“I have a lot of explaining to do.”
He squatted down and leaned toward me. “They’re blue…like his,” he whispered. “Just like his…”
“Yeah.” I looked away.
“How?”
“Give me a few and I’ll explain.”
“You damn well fucking better,” he grumbled.
When he stood and stalked off, the boys on his heels, I felt relieved. Gunther breathing down my neck was the last thing I needed, but I deserved it. All of it. All his words, his anger, his physical force. But I needed to relieve the pain before I could have a chat with him.
Chapter 65
Elaina and Will walked through the kitchen and into the family room, both taking a seat on the couch.
Seething, Will clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to find a way to release the anger and anxiety riddling his body. “I just… I can’t fucking believe this, Elaina.”
“I know. When Nick came to me yesterday—”
“Yesterday? You knew yesterday?!” he shouted, shoving his hands through his hair.
“Yes. I’m sorry.” She covered her face with her hands.
The couch cushions shifted as he turned. Although his anger had control of his voice, his movements were soft and gentle, just as he had always been. Pulling her hands away, he stared into her red-rimmed eyes, tears running down her flushed cheeks.
“Babe, I’m sorry to get so angry, but you have to understand my position here.”
“I know…”
“One minute, he’s dead and is just a memory; the next, he storms back into your life again. This is unacceptable. And for you to allow him to manipulate you and Nicky like this is unreal.”
“He’s not!”
“He spent a week with his son and now he’s Father of the Year?”
“No, Will! I don’t think that at all. I will always hate what he did, but I have no choice but to accept him for my children. If they want a relationship with him, there’s nothing I can do to stop it. They’re both of age to make that decision.”
“It’s such bullshit, Elaina!” He stood and paced.
“It’s been a rough couple months with Charlotte, then finding out Jeb’s so ill. Now with Hen…Jesus fucking Christ…Luke, and you’re angry with me over him coming back? How much more can I handle?” Emotions frazzled, she collapsed into herself, sobbing.
Will dashed back to her. “Oh god, babe. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t let my temper flare like that.”
“No. You have every right to be angry. I have so many emotions about this, but…” She shook her head. “I do know one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“He and I… We were not good together.”
With the fear of losing his family on his shoulders, relief rained down upon him. If needed, he would’ve fought to keep his wife, but it sounded like that wouldn’t be necessary. Although Will would continue to fight to keep Luke away from his family.
“As much as I thought I was happy and in love with him, he’s right. He could never give me the happiness I deserved. Don’t get me wrong. I loved him with a ferociousness that could never be sated. Those last few months with him were beyond difficult. I did everything I could to be a good wife. Attended to his needs, tried to make him feel comfortable and safe in his home. He made everything difficult, including loving him. I can’t even begin to explain.”
“Elaina, I’m not comfortable with him here. I’m afraid he will take advantage of everyone. I don’t want him around the kids. I want him gone. Him being around is just going to stir old shit up.”
She stared at him in stunned silence. “What? But the kids—”
The front door opened and slammed against the wall, scaring both Elaina and Will.
“Mom!” Nick yelled.
“Shit.” Elaina stood and ran through the kitchen as Nick headed up the stairs, yelling for her. “I’m here, Nicky. What’s wrong?”
“It’s Pops,” he said in a panic, jogging back down the stairs. “Gunther got him.”
“Fuck,” she barked.
“Let the piss stain die,” Will grumbled.
Elaina slowly spun to face him. “Don’t you dare, Will. Don’t you ever wish pain on my children.” She turned back toward the door. Nick stood behind her, his lip twitching, eyes narrowed at Will. “Nicky, take me to him.”
Nick pointed to Will. “He’s my blood. If you say shit about him, you’re saying shit about me.” Elaina grabbed his arm and tugged, making him stumble backward a couple steps. “I mean it. I don’t care who you are. I will defend him.”
“There’s nothing to defend, Nick. He’s trash. He deserves nothing more than a dumpster burial.”
“You motherfucker…”
Nick tried to get at him, but Elaina stepped between them and shoved him back. “Turn around and walk! Right now! Walk out that door and take me to him.”
His upper lip trembled, biting back everything he wanted to say, but he listened to his mother and walked out the front door.
“You need to watch your language, young man. We will be speaking about this later,” Elaina said as they jogged down the porch steps.
Nick and Elaina came sprinting across the lawn.
“Were you a moron and tried to fight him?” Elaina asked as she knelt on the sidewalk in front of me.
I gazed up. Judging by her bloodshot eyes and her rosy complexion, she had been crying. “No. I didn’t fight back.”
“Why? You should’ve at least defended yourself,” she muttered. “Where are you injured?”
“Ribs…,” I groaned.
She gazed over her shoulder at Gunther. “I feel like this is old times. Come on. Let’s get you to my house. I’ll get you an ice pack and pain relievers. Nick, help him up.” She stood as Nick helped me to my feet.
Slowly, we crossed the yard and walked up Elaina’s steps. When she opened the door and Nick helped me in, Will came storming out of the kitchen. She planted herself in front of me.
“You’re bringing that trash in here?” he asked.
“Gunther roughed him up,” Elaina said, holding her hands against his chest. “He needs a little assistance.”
