Isaak: The Counterpunch Series Book 1

by K J Ellis

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Remme

  Everything escalates so fast that it doesn’t register with me what has just happened.

  All of a sudden, Isaak is trying to pull me in one direction, and the next I feel a sharp thundering pain shoot up my arm and shoulder blade, then I’m on the floor cradling my arm.

  I need to get away from it all before I get tangled up in it more, so the only thing I can think of is running up to Owen’s office to try and gather my senses.

  I take the steps two at a time and swing the door open before slamming it shut behind me.

  “Fuck,” I grit out through clenched teeth.

  It finally dawns on me that the pain I’m feeling is from having received a death punch from Alex. Thank God Isaak pulled me down with him a bit because if it had landed on my face, I swear I’d be seeing stars and not getting back up from the floor at all.

  My arm and the top of my shoulder have already started to go numb, and both are tender to touch. I think he may have dislocated my shoulder.

  I struggle with the punishing consistent pain there.

  I take a deep breath and lean my head back, staring up at nothingness as I hear all of the commotion happening out there. Voices are raised, shouting out from various different people by the sounds of it. The noises have me cringing as I imagine what is happening. The door slowly opening has me whipping my head around. I assume it is Isaak or Owen, maybe even Devon, but I get the shock of my life when I see who it is.

  “Fuck off, Shantel.” The venom in my voice should be enough for her to turn and walk away, but the stupid cow walks in further and closes the door behind her.

  “You think you’re better than everyone else, don’t you. Parading around here like you belong.” She begins with her insults.

  “I couldn’t give a shit what you think to be honest, Shantel. Your opinions don’t matter to me,” I brutally say.

  “Isaak is mine. We have something you and he will never have. We understand each other.”

  Is she fucking delusional, as well as blind?

  “From what I’ve heard, you’ve been nothing but a means to an end. Isaak had an itch and you were there to simply scratch it for him, just like an over paid prostitute. Nothing more nothing less,” I crudely inform her.

  “You little bitch. I have given everything to Isaak for the last two years. He has feelings for me, and he would have declared as much, if you hadn't shown up.”

  She really is insane.

  “Do you really believe what you’re saying? Because I find it hard to believe that Isaak would have feelings for a fake, implanted bimbo when he can have anyone else who, by that way, would be an improvement on you.”

  God, I’m one hurtful bitch, but she needs taking down a peg or two...or three.

  “You know, I thought that once the paparazzi heard about you, they would drive you away from Isaak. You’re not made to be the centre of attention. You’re not good enough for him. I thought everyone would have slated you and made you take a step back,” she admits, and I’m having trouble with remaining calm. I’m trying to stop myself from jumping over Owen’s desk and clocking her one, numb arm or not.

  Seems she’s loose-lipped and all her secrets are coming out, in her fit of rage.

  “I never thought they would have encouraged the pair of you together like they have.” She’s getting more and more frantic with her actions now.

  “Well, it looks like your plan failed. So now you’re also dumb amongst other things.” I move around the desk in an attempt to leave. “You might as well quit while you’re ahead because the only person you’re hurting here is yourself,” I say, trying to be nice and take a different approach with her. Maybe then she’ll come to her senses.

  She grabs a hold of my arm, stopping me from walking past her. I look down at her hand and back up to her face again.

  “This conversation isn’t over, Remme. Where do you think you’re going?” She tightens her grip around my arm.

  “I have more important things to do than standing here listening to you bitching and moaning about how much you hate me, Shantel.” Then, I forcefully swing my arm out of her grasp. I reach for the door handle ready to open it and shove her out, when everything starts to make sense.

  “You’re in love with Isaak, aren’t you?” I confirm, as I turn to face her again.

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes, and I know he loves me, too.” My mouth hits the floor, at her brassiness. “You’ve made it my business.” I open the door now. I’ve heard all I need to, and the longer I’m in this room with her, the more angry and red-faced she’s becoming. “I think you should leave, before you embarrass yourself further.” I tell her as I walk through the door.

  “Embarrass myself? How fucking dare, you stand there talking down to me.”

  I look around the gym from the view up here and see that Alex and Melvyn are no longer causing trouble.

  “Looks like you’ve been left behind. Now you’ve outstayed your welcome.” I head over to the stairs. “And by the way, Isaak doesn’t love you. He never did,” I say delivering the final blow.

  The next thing I know, she’s charging at me like a bull in a china shop. “You fucking bitch. I hate you. You’ve ruined my life.” She contacts my already injured shoulder, pushing me vigorously, causing me to lose my footing. I reach out to make connection with the handrail, but to my horror my hand doesn’t find it as intended. My stomach crashes into the railing, sending me spiralling down the rest of the stairs, bashing almost every part of my body on the way down before landing at the bottom with an almighty thud. I try to gather my bearings through my grogginess.

  I see Isaak first as he runs towards me.

  “Fuck, baby, are you okay? What the fuck happened?”

  Feeling the pain from head to toe, I can’t seem to find the cognitive sense to be able to speak.

  I hear Devon screaming at Shantel next. “Get the fuck out. Alex and his brother have just left. Why don’t you go and run after them like the good little lap dog you are? Don’t let the door hit you on your way out.”

