BWWM: Bad Boy Billionaires Box Set (A Bad Boy BWWM Billionaire Collection)

by Jameson, Jasmine

  Everyone raised their hands. We all stood in silence. Finally, Axel took a step back. “I’ll let you guys go first. You all have been waiting longer, and I want to sober up before I see him. I’m still a little tipsy. I was at a hotel party when I got the call. I’m going to have some coffee here in the lounge. Could one of you come get me when it’s my turn?”

  “Of course Axel.” Jasmine smiled reassuringly.

  “Alright, you three follow me.” Dr. McCaffrey led the way down the hall.

  Christoff’s hospital room was one of the nicest rooms I had ever seen in a public hospital. It was the size of four regular rooms put together. There was a huge flat screen television on the wall and a sofa in the corner. There were three big comfortable looking chairs on either side of Christoff’s bed. He was hooked up to a heart monitor, an IV drip, and supplemental oxygen tubes. My heart sank. I had never seen him in such bad shape. Even though he had bruises and lacerations all over his face, he still looked irresistible to me.

  “Mr. Hartmann, you have visitors.” Dr. McCafferty knocked on the open door. I pushed past the doctor and raced to Christoff’s side.

  “Christoff!” I kissed him on the cheek. He slowly opened his eyes.

  “Gia, I’m so glad you’re okay,” He croaked. I didn’t recognize his voice. “They wouldn’t tell me where you were.”

  “I’m right here Christoff, and I’m not going anywhere until they let you out of here.” I squeezed his hand.

  “Hey man, you hangin’ in there?” Johannes approached the opposite side of Christoff’s bed.

  “Hans? Thanks for coming all the way out here. I swear it’s not that serious. You didn’t need to fly across the country. I’ll be fine.”

  “Aw, Hon. We’re happy to be here. We were so worried about you.” Jasmine kissed Christoff on the cheek.

  “Jas? You came out too? I know how you hate flying. You get even more antsy than Gia. I can’t believe you got on a plane to come see about my little bumps and bruises.”

  “I wouldn’t have been able to sleep not knowing what was going on with you.” Jasmine stroked Christoff’s hair before turning to me. “Giavanna, you’re afraid of flying too?”

  “Heck yeah. I usually try to hide it, but I’m a pretty big baby on planes.”

  “Girl, I do not blame you! Flying is horrifying. But when your husband is in showbiz, it’s kind of a necessity.” Jasmine nudged Johannes. He smiled.

  “Well, I’m not sure if it was worth the trip. I hope they let me out of here by tomor…” Christoff began coughing uncontrollably before he could finish his sentence. He grabbed his chest and winced. I hated seeing him in so much pain.

  “Babe, are you okay?” I caressed Christoff’s shoulder.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. My chest just hurts when I talk.” Christoff grimaced. He squeezed my hand hard, as he tried to reposition himself in the bed. He let go of me and rolled over on his side

  “Fuck, my back,” Christoff grunted. “Fuck!” He groaned under his breath. I felt a lump grow in my throat as I saw his eyes start to tear up. I could tell he was in more pain than he wanted to let on.

  “Christoff, let me help you.” I moved his pillows out of the way and placed my hand on his shoulder.

  “I don’t need any help. I’m an adult. I can roll over on my own,” Christoff snapped. “But thank you,” he added sternly.

  “Christoff, I know you’re uncomfortable, man. But stop moving around and let her help you,” Johannes spoke up. “Actually, they should have a full back brace on you. One of your doctors told me you had a spinal fracture.”

  “A spinal fracture? Is he paralyzed?” Jasmine turned her back to Christoff and spoke in a hushed tone.

  “No, Honey, it’s a compression fracture so there is no neurological damage, but he still needs to have on a brace. I don’t know why the hell these doctors don’t exchange notes and communicate with each other. The doctor I just spoke to—Dr. McCafferty I think his name was—said he just got on shift, so he wasn’t completely up to speed yet. I was the one telling him what the other doctor had told me earlier when we first got here. McCafferty said someone else ordered the X-rays, so he hadn’t seen them yet. And he said he didn’t get to do a full examination of Christoff yet. I’m not sure which doctor saw him last, but I do know Christoff should be lying still right now, not flopping around like a fish. He could be doing more damage to his injuries.”