“How about you leave him to rot? Or call an ambulance so they can take him to the hospital.”
“You know what, Will?” Nick said. “I’m getting really close to my breaking point. Have a little respect. He’s my father.”
“He’s a sperm donor.” He thumbed his chest. “I’m the man who raised you. Not this cop-out who’s only a father when his kid locates him.”
“Nick, it’s fine, mate.” He directed me to the couch. As I sat, I let out a groan. “Fuck me.”
“Will, you don’t even know what happened.” Nick rested his hands on his hips, staring him down. I wasn’t going to allow him to fight my battles for me.
“Nick, look at me.” He turned and faced me. “None of this is your fight, mate. I want you to stand down. If Will wants to tear me to bits, that’s what we do. I deserve all this anger everyone is throwing at me. Every last punch, kick, cut. It’s all on me.”
“But he’s being an asshole, Pops.”
“Watch your tongue, young man!” Elaina yelled.
“And you are being disrespectful to the person who raised you, was there for you, kept you safe, fed, and warm. He’s the man who made you feel a father’s love when he didn’t have to.” I paused for a moment. “Don’t throw any of that away for me. I’m not worth the fight. Understood?”
Nick nodded, eyes welling, then he stormed out the front door.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Elaina nod at Will, then walk out of the room. He walked over to me and sat on the coffee table in front of me.
“Thank you for that,” he whispered.
“It’s the truth.”
“Listen, I really don’t want the details of what, how, or why, but I want you to understand something.”
“What’s that?” I groaned, leaning my elbow on my knee.
&
nbsp; “These kids may not be my blood, but I love them like they are my own. I don’t want you coming in here and playing daddy to the rescue. They don’t need your help. They were fine before you showed up.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“You’re a fuck-up.” He lowered his voice, a snarl lifting his lip. “And I swear to you, if you try to manipulate my wife into going back to you, or harm my children’s well-being, Gunther won’t be an issue compared to what I will do to you.”
“That’s great.” I let out a soft chuckle, then hissed through the pain. “Why would you think I’m here to take her back? I’m in a relationship that’s been going strong for around twenty years. Sitting and talking with Elaina made me realize we were toxic together. Also, I would never manipulate my kids. I didn’t hunt Nick down. He found me. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I don’t feel walking away was necessarily one of them.”
Will looked taken aback. “What?”
“While it was hurtful and something most cannot understand, I stand behind my decision.” Shifting, I sucked in a hiss. “After treatment, I came back and saw you…and how happy Elaina was with you. Her smile was so bright. She looked calm and happy-go-lucky. I knew my family was in good hands. They didn’t need my chaos. I didn’t want to bring this bullshit back to them.” I shook my head. “Now my son is upset because of this mess, and it’s all on me.”
“Got an ice pack,” Elaina said, walking into the room. She stopped, her gaze tracking between Will and me. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Brill,” I said.
“Also, I’ve made the guest room up. You can stay here while you heal.”
“What?” Will asked, glaring at Elaina. “Are you for real?”
Noting his continued hostility, I said, “Easy, mate. I have a reservation at Reede’s. I’ll call a cab.” I tried to fish my phone from my pocket, but I couldn’t shift enough to do it without the pain ramping up. “Maybe Nick can take me.”
“No. You’re hurt, and I’m quite certain your mother would like some extra time with you.”
I glanced at Will, who sighed and stood, grumbling as he walked out of the living room.
“I’m sorry I’m causing such a ruckus. This is not what I wanted. I didn’t want to upend your world.”
“It’s fine.”
“You sure? You’ve been crying.”
“Yes, I’m sure.” She faked a smile and handed me the ice pack. “Let’s get you upstairs for a bit of rest.”
“Elaina, he doesn’t want me here. I don’t… I can rest at the hotel. I’ll just call a cab…once I can get my phone out of my pocket.”
“I’m asking you to stay for our kids and your mother. To be honest, I would prefer you leave, but I will be hospitable for their sakes.”
I don’t blame her. “It’s cool. I can rent a car or something for the week.”
“Luke, knock it off. Whether it’s a bad decision on my part, I can’t tell you. I will say your mother needs you right now, and I’m not about to tear you away from her.”
“Understood. I’ll do my best to be unseen and unheard.” I held my breath as I stood. Definitely piss your pants pain, but I managed.
She reached a hand out as I wobbled. “That didn’t come out right.”
“I get it, Elaina. I really do.” I caught a glimpse of Nick pacing the front porch. “I have to make amends with Nick first.”
“He’ll be okay. He’s emotional. Kind of like someone else I know.” She winked. “Let me see your ribs.”
“Yeah.” I reached down to lift my shirt, but my body protested. “Fuck.”
“Let me help. Can you raise your arms?”
I tried, but wasn’t very successful, holding them a bit out at my sides. “This is all I can do.”
“Just hold it up then.” As soon as she looked, she gasped. “This is bad.”
I gazed down, seeing the bruises already starting to form.
“It’s not the worst thing that has happened to me. I’ll survive.”
“Didn’t you say your girlfriend is a nurse?”
“Was, yeah.”