  I can hear the venom in her voice.

  “I... I…” I try to speak again but the words just aren’t coming.

  “Owen, go grab my car and bring it round to the front. I’m taking her to the hospital right fucking now.”

  I hear keys jingling first, then Isaak goes to lift me up in his arms as a string of pain slices through me and I yell out.

  “Isaak, wait... Don’t lift me,” I manage to get out in between breathless pants of agony.

  “Remme, I need to lift you to get you in the car.”

  I can hear the panic in his voice. I go to reassure him that I’ll be fine if he just gives me a minute, but the moment I move, pain splinters through me again and I start to feel heat between my tights. If I was fully aware of my surroundings, I’d be mortified by the fact I think I’ve just wet myself. Possibly a delayed reaction to my fall but as I look down, I start to hyperventilate, grabbing a hold of Isaak’s arm, full of turmoil.

  “Isaak…I…I’m…” I’m struggling to talk through my strangled sobs.

  “What is it Remme? Talk to me, please?” He begs and pleads frantically.

  “I’m...bleeding, Isaak.” It’s all I have to say to get his eyes roaming my whole body looking for injuries. I know the moment he sees as his eyes fill with dread and anger.

  “Remme, how? Why are you...” He’s scrambling to find the right words, but I think we both know there is nothing he can say or do that can change the outcome of what’s just happened.

  “Remme, I need to lift you. I know it’ll cause you discomfort so squeeze me, bite me, hit me, I don’t care but I need to get you to the hospital.” I feel him lifting me up into his arms and heading for the door.

  “I’ll meet you guys there.”

  I think it’s Kenny this time that speaks.

  “Get in,” Owen
Growls. “I’m driving.”

  Once we’re in the car, I seem to find my voice again. “I’m so sorry, Isaak.” I snuggle into him a little closer so he can’t look at me.

  “Baby, what went down? I saw you go upstairs, but I didn't see her follow you up. I’m the one who’s sorry.”

  I can’t stop the tears from falling. The pain laced in his voice, is what grips my heart like a fucking vice. “I left to get out the way after Alex clipped my shoulder. I went to Owen’s office, then Shantel stormed in. She was spouting shit about her loving you and how you love her, too.” The noise that leaves the back of Isaak’s throat is animalistic. I'm under no illusion it’s filled with disgust.

  “I can tell you this right now: I don’t and never have loved her, Remme. You know that, right?”

  My reply is instant. “Of course, I do. I’m not a fool by any means, Isaak. Shantel also admitted she was behind all the media being at the house. She planned it, to try and break us apart.” Letting out a sigh, I finally look up at the man who’s holding me so close. “She pushed me down the stairs, Isaak. I don’t know if it was intentional or not, but the hate she has for me makes me wonder.”

  “Let’s not talk about Shantel right now: let’s get you looked at first.”

  I nod slowly as he kisses the top of my head.

  We pull up to the hospital, and just like before, Isaak carries me inside.

  “Can I get some help over here?” he shouts.

  Before I know it, I’m on a stretcher being wheeled into a cubicle and away from Isaak.

  Chapter Thirty

  Isaak

  The sight of Remme falling down the stairs all but fucking crippled me. It was like everything happened in slow motion, and my legs just wouldn't work at getting me over to her quick enough.

  I heard everyone moving around me, but I drowned them all out concentrating solely on Remme. I do, however, remember hearing Shantel telling Devon that she slipped, but we all know what really happened.

  I’ll deal with that psychotic bitch later.

  I could tell Remme was in a lot of pain but that she was trying her best to hide it. The moment I saw blood coating her gym bottoms, I really started to panic.

  I just knew I needed to get her to the hospital and fast.

  The conversation in the car ride to the hospital has done absolutely nothing to calm my wildly beating heart. There is a lot of stuff that needs explaining, and I will get my answers, but right now I need to make sure Rem is okay. I can tell by the way she fell she’s seriously injured herself.

  Thankfully, Owen got us to the hospital in record time.

  I’ve been pacing the floor of the waiting room for the past hour or so. It could have been longer, but I’ve lost all concept of time. Thank fuck everyone who recognises me has had the sense to stay the fuck away from me.

  Owen comes and joins me after parking the car and paying for the ticket. Apart from asking why I’m out here and not in there with her, it’s been a lot of small talk between us while we await any news.

  Kenny turns up just as I stand to try to find out how Remme is for the millionth time. Walking over to him, I’m immediately met with an apology for taking so long to get here.

  “The police were called by someone in the gym. I had to deal with them before I could leave. Don’t worry, I gave them the security footage, so they have everything they need for now.”

  Relief takes root that something has gone right amongst all of this.

  “Mr Brookes?” My eyes dart from Kenny towards the voice, landing on the man in blue scrubs who I instantly recognise as Dr Fletcher. Leaving Kenny to take a seat with Owen, I hurry my stride to meet with the doc.

  “How is she? Can I see her?” I ask, eager to get to her.

  “Good to see you again, Isaak. Miss Rivers has been asking for you,” he says cheerily.

  That can only mean good news, right?

