by R Cole
I see his anger return to his face. “Ruin your life?” He stands and approaches me again, waving the pistol. “You ruined my life.” He must see the confusion on my face because he feels the need to clarify. “You had to piss off Brad and get your stupid ass beat. You had to scream for help and get the neighbors involved. You had to get the cops there and have all of my dope seized by the police. You caused my boss to lose thousands of dollars, and do you know who paid for your fuck up? I did.” He points to his chest like I should feel sorry for him.
“Brad is safe behind fucking bars for now, but when he gets out, he’ll pay.” He points to his left scarred cheek as I continue to try and comprehend his words. “This was a warning. If I don’t get his twenty grand back, I’m dead.” He takes a breath to calm down.
“I don’t have that kind of money.” I still don’t know how he’ll get the money if I leave with him.
He gets this devious smirk on his face as he approaches me and tucks the gun in the waistband of his jeans. “Oh, I know that. But you do have something the boss says can make him lots of money.” His body is flush against me now, and I smell his rancid breath as he unzips my jacket. “I sent him a picture of you at your job in Atlanta one night. I was trying to save my ass knowing your body could blow peoples’ minds. Even pregnant, you caused my dick to get hard. I knew after you had that little shit you’d be better. So after you disappeared I watched you at school and then started following you to your job.” He winks. “Imagine my surprise and excitement when one night instead of serving, your sweet ass was dancing. I took a few pictures and now he’s convinced you could earn him his losses back on the street or as his personal fuck I told him how you liked to be shared. In fact I tell everyone.” He runs his finger down my neck. “So since you’re the reason for this mess in the first place, it makes sense that you make it right.”
He licks my lips and I turn my face away. “Now who knew you could dance like that? Hmmm? Why don’t you give me a personal show before we leave? I think I’ve earned it since I’ve been watching you while waiting for the okay to come through.”
He grabs my breast and squeezes so hard I cry out in pain, but he covers my mouth with his hand to quiet me. I act on instinct. I bite down as hard as I can while he screams. Then I try to knee him in the nuts, but he side steps me.
The blow catches me off guard. I taste the coppery flavor of blood in my mouth as my jaw throbs. I feel dizzy and try to stand, but I fall against the wall. I start crying because the memories are coming back and the knowledge of how I couldn’t save Brian return with them.
“You stupid bitch,” he yells as his hand wraps in my hair and he yanks me up. “Seems you need to learn who’s in charge here.”
He tosses me on the bed and straddles my body, and I struggle and fight to break free. I start to scream for help, but he then hits me, and this time I see and feel nothing.
After ten minutes and still no sign of Tru, I start to get a horrible feeling in my gut. I feel anxious like something is wrong, but I don’t want to bust up in there and look like a maniac. Besides that, I can’t get in without the key card.
I wait a few more minutes and there’s still no sign of her at first, but finally my phone lights up with her name. “Hey.”
“Hey, baby, I don’t think I can make it tonight.” Her voice seems different and the feeling of dread rises with every second.
“Why? Are you okay?” I know something isn’t right. She was in the best mood before she went up, and now she’s sounds nervous.
“Y…eah, I’m okay. I just don’t feel well and I just want to stay in and get some sleep.”
“That’s fine. I’ll just come up.” I need to see her and know she won’t mind me hanging in her room or staying the night.
“No!” Now I know something is definitely wrong, and I text Jazz for her key while I try and keep Tru on the phone. “No, it’s fine. I got my period and I just want to be alone. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
I don’t want to let her go, but I need to get the key from Jazz. I also don’t need her knowing I’m headed up there. “Okay, Tru. Just get some sleep and I’ll see you first thing in the morning. I love you.”
The phone goes dead, and I start the Jeep and race to the frat house where my .45 caliber Lama is and also Jazz. I don’t know why she changed her mind about going out to eat, but I’m glad.