“Let’s call her, just so we know we’re doing the right thing. If need be, I’ll take you to the hospital.”
I was finally able to slip my hand into my pocket and pull out my phone. I quickly did the maths in my head to figure out the time zones. “She’s probably getting ready to close the store. I’ll try her anyway, but she’ll be busy.”
Arms crossed, Elaina watched me carefully, as if she didn’t believe me. Couldn’t say as I blamed her. I wouldn’t believe me, either.
I hit the video call app and clicked on her contact. It rang three times before Michelle answered.
“Hey, ’Chelle.”
“Hey, babe! Did you make it to New York unscathed? How was the flight?” She frowned. “You look tired.”
I hissed, trying to stop the chuckle caused by her firing off questions at me. “Yeah, the flight was fine. Now I’m in pain.”
She gasped, her eyes opening wide. “Are you okay? What happened?”
“Gunther said hullo to me exactly the way I expected him to.”
“Well, hell. I was worried about something like that happening. When I told you I needed you to come back home, I meant in one piece.”
“I promised you I would.”
“But not in a body bag. Okay, Luke? You won’t do me much good that way.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Tell me what happened.”
“He slammed me against the outside of his house a few times. Then a few more times for good measure…just in case the first dozen weren’t enough.”
“Did you fight back?”
“No. I just…” I sighed. “’Chelle, you know how I feel about that.”
“Luke…,” she breathed out, shaking her head. “No matter what transpired, you don’t deserve to be injured. Don’t punish yourself. I won’t stand for it. You should’ve defended yourself.”
Elaina lifted her brow at me and mouthed, Told you.
Regardless, I knew I deserved much more than what I had gotten.
“Show me where you’re hurting,” Michelle said.
“My ribs.”
Elaina lifted my shirt, then took the phone so Michelle could see. I groaned when I took the phone back.
“Looks nasty, babe, but there isn’t much you can do. Ice, anti-inflammatories, and rest. I know it’ll be hard, but you have to try to keep moving when not resting. If you have to cough or sneeze, hug a pillow tight to your body. If you feel like you’re in even more pain, you need to get to the doctor. If you start coughing up blood, get to the hospital immediately.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She smiled. “How’s everything else going?”
I gazed at Elaina. “Not the greatest, but we’re coming to an understanding.”
“Can I talk to her?” Elaina asked quietly.
“Of course.” I turned the phone so she could see Michelle.
“Hi, Elaina!” ’Chelle genuinely sounded happy, making me smile. “Listen, I would love to chat, but I have to get the store closed up or people will just take advantage of the open sign at the door. We can have a proper chat another time.”
She nodded. “That works. Thank you.”
I turned the phone back to me. Michelle sighed. “All right, babe. I’ve got to go. It was another hectic day. You know that new series we got in?”
“Yeah?”
“Every last one is gone. I have a waiting list if we get more in.”
“That’s great. I’ll talk to you soon,” I said, smiling.
“Will do. Love you, babe. Bye.”
“Love you, too.”
After ending the call, I slowly put the phone back into my pocket.
“She sounds nice. You did well.”
“Yeah, she is. Too nice for someone like me.”
“Don’t say that. You have a good heart. You just don’t always use your head.”
> I glanced out the window again. “I’m going to go talk to Nick.” I took the ice pack and pressed it to my ribs. “Fucking hell…,” I muttered before limping out the front door.
Chapter 66
When I closed the front door, Nick dropped into one of the chairs, hiding his face.
“Hey, mate.”
“Hey,” he said, wiping his face with his sleeve.
“You all right? You don’t have to be embarrassed about getting emotional. I’m sure your mother has painted me as a stockholder in tissue.”
He chuckled a little. “Yeah…”
“I’m sorry if I upset you.”
“It’s not you. I’m just a little overwhelmed and, to be frank, pissed at Will.”
“Listen,” I said, easing into the chair next to him, resting the ice pack on my side. “Fuck me…”
He looked up, then down again. “Is it bad?”
“Just a bit.”
“I’m sorry I allowed that to happen.”
“You have no reason to apologize or feel responsible for any of this.”
“I just feel like all this is my fault. I probably should’ve been upfront with Mom to begin with.” He wiped his cheeks again. “Then maybe we could’ve worked something out beforehand.”
I reached out and touched his arm. “Look at me.” When he lifted his head, not making eye contact, I continued. “None of this is on you. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Gunther walking across the lawn, stopping at the bottom of the porch steps. The last thing I needed was to go another round with him.
I stared into his eyes as he shifted his weight.
“Nick, go over to see Evie. I’d like to chat with…” He gestured toward me, “him.”
Not saying a word, Nick stood, jogged down the steps, and walked across the yard.
“Come to rough me up a bit more?” I asked. “Last time wasn’t enough to appease you?”
“I’m ready to listen.” He sighed, rubbing his bald head. “Can I sit?”
“I don’t give a fuck. It’s not my house. You are free to do as you please.” I shifted in the chair as he walked past and sat in the one Nick had vacated.
He glanced at me, eying the ice pack I had pressed to my ribs. “Did I hurt you badly?”
Full Circle (Shattered Lives, Book Five) Page 45