd had been furious that I had been flirting with one of the neighbors—a man who was busy talking nonstop about his newborn son and had to show off the adorable baby pictures.
“I tripped over the planter on the patio and landed against the wrought iron table.” In reality, Todd had snuck in the house without me realizing he was home and caught me unaware while I was planting flowers on the back patio. Kneeling over the flower bed, I never saw the kick coming until the heavy work boot made contact, knocking me over, head striking the brick edging of the flowerbed. Luckily, my hair hides the two-inch laceration above my ear.
“You don’t strike me as a clumsy person, Mallory,” she replies, securing the Velcro.
Break Me Down: Silver Tongued Devils Series Book 2 Page 4