by Marie Wathen
“Why did you bring her here? You are risking everything for one chance to see him!” An evil voice shrieked and stepped into the light but I couldn’t look.
“You are a fool. Disobey me again and I will make your lover’s life a worse hell.”
The evil walks toward me and scoffs. “She’s a pathetic bug. Keep her alive or you both will pay.” A hard smack hits my cheek, tears burst forward and I sob. Laughter fills the room. Evil is laughing.
“He has never known pain until I get hold of him. I will rip the flesh from his body with my bare hands and send it to you. Do you understand me?”
Glancing up, I see a woman dressed in very expensive clothes and high heels standing in front of us. She speaks to the woman who brought me here. She is the evil. Standing alongside the evil one is a smaller less polished woman.
“Yes, you’re right. I just, I just needed to know he was safe and alive. I need to see him. Please, if you just let me talk with him I won’t disobey you again. You know you can trust me after everything we’ve been through. I’ll not risk him and you know it,” the woman who brought me says.
She is also scared of the evil woman. Nervously looking around the room, I wonder where the man went.
“You will do as I tell you and everything will work out as I have planned. I have him chained and drugged and there is only one other person who can get into this room besides me.” She turns, looking at the woman beside her. “He may as well be on fucking Mars; no one will ever find him here. He will remain locked in here until I’ve deemed it his time to…well, move on.”
A howling from the shadows interrupts the woman. Dust particles dance in a small sliver of light that shines from the long ago boarded window and an arm stretches out toward me. It’s blood-soaked and I can see a tattered American flag tattooed on it. Chains keep the hand from reaching me, but I remain completely still. I’m terrified and remain quiet in fear of the woman pushing me toward it. A voice roars from the shadow causing me to jump. I stifle a scream with my hand over my mouth.
“You are a fucking monster.” The shadow growls at the evil woman. His tone startles me and I yelp. “I don’t care what you do to me, but if you hurt my family, I swear to fucking god when I break out of this hellhole I will kill you.” The evil barks out a disgusting laugh. “You bitch. Who the hell are you and what do you want? Why can’t I see you? What did you do to me?”
Deep, nauseating fear consumes my body. A small shiver leads to body racking convulsions. It hurts to move but I must get a closer look at him because I know the voice. Still, he reaches for me. A whispering voice telling me to come back, then sounds of a faraway distorted voice draws me out of the darkness.
Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep.
“Baby, I’m here. You’re going to be okay. Can you hear me?”
Opening my heavy lids, I see the most beautiful green eyes focused on me; eyes that I want to fall hard for. Worry is etched across his face, but those eyes have never looked happier. Feeling weak and groggy, I attempt sitting up but his stiff arm on my shoulder won’t allow it.
“Hey.” His words are a whisper floating off his lips.
“Marcus?” I croak.
My voice is horse and feels scratchy. He shushes me and I reach up to rub my neck but realize quickly that my hand is locked with his. He smiles at me and pulls my hand to his lips. Placing soft kisses on each of my knuckles, he turns my hand over. His warm lips kiss inside the palm of my hand and moves up to the inside of my wrist. I try to speak, but no words will come now. Lost in his touch and the feel of his lips on my skin, I sigh. Placing my hand on his cheek, he closes his eyes relishing our connection. Mine close in agreement. I feel his tears on my hand as he holds it for dear life. Moments later, I drift into a dreamless sleep.
The next time I awaken, I don’t recognize the person standing over my bed. She’s not dressed like a nurse but she checks me as if she is. There is true concern in her eyes as she shushes me and commands me to rest. I have no choice but to obey as my mind struggles with consciousness before eventually succumbing to the darkness of the dream again. This time in the darkness, she is with me. Holding me, she rocks me as if I am her child. Softly she lays her lips to my hair and snuggles me close, repeating in a tender voice that she will keep me safe.
“Breesan, I’m here. Can you hear me? I’ve been worried sick, please wake up.”
Anna’s voice brings me out of the darkness this time. Moaning, I acknowledge and fight to open my eyelids. When I eventually get them to cooperate, I see her sitting in the chair next to me, resting her head on my arm and crying hard. Squeezing the hand holding mine, she quickly looks up to me.
