by LLP, Lan
“Yes. I’ll be there soon,” he answers.
~~~~
Outside the hospital there’s a swarm of reporters hovering around the entrance like hungry animals ready to feed on their prey. I can’t believe how quick these news people are. Luke and I sneak through the private back entrance where doctors come and go at their leisure, undetected. As soon as we head down the hallway to Carson’s room, I see two intimidating bodyguards standing at attention in front of his door.
“Gentlemen,” Luke addresses. “Miss Ly would like to see Mr. Bradley.” Without a single word, they sidestep with a respectful head tilt to offer me entry. As I walk past them I notice Greek symbol tattoos on their forearms—Delta and Kappa. They look fierce and threatening. I wouldn’t consider batting an eye at either one of them.
Carson is sitting upright on his bed donned in a unisex gown similar to the one he wore when I first saw him at the hospital in St. Croix. He’s speaking to someone who appears to be a law enforcement officer. From my angle, Carson looks unscathed and composed. My heart settles at once, knowing that he’s really okay. “Excuse me. We’ll have to continue this later. My fiancée is here,” he interrupts the stocky young man with a wide dimpled-chin and a cocky expression. He’s wearing a navy suit with tan leather boots that stand out to me like a sore thumb.
“Sure. I’ll check in on you later,” he insists and strides away, staring me down with his probing eyes like I can’t be trusted as he bypasses me. What’s his problem?
“Come, baby,” Carson urges, willing me to run into his arms. He doesn’t have to ask me twice. I rush over to his side and press my head cautiously against his chest to listen to his drumming heart. ‘Thank God he’s alive’ is what I want to cry out loud. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you. It all happened so quickly.” He strokes my head and face to soothe my tormenting anxiety.
“Carson, I was terrified for you. I had no clue as to where you were or what had happened to you. Are you in pain? Where is it?” I ask, desperate to know how serious his condition is and who would want to harm him.
“It’s my left shoulder,” he reveals, sliding the circular opening of his collar aside for me to see. “I stopped him before he could get too deep.” The subtle wince on his face tells me he’s hurting.
Gingerly, I place my fingertips over his gauze dressing, which is concealing the severity of his wound from me. “He was aiming for your heart,” I mutter under my unsteady breath as new tears gather. “His intention was to kill you. Why, Carson? Why would anyone want to do such an awful thing to you?” I’m a hysterical mess again, knowing this won’t be an isolated incident.
Carson grabs my shaky hands and holds onto them. “It was Bianca’s father. He approached me outside BPC right before I stepped into the limo. Out of guilt, I gave him a chance to speak his mind. I never expected him to attack me, to kill me.”
“What could he tell you that you’d want to hear?”
“Bianca died yesterday. I meant to tell you, but then the Francine thing came up and you know how that ended. He blamed me for his daughter’s death and I understood why. I know I wasn’t kind to her, but I was honest with her at the start of our arrangement. She agreed to marry me even after I told her she’d never have my heart.”
“Why would you marry someone you didn’t love?” I ask, struggling to comprehend such an absurd thing.
“My heart was so cold then. Love didn’t mean the same thing to me as it does now. I was callous to emotions. Sex was a selfish act of need—not a union like it is with you.”
“Why me? How am I different?” I ask again for the one hundredth time, not understanding how I won the luck of the draw.
“You’re you. You’re my Lillian. I can’t explain my heart’s reasoning. I just know that when we’re apart, I hate it. I miss everything about you like your sassy mouth and your contagious laughter.” His response encourages the sprout of a pursed smile to grow on my face. “Do I need to elaborate further?” He arches one brow high at me to confirm. I nod mischievously. “Really?” he smirks.
“You didn’t mention my sex appeal,” I whisper so the henchmen can’t hear my friskiness.
“That’s obvious,” he replies. “See what I mean about your quirkiness?” he points out, making me bite down on my lower lip to stop a full-blown smile from overtaking my face. “Don’t think for one minute I didn’t notice your racy little red dress hidden under that coat of yours. As soon as they discharge me, I’m going to call on my med student to take care of my needs,” he trifles, snaking his right hand between my thighs.