  “Right, someone should get the doctor and get him more pain meds,” Jasmine whispered.

  “Gat dammit guys! I’m right here. Why are you talking about me like I’m not in the room?” Christoff sounded like he was struggling for air.

  “Honey, I know you’re frustrated but try to calm down and relax. Okay?” I soothed. I rubbed Christoff’s arm.

  “Would you please stop talking to me like I’m a child,” Christoff spoke sharply. “Yes, I have a few injuries, but I’m not brain damaged. You all are treating me like I’m handicapped. I’m not a fucking vegetable.” Christoff clutched his chest as he started coughing again.

  Christoff’s irritability made me so uneasy that I was sick to my stomach. I hated to see him so agitated. And, to make matters worse, I was irritable too from being up overnight and the pain of my own injuries.

  “Look, Christoff, having a fit is not going to help you get well any sooner. Now lie still while I get your doctor. We’re going to get you in a brace, and I’m going to ask if they can up your pain meds. And let me make sure Dr. McCafferty gets a copy of your X-rays. From the way you’re breathing, I think your ribs might be fractured too. Now relax and let Johannes and Jasmine keep you company while I go find a doctor.” I started toward the door. “And don’t fuss and fight with them either.” I turned back and looked Christoff in the eye. He held my gaze. I could tell that he heard me and that he knew there was no use in objecting.

  I rushed down the hall in search of doctor. I was so focused on getting help for Christoff that I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. I ran head on into Axel coming in the opposite direction. I bumped him so hard that he spilled his coffee on his white shirt.

  “Dammit! You need to watch where you’re fucking going!” Axel snapped.

  “Gosh! I’m sorry, but you don’t have to fucking talk to me like that, asshole.” I stepped so close to Axel I could feel his breath. I hadn’t slept in over twenty four hours, I was hungry and exhausted, and my baby Christoff was miserable. I was beyond my last nerve.

  Axel placed his hands on my shoulders took a deep breath and looked down at me.

  “You’re right,” he said calmly. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. When you bumped into me at first, I didn’t even realize it was you. I would never talk to a friend of Christoff’s like that. I’m exhausted, I’ve been drinking, and this is one of my favorite shirts. It’s a three hundred dollar piece from Milan, and I don’t know if I’m going to be able to get the stain out, so I just had knee jerk reaction. I’m sorry I yelled at you. I didn’t mean it.” Axel stumbled over his words a bit.

  “And I’m sorry that I’m slurring my words. I hope you don’t think I’m a sloppy drunk, because I’m not. I was at a party in Vegas when my manager told me Christoff had been hurt. I did a couple of one hundred eighty proof shots on my way out the door, and I drank on the plane so I’m still a little messed up. And to make matters worse, I just got my tongue pierced earlier today so it’s kind of hard to talk.” Axel stuck his tongue out before clicking his metal piercing against his front teeth. “Do you like it?”

  “Yeah, I guess.” I smiled involuntarily. I felt blood rush to my cheeks. I happened to think tongue rings were pretty sexy. Maybe I could convince Christoff to get one when he recovers.

  “I take that as a yes.” Axel smirked. He was so arrogant.

  I briefly closed my eyes to clear my thoughts. “Hey, have you seen any of the doctors? I need to check on some stuff for Christoff.”

  “I think the nurse’s station is down the hall that way.
” Axel pointed over his shoulder. “Is he doing okay?”

  “No, not really, he’s in a lot of pain. But he’s trying to be tough about it.” I rolled my eyes. “He was just in a horrible accident. I don’t know why he is trying to put up a front that his injuries aren’t that bad. I don’t understand men sometimes.”

  “Well, I will let you in on a little secret. Most of us are whiny babies when we’re sick or hurt but for some reason Christoff has always thought he had something to prove.” I thought I sensed a hint of contempt in Axel’s tone but I couldn’t be sure. It was probably just the alcohol and his irritability talking. There was an awkward silence between us.

  “Well, you can go visit with him while I go find a doctor. I’m sure he will be happy to see you.” I walked past Axel and down the hall.