“Oh thank you, God! I’ll get the nurse.”
Nurse?
Feeling an odd sensation on my arm, I look down seeing an IV line attached to my hand. Realization hits me. I’m in the hospital. Moments later, there is a young nurse checking on me and the vitals monitor next to my bed, noting the results on her clipboard. Assuring Anna that I am fine, she says that a doctor will be in to see me soon. She asks me if there is anything that I need, but I can only shake my head. My voice won’t cooperate. Feeling like my mind was shot with bullets, I can’t fill in the gaping holes of my memory. What happened to me? Why am I in a hospital bed?
“The doctor said you would wake up when your mind was ready. Everyone has been so worried about you. Tristan and the boys are here too. No one has wanted to leave your side for a moment. Oh mygod, you had us all scared to death that, that...I don’t know what I would have done if I lost you Breesan. You are my best friend and I love you like you’re my own sister.” The hitch in her words becomes steady crying.
Feeling a tightening in my chest, I am overwhelmed with wanting to pull her to me and hug her, never letting go. Just watching her reaction scares the living hell out of me. Why do I feel the need to comfort her? The door to my room flies open and three large bodies fight to gain access first. Eventually, Tristan wins out and proceeds to push his way to my bedside. Tentatively, he reaches for my hand and slowly brings it to his chest. Dropping down to his knees, he stays that way for what feels like forever.
An agonizing burn begins behind my now closed eyelids. Hearing sniffling, the last of the fight to show no emotion loses out. Ohgod no, don’t do this to me. Succumbing to the heartbreak of the people in this room, who somehow now feel like friends, I struggle hard against the mixture of honest concern I sense from them and because of the unexpected joy I feel having them here. I can no longer contain my emotions. Hearing me sob, Tristan rises to his feet then leans over and wraps me in a gentle hug. Opening my eyes, I see a worried Morgan has a hand on Tristan’s shoulder as a sign of encouragement. His eyes soften when he sees me looking. Glancing across the room, I hope a certain person is still here. Marcus stands against the door with his arms squeezing tightly across his chest and I am comforted seeing him. Lifting the corner of my mouth, I start to smile until I notice his grimace. He is pissed. Suddenly I feel foolish about having thoughts of him being here just for me. He’s probably here for them. A pain builds in my chest, but I refuse to allow his foul demeanor to control me so I quickly avert my eyes back to Tristan.
“Hey guys,” I say softly, my voice still rough with emotions.
Tristan releases a loud breath, “B, do you know how freaked out we all have been? This hospital has been flipped up on its ass end by the entire Walker clan.” He evokes a chuckle from everyone in the room. “Granddad has never pissed off more people in his life than he has all the doctors and nurses on staff the past two days.
“Two days? I’ve been here for two days. Ohgod. What happened?” My voice is shaky, and Anna grows quiet.
“We were hoping you could shed some light on that for us.” An angry voice from the far side of the room makes the three of them whip their heads around in unison. Marcus is angry.
“Knock it off Mac,” Tristan growls at Marcus then turns to me, “Anything you can remember from the other night to help piece
things together will be helpful, B. What’s the last thing you remember at Club Toxic?
Taking a deep breath and releasing it, I close my eyes to think back on the last thing I can remember. Club Toxic. In my memory, I see myself clearly as I arrive at the club with Morgan, Tristan, and Anna. Exiting the limo, we eventually moved to the VIP area upstairs. Shortly after, I leave them and go downstairs in search for the ladies room. At this point my thoughts become broken. Marcus and a beautiful woman are together at the bar. Glancing at him, his eyes soften, but bore through me setting off an odd feeling deep within. Forcing my gaze away from him again, I shift my mind back to the club. I remember walking down the dark hallway and pushing open the door to the ladies restroom.
“Oh shit!” I shout, my heart stutters in my chest from fear.
“What is it Breesan?” Scooting closer to me Anna stares, her eyes almost beseeching me to answer.