I race up the steps and holler for Jazz. She’s lying on the couch and I see Mason on the opposite one. Both stand when they hear the urgency in my voice. “Call David and the cops. Tru’s in trouble.” I run up the stairs and grab my gun. I check and see it’s loaded and tuck it into my jeans. Running down the stairs and toward the door, I notice both are following me, but Mason’s on the phone.
“Jax? What’s going on?” Jazz grabs my arm and I see fear in her eyes when I look at her.
“Yeah, man? Why do you think Tru’s in trouble?” Mason hangs up his phone and I assume it was David he was talking to.
I tell them what I know as they follow me to my Jeep. I see Jazz go to her car but holler to stop her. “Jazz, stay here with Mason.” I know my tone is harsh, but I can’t help it. I’m desperate to reach Tru. Now!
“Here.” She slams her car door closed and runs toward me. She hands me her key card to get into the dorm, and I’m glad she remembered. I was about to rush off with no way to get in the building.
All I can do is nod my head, get in my Jeep, and race back to the dorm. I practically jump out of the Jeep before it stops completely, and I run toward the door. I decide to take the stairs instead of waiting for slow ass elevator. Not knowing what Tru is going through is driving me insane, so standing still isn’t an option.
As I approach her door, I notice a few girls standing outside with concerned looks on their faces staring at the door. I put my finger to my lips and tell them to be quiet as I go through Jazz’s door and take out my gun.
“You stupid, bitch!” I hear a male voice yell, then the sound of flesh hitting flesh. My anger reaches new heights, and I have to take a deep breath and try to calm down. I don’t know what the situation inside is or if the bastard is armed.
I hear Tru start to struggle as I turn the knob of the bathroom door. Relief washes through me when I see the door isn’t locked. Peeking inside, I see a guy wearing a black hoodie straddling Tru’s flailing body. He takes out a gun and pistol whips Tru, which causes her to instantly stop struggling, and I see her hand falls limp. It takes all I have not to rush over and beat the shit out of this guy as he starts to unbuckle his pants. My steps are measured but stealth.
“That’s right, Trudy. Lie there and take it like you’re used to.” He’s practically laughing while he pants like a dog, and my stomach knots up with revulsion. I know this must be the fucker that raped her in the past, and I can’t wait to give him what’s coming.
I hold the gun toward the back of his head and cock it. He doesn’t notice because his mind is on his prize. “Hey, Tony.” The anger and hatred I’m feeling is visible in my voice, but my hand is steady on my gun. I’ve always hit my mark at target practice, and I know for a fact I won’t miss this one.
He goes dead still and reaches for his gun that’s lying beside Tru’s lifeless body. I shove my gun harder into the back of his skull. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, asshole.” As much as I want to glance at her to see if she’s breathing, I don’t because I don’t need any distractions right now. “Now put your hands where I can see them.” After he does what he’s told, I grab his shoulder and yank him back so hard I hear the impact when he lands on the ground. I tuck my gun in my pants and glance at the asshole lying on the floor. “Now get up and fight someone that’s not so defenseless, you sonofabitch.”
“That bitch owes me and she’s getting what she deserves.” He slowly stands up and I see it’s the asshole that asked me for a light outside the dorm a few weeks ago. “So you recognize me then, huh? Yeah I’ve been watching my investment for months now, making sure she�
��s the same sweet fuck she was then.” He licks his dried lips and smiles, showing off his crooked, yellow and black teeth. “You know that though, don’t you? Since you’ve been fucking her for weeks now.”
I take a step forward and get in his face. “She’s not a fucking investment, you piece of shit. She’s the woman I love.” I punch him and he falls against the wall. “How does it feel being knocked around?” I go to hit him again but he picks himself up and reaches in his boot.
He charges at me with a knife, but I side step his advance. “Not as good as fucking her,” he says as he climbs behind Tru and holds the knife to her neck. “Now back the fuck off or I’ll have to do something I really don’t want.” He lifts her more securely in his arms and her head rolls to the side. “You know she loved it back then. Fucking me. Having my dick inside her.” He licks her neck as he watches me with evil, black eyes, and I know this guy’s crazy.