“She’ll order you to stay in bed with no strenuous activities,” I smirk.
“That sounds terrible. I hate the doctor’s order already,” he complains with a meandering grin. “Will I at least get some extra attention?”
“Of course. I’ll help bathe, clothe, and feed you. Am I missing anything else?”
“Yes,” he answers, pulling me into his lips. “What about my other needs?” he mutters under his breath.
“That’s obvious,” I reply impishly. “Don’t think for one minute I didn’t notice your big bulge hidden under that sexy hospital gown of yours. That problem will receive immediate attention as soon as you’re discharged,” I assure him as my hand snakes between his thighs.
“Someone call the nurse. I want out. Now!” he hollers as I shake my head and narrow my eyes at his antics.
“Shhh. Stop,” I hush him. “We’ll go when the doctor clears you. Be a compliant patient.”
Carson regards my suggestion and reclines back into his bed to rest. His guardian angel was with him today. Mr. Sorté’s knife failed to hit any major arteries or organs. He was lucky to escape with a shallow laceration that only required about ten stitches. Mr. Sorté is spared under Carson’s grace. There will be no charges against him. He’ll just get slapped with a restraining order. “His daughter’s death is already his cruel punishment,” Carson reasons. “I see this as mine for being heartless to her and others in the past,” he confesses as his eyes reflect out the window.
“No. You don’t deserve this,” I argue, but he doesn’t respond. I let him be because it’s pointless to push. He’s already made up his mind.
Carson Bradley
Luke and Delta escort us to the front door of the penthouse per Owen’s request. He was concerned Brianna Sorté might also have an attack plan of her own. His keenness is what’s been keeping me alive all these years, so I rarely refuse to heed to his caution. The pain medication is still effectively working on me, making my legs undependable as I stagger into our place with Lil’s help.
“Thanks, men. Have a good evening,” I offer Luke and Delta.
“No problem, sir. Kappa will be near the vicinity if you need anything,” Luke informs.
“Goodnight, Luke,” Lil bids and nods courteously at Delta.
“Night,” he replies and marches away.
Lil closes the door behind us and detains me at the entrance. “Don’t move,” she instructs, pointing her index finger above our heads. I glance up to see a ball of greens with a bright red ribbon that matches the color of her dress. “Remember the kiss I promised you?” she reminds with a coy grin. She never seems to lose that innocence about her. I nod willingly. “We’re standing under the mistletoe. That means we have to kiss each other,” she explains like it’s a novel idea. In some ways, it is for me. I’ve never kissed anyone on the lips or under the mistletoe after Emily.
“Gladly,” I tell her and pucker my lips to prepare. “Can we hang these balls throughout the penthouse?” I kid.
“Yes, of course, but don’t be caught standing under one with Luke or Owen,” she laughs and I do too, easing the shitty day I’ve had.
“Was this my surprise?” I ask, pointing to the stunningly decorated Christmas tree by the piano. This is a new experience for me, having the holiday cheer spread throughout my cold place. I’m not quite sure where my emotions stand.
“Yes. Do you like it?” Her expression
is that of an excited child waiting for an approval from someone whom she truly loves and respects.
How can I deny her the satisfaction? “It’s beautiful. Did you manage it all by yourself?” I pry, folding my right arm around her waist and raking my drowsy eyes over the trimmings on the tree.
“I had a little help from Belle and Luke, but I picked out all the ornaments myself.”
Loosening my grip around her hip, she leads me to the tree. Straight away, I know the theme is fairytales. She has butterflies, fairies, castles and crystals hanging from the pine needle limbs. These are the ingredients I had suggested to her that’ll be the foundation for our own fairytale ending. Unfortunately, our destination wedding will have to be postponed for two weeks. Francine and Gabriel will be the first two candidates for Oss-Meta if they agree. I want to be around to make sure everything runs perfectly.
“I have good and bad news for you,” I turn to tell her. “Let’s have a seat,” I suggest, directing her over to the sofa, still feeling lethargic from my drugs.