My words are broken retelling the memory, “I...I remember, I went to the restroom at the club. It was empty when I walked in but someone came in as soon as the door shut behind me. She spoke to me but I can’t remember what she said,” I whisper then groan. “I can’t remember, but I do remember that another woman came in while my back was to the door. She said my name and as I turn around I…I...”
Pausing, I try to remember what I said or did after hearing the other woman. Staring ahead, I focus on the dry erase board across from me, but I can’t seem to make the words come. I shake my head, and at that moment a nurse pushes on the door to my room bumping Marcus out of her way.
“Excuse me, but I’m going to have to ask all of you to leave. The doctor will be in any minute and he needs to do a thorough check of Ms. Maxwell.” Looking at Anna, I silently beg her not to leave.
“I’m staying,” she notifies Tristan, who nods his head.
Morgan winks and tells me he will return soon. Marcus never speaks to me and that is the last time I see him while I am in the hospital. The doctor explains what has happened to me and then proceeds to explain the seriousness of my incident. He clears me to go home tonight but make me promise that someone will stay with me. Having no choice in the matter, Anna insists that she cleared it with Julia that I’ll be staying at her house. After the recent events with my stepmother, I don’t argue with Anna’s revelation. Morgan’s car waits for us downstairs and he accompanies us to her house.
Anna sets me up in the guest bedroom across from her room. We spend the rest of the night grazing on delivery pizza and wings that Tristan picked up on his way over and left over cake and ice cream from Anna’s mom’s recent birthday. After piling up on the two sofas from the family room into the basement, we watch scary movies all night and finally pass out around four in the morning. Waking up an hour later, I glance around the quiet room and really look at the three people sleeping next to me. Suddenly I am struck with a long forgotten emotion that I vaguely recognize.
Love
Weak, but feeling the need to stretch my muscles, I climb off the sofa shared with Anna and take the stairs up. Winding my way to the back of the house into the kitchen, I locate the espresso machine on the counter, and it entices me to a cup. Once made, I take my extra-caffeinated elixir to the side porch and wait for the early morning sun to match my brew’s warming powers. I am content within moments from the soothing rays that stream across the porch.
Movement near the banister catches my attention and I watch Marcus climb the steps, his eyes locked on me. It doesn't exactly shock me to see him here, but it is shocking he's here so soon.
"Hi, you're up early. I thought you would be sleeping in late after an all night girl fest." He winks, continuing up the stairs crossing the porch toward me.
"Couldn't sleep," I admit, giving a one-shoulder shrug with a weak smile. "Why are you here?" Hoping he’s here for me, I wait for his response before I let myself believe it.
"I want to check on things."
Approaching the swing, he takes the empty spot next to me. With long legs stretching out, he now controls the swings tempo. Tucking my legs under me, I take the throw off the back of the swing and cover myself. Continuing to watch him, he rocks his feet back and forth then tips his head back, laying it on the swing. After a few minutes, I notice he is fatigued. His eyes are red-rimmed and his hair is messy, signaling that he has been running his hand through it.
Raising his arm, he places it behind my back then tugs me to him. I don't resist. Instead, I climb on his lap and he holds me tight against him. One hand runs through my hair while the other strokes the top of my thigh over the blanket, still covering my legs. Remaining this way, we are comfortable with each other’s presence and become a silent audience, viewing a brilliant emergence to the day. Closing my eyes, I allow the rhythm of the swing to lull me into a light sleep.
Sometime later, Marcus whispers in my ear for me to wake up. Blinking through the brightness of the sunbeams pouring directly on us, I gently rub my face against his chest before I realize what I’m doing.
"Ohgod Marcus, I forgot about your injury. Did I hurt you? I'm so sorry I fell asleep," I say, slipping off of his lap.
"It’s okay Baby. I know you're still recovering and besides I’m fine. It's still really early. I'll take you inside so you can go back to bed, but first I want to talk to you."
I wait for him to continue, but he looks like an internal battle is raging and I can't stand to see him like this.