  “Hey, Giavanna?” He called after me.

  “Yeah?” I couldn’t move my neck so I had to turn my whole body.

  “Don’t repeat what I just said.”

  “Um, okay.” I quickly continued in the opposite direction. That was weird. When I safely turned the corner I paused for a second as I tried to figure Axel out. I got a strange vibe from him. At this point, it didn’t matter, though I had to make sure Christoff was getting the proper treatment. One would think a multimillionaire international rockstar would have the most competent doctors available but apparently not.

  I went to the nurse’s station to explain the situation to them. The head nurse apologized for what may have been a miscommunication between doctors. She explained that Christoff came in as the shifts were changing, so there had been a bit of confusion. While everyone was busy clearing the floor and making sure that the press didn’t get in, a few things might have been overlooked. She apologized profusely and said she would send someone down to his room right away. She assured me that Christoff had a whole team of nurses assigned solely to him and that all I had to do was push a button in Christoff’s room, and someone would be there in seconds. I wasn’t pleased that they were incompetent in their initial standard of care, but I was happy that they seemed to take my concern seriously and that they were really thorough with ensuring that all security and privacy measures were taken. Even though the hospital followed procedure, I wondered how much information had been leaked to the press by the police and the paramedics.

  By the time I made it back down the hall to Christoff’s room, the doctor was already there. I caught the tail end of what he was saying, but it sounded like he was kicking everybody out. “What’s going on?” I pushed past Axel to get into the room.

  “Visiting hours are over for tonight. Mr. Hartmann needs some rest, and I need to do an additional examination.”

  “Can we wait in the visitors’ lounge?” I piped in.

  “The visitors’ lounge is open 24/7, so I can’t make you leave, but I highly advise you all go home and get some rest. Especially you, Ms. Johnson. You’ve been here all night, and you have your own injuries to take care of. Don’t you want to be well by the time we release Mr. Hartmann from the hospital?”

  “Yes of course,” I replied. “Speaking of his release, do you know when that will be?”

  “No, it’s too early to tell. It’s five thirty in the morning. Go home get some sleep, and I should have more information when you get back.”

  “When will we be allowed back?” I could hear the anxiety in my own voice.

  “I will allow visitors again at 9 a.m. if I feel that Mr. Hartmann is up for it, but I can’t guarantee anything.”

  Johannes and Jasmine were headed toward the door, and Axel was already in the hallway. I allowed them to walk past me as I moved closer to Christoff’s bed. “I’m not leaving until I say goodbye.”

  “Okay, make it quick.”

  I rushed over to Christoff’s bed. He took my hand in his. I leaned in close and spoke softly.

  “You’re going to be out of here in no time. I’m sure of it. Just rest. I’ll be back here as soon as they let us back in. Call my cell if you need anything at all. I’ll probably be up for the rest of the morning. Okay?”

  Christoff gazed up at me. He looked glassy eyed. I could tell the pain killers had kicked in. It seemed as if they may have given him a sedative as well.

  “I’ll be fine Gia. Go home and go to sleep,” he said slowly. “You aren’t doing anybody any good by staying up. I have a team of doctors and nurses working around the clock to make sure I’m okay, but I need you to make sure you’re okay. Go home and take a nice hot shower and get a good night’s sleep. And stop worrying. Okay?” I tried to nod my head. “I’m serious Gia, relax and get some rest.”

  I was too exhausted to put up a fight. “Okay Christoff, I’ll try. I’ll be back tomorrow. Feel better.” I kissed him softly on the lips. He reached up and pulled me deeper into his kiss.

  “You sure know how to help a man get well soon.” Christoff smiled for the first time since I’d arrived at the hospital.

  “Goodnight, Christoff.” I smiled.

  ***

  It was noon the day after the accident, and I was back at the hospital sitting by Christoff’s side. He had been sleeping most of the morning, but now he was up and in good spirits. The entire band was there, and they took shifts visiting with Christoff. Johannes and Axel were across from me on the opposite side of Christoff’s bed, and Adelmo and Fliesch were in the visitor’s lounge napping. I was holding Christoff’s hand while we relaxed and watched a standup comedy set on the flat screen TV. I could tell that laughing was physically painful for Christoff, but I was glad to see him in a better mood. He was a lot less cranky than he was last night. We were all doing better after getting some rest.