  “What’s the verdict, Doc?” I push, trying to get something from him before I get in there.

  “Isaak, Remme asked me to come get you before I spoke to her as she wants you in the room at the same time. Let's head in so I can give you both the news,” Dr Fletcher states as he swings a cubicle door open. Rushing straight past the Doc, I’m at Remme’s side in seconds. “Hey baby, how are you feeling?” I ask before I place a kiss to her head, closing my eyes and sending a silent prayer of thanks about the fact she looks to have a bit more colour in her cheeks than when she came in.

  Dr Fletcher clears his throat, and I realise I am lingering. As I lift my gaze from Rem’s, he begins to talk.

  “Okay, so, Remme, I have the results from all the tests we did…”

  “What tests did you do?” I interrupt, taking a seat on the edge of the bed, holding my girl’s hand tightly by the side of her.

  “I will go through them as we get to them. Starting with what you can see. Bruising to the face and arms will all go away in due course. Dislocation to the shoulder, which we put back into place when you arrived, will heal in a sling. A cut to the eye, which we have glued. Moving on to what you don't see: again, more bruising to the legs, back and torso, that will heal again in due course. Now, when you arrived, we took a blood sample then sent you down to have a CT scan. I have the results of both here. You were very lucky, Remme. The scans showed no internal injuries whatsoever.” Both Remme and I sigh, full of relief. My girl will be okay.

  “And the blood sample?” Remme questions.

  “The blood sample has come back with some surprising news, considering your answers to the questions you were asked when you arrived.”

  I look between Remme and the doc multiple times, nearly giving myself whiplash, wondering what the hell the questions were.

  “What do you mean?” Remme asks, now fully intrigued by this herself.

  “Well, from what you told the nurse, I don’t think you are aware. The blood sample we took indicates that you’re pregnant, Remme,” he states simply.

  I swear I hear him wrong; I must do. She can’t possibly be pregnant. We’ve not even had time to do the dirty since the time in the pool with my recovery and everything else.

  “I’m...I’m...pregnant?”

  Thank god, I’m not the only one who needs him to repeat himself.

  “Yes, but we need to do a scan to check on the baby, after the fall you had and the injuries you suffered with, it’s precaution. No need to worry, I’m sure everything will be fine.” He gives us both a reassuring smile. “A nurse will be in shortly with a mobile sonogram. I’ll leave you both to talk.”

  I thank the doc; he nods and leaves.

  I release the deathly grip Remme’s hand has on mine and throw myself back in the chair, covering my face with my hands before I let out an almighty puff of air. “What just happened?” I say out loud, but more to myself.

  “Isaak, I…I’m…sorry.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Remme

  This cannot be happening.

  Not only have I got to deal with the fact I might possibly have lost a baby—a baby I didn’t even know I was pregnant with in the first place—I’ve also got to deal with Isaak. Judging by his reaction, I can tell this isn’t the news he wanted to hear.

  “I... I’m…sorry.” It’s all I can say; I have no words. I’m speechless.

  I need Isaak to say something—anything. The silence is making me more nervous.

  Just as I’m about to open my mouth to say something, the door opens and a petite nurse with long, rainbow hair walks in. Isaak is up and out of the seat before the nurse has a chance to move the machine to the other side of the bed.

  “Where are you going?” the nurse asks him, confused.

  “To give Remme some privacy,” Isaak simply states.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I assumed you were the daddy,” she replies, apologetically

  “He is the dad.” I spit at her before giving Isaak daggers. “Isaak, you need to be here for this, and
I need you here, too.”

  With a nod of his head, he retakes his seat again. He’s so pale, I swear he’s about to pass out any minute.

  The nurse talks us through the process before lifting the hospital gown up and squirting an unhealthy amount of ice-cold gel onto my abdomen, causing me to flinch so high off the bed at the contact that Isaak rushes to my aid once again.

  “Remme, are you okay? What's wrong? Does it hurt?” The long string of questions coming out his mouth as one make me giggle uncontrollably.

  “No, it doesn't hurt, Isaak, but it’s flippin’ cold,” I tell him in between laughing.

  The nurse gives me an apologetic smile and starts to move the wand around my stomach in all different directions.

  “Right, let’s see if we can show you both your bundle of joy, shall we?” Then, out of nowhere a whooshing sound fills the room.

  “What is that noise? Isaak asks, now slightly panicked, looking between me, the nurse, and the machine.

  “That’s normal—nothing to worry about,” the nurse softly reassures him, and me, too.

  The noise of the machine is the only sound in the room. The nurse isn’t saying anything as she carries on moving the wand around my belly and staring at the machine.

  “Is everything okay?” I hear Isaak ask, as he moves closer towards me and grabs my hand, giving it a loving kiss.

  “I think the little bugger is hiding.” She concentrates intensely on the monitor and my heart starts to pound out of my chest. I may have only just found out that I’m carrying Isaak’s baby, but the thought of me losing it starts to affect me. I’m an emotional wreck and the sobs begin to rip through me.

  “Hey, hey. Everything will be okay, Sweetcheeks.” Isaak pushes a few strands of hair out of my face and peppers my forehead with kisses.