"Marcus, I don't know what to tell you. I wish I could tell you everything but I just don't remember a thing after going to the ladies room. I want to know what happened just as badly as everyone else. It's completely fucked up that someone did this to me and it scares me. I know that sounds stupid but it does and I don't even understand what is happening, who the girl is, or why someone would drug me. I can tell you that being a victim isn’t an option. Something happened in that room that kept me from defending myself and I can't let that happen again. I need you…I mean, I need your help."
His mouth is a tight line as he reaches over and tucks hair behind my ear then drops his hand to his lap. His forehead wrinkles, and I lower my gaze as his voice switches to very serious.
"I don't want to talk about what happened to you at the club. Breesan, I need you to understand some things about me, about us. I want to be honest with you because you deserve the truth. I want you in my bed and I want it more than I have ever wanted any damn thing in my life."
Snapping my head up to look at him, my eyes stare deep into his. My heart pounds so hard I can feel my heartbeat in my ears. His confession surprises me and confirms the signals I sense from him. He validates what I want as well and I feel relief. Finally I can tell him exactly how I feel. Still speaking, his somber tone registers with me and tells me this confession makes him unhappy.
"Being with you is impossible Breesan. I owe you an explanation and believe me when I say that it kills me keeping things from you but…" Unable to take anymore, I stand from the swing and interrupt him.
“Bullshit! You have been fucking with me since the night we met. You know what? I’m over this shit. You want me? Get over it because you can’t have me. I am not some stupid girl who will fuck some guy just because he confesses how bad he wants me in his bed. Why do you even feel the need to tell me this shit?” My voice is bordering hysterical. “Have I given you any reason for such a confession? No! Hell no I haven’t. Just leave me alone,” I growl. Stomping off, I leave him sitting on the porch swing.
Frustration drives me. Unleashing a mayhem that borderlines psychotic will make me feel better, but I’ll be damned if I give him that much control.
Why in the hell did I drop my guard with him? Who the hell is he that I would risk so much? So what if I was moments away from admitting my true feelings for him. I’m so grateful that I didn’t just spill everything before he told me he wasn’t interested
“No, he didn’t say that he isn’t interested, he said he can’t be with me. What does that mean? What could prevent him from being with me?�
�� I say to myself. My curiosity piques but I refuse to let it bother me. Now that I know that we can’t be together, I can let go of these stupid desires.
No matter how much I want to, I won’t sleep with him, ever
Determined
Chapter 13
Breesan
Feeling somewhat better a few days later, but still uncomfortable under the watchful eye of Anna. I'm going stir crazy. Waiting all day, I hear her on the phone with her aunt Faith, in Paris. Taking advantage of the distraction, I know she'll be on that call for hours. I sneak out of her house and hop in my car for a drive into town. Once on the road, and her house is no longer in my rear view, I send up a word of thanks. Whew. Pampering and doting is not something that I am familiar with at all. I need some time alone to absorb what happened to me. It totally scares the shit out of me that I nearly died. Why would anyone want to kill me? Honestly, I can't think of one person who would want to harm me. Racking my brain I talk it to death with Tristan, but still have no fucking clues. Morgan's private investigators haven't dug up anything either. Frustrated, I need a distraction; something that will help me forget. A coffee break will definitely help. Eventually I’ll focus on investigating things further but I just can't think about it all right now.
Books-in-the-Nook Boutique, in the city center next to Kole's gym, is my choice destination. Inside, I scan the new releases by Indie authors.
Heaven. Savoring a large triple-shot soy white chocolate mocha, my absolute favorite coffee, I sort through the new release section. Not here. On the hunt for Indie writer, Melody Grace's new book, I smile excitedly. Standing in the romance section, I continue to browse for Unbroken.
I must find it. It’s on my Kindle, but I always buy the paperback versions of my favorites. And this one is a hot novel about a sexy storm of a man named Emerson. Yummy.
While holding another best-selling romance novel Fallen Too Far by Alabama native Abbi Glines, suddenly and unexpectedly, the sensual sound of Jason Mraz's, “I Won’t Give Up” starts crooning throughout the store. The soulful harmony forces my mind back to a dark night on a secluded castle balcony. Silently, I moan at the memory of being held by strong arms that belong to a sexy man.