  That is, I thought I was doing better until I looked up after hearing a knock on the door. It was one of Christoff’s doctors flanked by one of the most gorgeous women on the planet. My heart sank when I saw Sports Illustrated cover girl Arianna Turlington standing in the doorway. She had creamy olive skin, electrifying blue eyes, full pastel pink lips, and long layered dark brown hair with honey colored highlights on the ends. Her hourglass figure filled out her strapless salmon colored sundress perfectly. My jaw dropped as I stared at her in utter shock. What was she doing here? I actually used to be a fan of Arianna’s long before she ever dated Christoff. I used to enjoy reading her interviews when she first came out on the scene. She actually seemed like a really cool girl. At least that’s how she came across in the media. But despite having a positive opinion of her, I felt a pang of jealousy as I watched her and Christoff make eye contact and hold each other’s gaze.

  “Arianna?” Christoff uttered. He seemed just as shocked as I was.

  “Christoff! I was so worried about you. Your accident was all over the news. I tried to get here earlier, but I had to work. How are you? Are you okay?” Arianna stepped into the room and squeezed past Axel’s chair to get to Christoff’s bed side. I saw her eyes well with tears as she reached for Christoff’s hand. “I’m so sorry this happened to you,” she breathed quietly. He took her hand in his.

  “Arianna, I’m doing a lot better now than I was last night. I appreciate your concern, but there is no need to be upset. I’ll be fine.”

  “Why do you always try to be so damn tough, Christoff? You’re not fine, and it’s okay to admit that.” Arianna spoke quietly, but I detected a hint of frustration in her voice.

  “Hey, could you guys give us a moment?” Christoff glanced over Arianna’s shoulder in the direction of Axel and Johannes.

  “Sure, man.”Johannes immediately stood and made his way toward the door.

  “No, problem Christoff. Good to see you Arianna.” Axel caressed the small of Arianna’s back.

  “Same,” Arianna responded to Axel while maintaining eye contact with Christoff.

  After Axel and Johannes left there was an awkward silence between me, Christoff, and Arianna.

  “Gia,” Christoff nodded at me.

  “Yes?”

  “Could you give us a few?”

  I felt sic
k to my stomach. Why did he need to be alone with her? I wanted to get up and leave, but I was so stunned I couldn’t move.

  “You’re Gia?” Arianna glanced over at me and extended her hand across Christoff’s bed.

  “Yes, I’m Gia.” I stood and took her perfectly manicured hand in mine. “Nice to meet you Arianna.”

  “Nice to meet you too. I’ve heard so much about you.” I involuntarily scrunched up my face as I wondered what she had heard about me. “All good things of course.” She added awkwardly as she glanced down at Christoff.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you to Arianna. It’s…” I struggled to find my words. “It’s interesting to finally meet you in person.”

  “Yeah, likewise.” There was another awkward silence.

  “Well, I will give you two some privacy.” I was so upset by Arianna’s presence that I was shaking. I hoped they didn’t notice. I was lost in thought as I made my way to the visitors’ lounge.

  Fleisch and Adelmo were sleeping across from each other. Fleisch had his feet propped on the seat next to Adelmo and vice versa. Johannes and Axel were a few seats down from them sitting across from each other.

  “Giavanna? Giavanna? Are you okay?” Axel’s voice cut into my thoughts. “You look sick. Is everything alright?”

  “Yeah I’m fine.” I sighed quietly.

  “Don’t worry. Christoff will be better in no time. Look how much better he’s gotten from yesterday to today.” Johannes comforted.

  “Yeah, you’re right Johannes. I’m sure everything will be back to normal soon.” My stomach sank as I realized that ‘normal’ meant Christoff would be going back home to Germany, and I would be here left wondering what was going on between us. And now my mind was overwhelmed by trying to ascertain what was going on with him and Arianna. Christoff had told me, they’d broken up around the same time that Trevor and I broke up in the spring. Yet, from the way that they looked at each other when she walked in, I could have sworn that there were still feelings between them.