His words make me forget about being cautious, and I’m about to charge him when I see the red dot on the middle of his forehead. I look toward the bathroom door and see an officer slowly walk in with his pistol aimed at Tony.
“Put down your weapon and let the girl go.” He’s a middle aged black man who looks like he means business.
I glance toward Tony and see his smile vanish. He starts shaking his head. “Why? I’m dead no matter what the fuck I do. If you kill me here or if Nicholas kills me in Atlanta.” He just presses the knife harder into her skin and smiles. “Might as well take her with m…” He doesn’t finish because his body is thrown back and blood spatters the wall behind him.
I watch as the knife falls from his limp fingers, and I run toward Tru and lift her in my arms. “Baby? Wake up.” I beg for her to open her green eyes when I feel someone shake my shoulder. I ignore it and stare at her swollen cheek and kiss her busted lips. “Please, baby.” She still lies there with no movement.
“Sir, you need to let the medics tend to her.” I glance at the officer that just shot Tony. My feelings are all over the charts at the moment, but I know he’s right. I nod my head and feel Tru being lifted from my arms. As I follow Tru’s limp body, I notice Jazz standing in the hallway crying.
She runs to me and throws herself in my arms. “She’ll be okay, Jax. She will.”
I know Tru’s strong because of all the shit life has thrown at her and pray she’ll get through this. I can’t answer Jazz right now, so I just nod my head and continue on.
We follow the gurney with my future lying lifeless all the way to the ambulance. Then, after arguing with the medics, I’m finally able to ride, holding her hand to the hospital. I pray to whoever’s listening that she’ll wake up and be okay.
It’s Thanksgiving day and I’m spending it on the couch at Jax’s parents while everyone fusses over me. Jazz and his mom are in the kitchen finishing up the food while McKenzie and Grace play dolls and the guys watch football.
Grace is Mason’s little sister, and since his mom is working a double at her job, the Colemans insisted they spend the holiday here. You can tell they are related because they have the same facial features and dark hair. Grace of course is angelic and dainty though. She’s nine but she acts like she’s younger because she has a mild case of autism. Mason’s amazing with her when she has a regular tantrum from sensory overload. He’ll just hold her and rock back and forth until it’s over. I can relate because I feel like having one myself with everyone constantly asking if I need anything.
I’m lying with my feet in Jax’s lap and a sleeping Cohen beside me. I start to feel overwhelmed with the attention and decide I need a minute by myself. I try to go to the bathroom, but Jax doesn’t want me out of his sight and tries to follow.
“Jax, I’m fine. I just need to go to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.” I give him a kiss on the cheek to soften the exasperation in my voice and start to carefully stand up so I won’t wake Cohen.
He stands up in a huff. “I don’t want you to get dizzy and fall. I’ll carry you.” He bends down and scoops me up. “Doctors orders.” He showcases his dimple and kisses the bandage on my right temple before he starts toward the bathroom.
“Jax, you don’t have to. I am capable of walking the fifty feet to the bathroom.” Just being this close to him calms my frustration, so I rest my head on his shoulder and sigh. “Actually, can you take me to sit on the porch?”
He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind, and I can’t help but smile at him. “You do realize it’s freezing, right?”
“Then grab me a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. I just need some air.” He kisses my bandage again and does as I ask.
After I’m situated on the cushion patio chair facing the ocean, I take a deep breath and smile. It’s just as beautiful in the fall as it is in the summer. The only difference is the chill in the air and less people on the beach. I see people walking around but none are crazy enough to get in the water. Well, I take that back. David and Jax are when they go surfing, but at least they have on wetsuits.
I hear the chair squeak beside me and look over to see Jax holding my hot chocolate. I take it from his hand and return his smile. Then I lay my head back and watch the waves as they crash on the white sand.
“Was it too loud inside? I can tell Mason and Jazz to take the kids into a different room.”