“What is it?” she demands impatiently, following me.
“We’ll have to delay that trip I mentioned to you a few days ago. That’s the bad news,” I tell her.
“I can handle that. What’s the good news?”
“The Oss-Meta drug is ready. The crew and I believe it’s safe to test on people.”
“Are you telling me what I think you’re thinking?” she asks with brilliant eyes and a smile to match.
Nodding my head, I tell her, “Yes,” repeatedly.
“Will you tell Francine yourself?” she inquires.
“Yes, but I’ll have to see Wes first. We have a lot to discuss.”
“I can imagine. You probably have hundreds of questions for them. How are you holding up, hazel eyes?”
“Not too bad,” I answer.
“What about your parents? Are you planning on telling them soon?”
“I actually spoke with them at lunch today. They were very honest with me. They told me everything I wanted to know. Mother was upset of course, but I think we’ll be okay. We love each other very much. Nothing will ever change that.”
“I’m so proud of how well you’re handling all of this,” she compliments, gripping my hand.
“I should praise you, angel. You’re the one who’s gone to hell and back and still always have a gorgeous smile on your face.”
“I can’t help it. Being with you makes me happy,” she discloses. “I can’t hold back the glow from inside.”
“Speaking of glow, how are my babies doing in here?” I place my palms on her abdomen and caress with attention. “Hello, it’s daddy.” I lean into her belly and speak softly. “You two are hungry. Aren’t you? Your mommy’s tummy is grumbling,” I grin, hearing the rumbling sound echo. “We better feed her.”
“I’m fine,” she replies.
“No. You need to eat now,” I insist. “My babies want food.”
“Okay, Mr. Bossy. Let me get you situated and then I’ll feed your babies.”
“I like it when you’re accommodating, babe.” I frame her face with my hands and press my lips into hers, kissing them, savoring the silky touch of them.
“If you don’t stop now, I’ll have to have you accommodate my other needs,” she gasps, sucking in a sharp breath. I know her body well. It’s speaking to me, telling me she’s desperate to have me deep inside her.
“Say when,” I encourage, slipping my right hand under her dress and up between her thighs. The center part of her panties is moist with craving.
“We can’t. You’re hurt,” she argues, resisting me unconvincingly.
“It’s my shoulder, not my cock,” I assure her. “That part of my body is functioning just fine.”
“No. I want to hold off until our wedding night,” she declares.
This is news to me. I can’t survive two weeks without having my way with her, especially if we’re sleeping in the same bed. Is she out of her mind to ask such a thing of me? “Excuse me. I don’t think I heard you right,” I clarify. “The drugs are clouding my mind.”
“I want to wait because it’ll be extra special that night,” she reasons.
“It’s special every time we make love,” I assert. Shit. It comes out cheesier than it sounded in my head, but I really meant it.
“Did you really just give me a corny line?” she giggles.
“Damn it. I did, but I didn’t mean it like that. I was being sincere,” I convince her, stumbling over my words like I’ve never done before. I’m losing my suave touch.
“You’d say anything to get a girl into your bed,” she teases.
“No one gets into my bed, but you,” I smolder. “And yes, I’d say or do anything to have you between my sheets.”
“Let’s get you washed up and then we’ll see how persuasive you are,” she urges playfully with a wink.
Chapter 34
Lillian Ly
Who could be calling so freaking early in the morning? I pat the nightstand blindly for my phone with face buried in the pillow. “Mmm…Hello,” I grunt.
“Lily, it’s momma,” a much-too-animated voice for this time of day replies. “I’m on my way with your grandparents. They couldn’t wait another day to see you,” she blasts into my half-awakened ear.
“What? You’re coming today?” I ask more alert with my back to Carson who’s still knocked out from his pain meds. “When?” I haven’t had a chance to tell Carson anything about Marcus and Bridgette.
“We’ll be landing in about three hours,” she confirms. What will I tell Carson?
“Do you need me to pick you up at the airport?” I offer as my mind panics in the background.