I take a minute to answer. “Yes and No.” I shrug my shoulders and take another sip from my cup. “I don’t have a headache, but I was kind of overwhelmed with so many people around. I’m not used to holidays, and I’m definitely not used to all the family commotion.” I hope he doesn’t think I don’t like it because I do. I’m just trying to adjust. “If I could help in the kitchen with the other women, I think I would be okay.” I glance in his direction to see his reaction.
I see a serious expression on his face as he comes and sits by my feet. He grabs my hand and says something that catches me completely off guard. “Tru, will you move in with me?” He holds up his finger before I can say anything. “Look, I quit the fraternity and I want us to get an apartment together by campus. I also want Jazz to move in with us, but I wanted to talk with you first. I just hate being away from you. Not knowing if you’re okay. I want and need you to be safe.” He rubs his hand down his face before he continues. “What happened to you in your past and last week will never happen again.” He looks at me straight in my eyes, and it reminds me of that first day we met.
His soul is talking to mine, and I feel the warmth of his stare heat my skin. “I need to know you’re by my side every night. Those three days you were in the hospital and wouldn’t wake up made me realize how much I need you to live. If something would have happened to you...” he takes a trembling breath “...I wouldn’t be strong enough to make it without you. I love you so damn much, Tru, and I know this might be fast for you, but you’re my forever.”
The words of how he needs me are exactly how I feel about him. I need him by my side as much as I need my next breath. He’s not holding me back but pushing forward in life. I feel my breath catch in my throat and burn because of the tears that start to fill my eyes. Tears of joy that this wonderful man has made me realize that I can do anything in life and I’m good enough.
“Okay,” I whisper and smile. I wipe my tears and say it louder because I don’t think he heard me the first time.
“Okay?” he asks and jumps up to a standing position, pulling me with him and lifting me into his arms. “I love you, Tru.” He kisses me and the flutters have returned, but now I don’t think of them as stupid. They’re wonderful and just something that Jax causes to happen when he’s near.
I kiss him back and wrap my arms around his neck. I feel the flutter melt from the heat that’s starting to build, and I can’t help the moan of pleasure I let out as he sucks my bottom lip into his mouth.
“Dinner’s ready, kids!” I hear his mom call out, and I’m brought back to the real world that includes a house full of Jax’s family. I pull away and see Clara at the window smiling, and she winks
at us before she walks away. I bury my face in his neck because I’m mortified. “How embarrassing.”
“What is?” he asks, and I can tell he’s laughing.
“Your mom seeing us kissing like that.” I shove away and see that my cup of hot chocolate is tipped over. “Oh no. I spilled my drink.”
He picks me up from behind and I squeal. “Don’t worry about it. Besides, Mom said for you to call her Mom.” He kisses my nose and walks us toward the commotion in the dining room.
I know Clara wants me to call Jeremiah and her Mom and Dad. I want to but it’s another thing in life I need to work my way through.
I’m placed on my feet then sit in my chair beside Jax that he has pulled out for me. The food smells wonderful, and I’m glad it’s loud in here because my stomach has started to growl.
I notice the kids are at a different table except Grace who’s sitting beside Mason. He’s telling her something in her ear, and she’s smiling while she rocks back and forth. Jazz is beside him and David, Jax, and I are on the opposite side of the table. Of course Jax’s parents are on each end of the table.
After grace is said everyone is asked to say something they are grateful for, and I listen intently. This is all so new to me, and I love it even though it’s overwhelming.
Clara is thankful for her family’s health, Jeremiah is thankful for not being on call this year, David is thankful for the food, and Mason is thankful for new friends. I see him look toward a tired looking Jazz when he says this and smiles shyly.
Jax is next and says he’s thankful for meeting me while he holds my hand under the table. Everyone’s looking at me, so I clear my throat and take a deep breath. “I’m thankful for being alive and for the circumstances that led me here. Good or bad, they made me who I am and without them I wouldn’t be here with you.” I look at Jax and squeeze his hand. Everyone smiles my way and turns toward Jazz. I glance at my friend, and I can tell she’s stressed over something.