“No. That won’t be necessary. Bridgette is coming for us. I’ll call you when we’re settled and then we’ll meet with you and Carson, if he’s available.”
“Okay, Mom. See you in a few hours.” I disconnect and turn my body to spoon Carson.
“Your mother is coming?” he asks in a groggy voice, folding his hand over mine.
“Yes. Did I wake you?” I didn’t realize he was listening to me. “I hope you don’t mind. I know it’s a short notice.”
“Of course I don’t mind,” he tells me as he cautiously rolls on to his right side to face me. “She’s welcome here anytime,” he stresses sincerely, dissolving my heart without even trying.
“Will you be able to meet them with me today?”
“Who are them? Is she bringing a friend?” Carson questions.
Placing my palm on his face, I look into his hazel eyes. Will he understand what I’m about to tell him or will he think I’ve been lying to him all along? “Do you remember asking me about my middle name at my mom’s house?” He nods in response. “Chandler Montgomery is my uncle and Marcus Ly is my grandfather,” I tell him, feeling my chest tighten with apprehension. “I had no idea until Bridgette and Wes told me the other day.”
“I know,” he replies calmly as if it’s public knowledge. That’s not exactly the gushing reaction I was expecting.
“How?” I demand, feeling betrayed that he didn’t share that useful piece of information with me.
“Your mother broke down when I asked her about your father,” he answers. “It was unexpected. I…wasn’t prepared for it.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I complain.
“It wasn’t my place.”
“Just like it wasn’t mine to tell you about Francine,” I remind.
“Yes. We make quite a pair. Don’t you think? How else would we have met if fate wasn’t so clever? Through hoops and bounds, we jumped through them all to discover that fate was testing us to see how strong we are together. I’d say we’re quite invincible.”
“We are,” I agree with his dimple smile. After all the impossible hurdles we’ve faced and bypassed, no news seems too preposterous for either one of us. Relief fills our hearts and minds now that everything’s out in the open.
“I can’t believe my mom poured out her h
eart and soul to you instead of me,” I grumble. “What’s up with that?”
“I guess I must have one of those trustworthy faces,” he trifles and then flinches, feeling the pain in his shoulder kick in.
“I think it’s time for breakfast and an oxycodone for you. Would you like that in bed or in the kitchen?”
“Will I get the special breakfast in bed or just breakfast in bed?” he inquires.
“Nice try, stud. Just breakfast and a pill. Remember? We’re holding off.” I remind him with a wicked grin.
“I don’t remember agreeing. I thought I told you I’d try until you give up?”
“You can try, but I’m very hard to crack. Google the word “stubborn” and you’ll see me on your screen,” I kid.
“Don’t remind me,” he surrenders. “I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
“I love it when you’re accommodating,” I smart off with a chuckle and then jump out of bed.
“You’re a brat and you’re lucky I’m injured or I’d chase you down and spank your tight little ass and then tickle you until you beg for mercy.”
“I hope you don’t hold grudges because that sounds terrifying,” I reply and strut into the bathroom to brush my teeth.
~~~~
Bridgette calls Carson’s phone to give us the location and time to meet my mom and my grandparents. We’re joining them at their hotel for convenience because Grandma Ly has a bad case of jetlag. At breakfast, Carson and I decided to share our baby news when we see everyone. He presumed Bridgette had already informed Marcus because she overheard his conversation with Dr. Laurent. The only person who’ll be completely surprised is my mom. I’m on the fence about her response. I know she’ll be happy for us, but will she be disappointed that I’m pushing back our dream of me becoming a doctor? Honestly, I can’t fret about that now. It won’t change the fact that our babies will be here in July.
“Are you ready?” Carson interrupts my pondering mind. “We’re here, babe.” I nod in response.
Rollin opens the limo door for us with his usual gray-mustached smile and reminds us to text him when we need him. Carson pats his shoulder and thanks him for his sharp and hasty response yesterday. It’s amazing how many wonderful people are employed by Carson. My soul is somewhat comforted knowing that even though Carson may have to face unpredicted danger at times, he always has people willing and ready to protect him with their own lives whenever the situation calls.