by M. Clarke
Hank swung the door opened. “Sorry. I’ll be just a minute.”
Did he just wink at me? “Hank.” I stopped him before he turned around. “There’s an emergency I need to take care of it.”
“Hold on.” He spoke into his cell and gave me his attention. “Emergency. Is everything all right, Nathan?”
“I’m not sure. But I need to go. I’ll come in tomorrow or—”
“Actually, I’m pretty sure we got what we need. Don’t worry about it. Go. Hope everything is fine.”
“Thanks, me too.” Without an explanation to Bobby and Noah, I ran.
“Mr. Cross, is everything all right?”
Cassandra stopped me in my tracks. From behind her desk, she saw me fly to the elevator.
“Sorry. Yes,” I lied, not wanting to explain. “I’ll be back.”
“Wait. I need to validate your parking ticket.”
Fuck validation. “That’s okay. I have to go.” I didn’t mean to sound rude, but I was in a state of panic.
Just as I stepped into the elevator, I dialed 911. I had no choice. That message from Isla could have meant Troy was around. He couldn’t be psycho enough to do anything stupid, was he? The thought didn’t agree with my stomach and blood rushed through me in waves. Hot, cold, then hot and cold again.
When the lady over the phone told me a dispatch had already been sent to the address I just mentioned, blood drained out of me. I needed the elevator to move faster. I needed to be with Olie. I paced, my fingernails digging inside my palm, and my heart pounding with no mercy. If Troy touched a single strand of Olie’s hair, I swore to finish what I should have done before.
“Can’t you go any faster?” I grunted at the taxi driver. Immediately I felt bad for lashing out at him. It wasn’t his fault there were way too many cars on the street.
He frowned. His eyes glared at me through the front mirror. “I’m going as fast as I can. It’s not my fault you’re going with the traffic.”
I glanced a look to the other side and wished we were in those lines. Cars were whizzing by without any delay.
“Is there another—” I was just about to ask him if there was another way, but my cell rang.
“Isla?” My panic settled just for a second, relieved that one of them had called me back.
“Nathan. Oh my God. Troy.” Isla’s loud voice boomed out of the cell, speaking a mile a minute. “Troy was here. Olivia. I held a knife. She fell. He tried to kill her. She, she, she...” She started sobbing.
Oh, Jesus. No, no, no, not my Olie. It was hard to grasp what she was telling me, but when I heard the word “kill” I stopped breathing. My hands trembled. I was going to lose it, but to get to the root of the story, one of us had to calm down. That would be me.
“Isla. Breath. I need you to slow down. Where are you?”
No answer. Fuck! “Hello? Isla? Hello?”
The phone died. I tried calling, but there was no answer.
A messaged popped up. “Sorry. I had to hang up. I’m at the hospital now with Olie. We rode in an ambulance.”
Me: Is she okay?
No answer.
I showed the taxi driver my message. “I need to go to this address. How long will it take?”
The taxi driver scowled, not liking my demanding tone. “You’re in luck. We get to go against traffic.”
“Then go. Please.”
I couldn’t help myself. I pictured Olie with a broken leg or arm and bruises on her face. Why was she taken to the hospital unless it was serious? These thoughts ate me alive. Bile rumbled inside my stomach and rose to my throat and the fifteen-minute ride felt like an hour. After I paid, I jumped out of the taxi and ran inside.
There was a freakin’ line. Three people stood in front of me, but it felt like a hundred. Tapping my feet on the white tile, I checked my phone, hoping to get a text from Isla. I decided not to wait.
Me: I’m here. Where are you?
No answer. Not only did I want to kill Troy, but Isla too, for driving me crazy. I inhaled and exhaled multiple times, closing my eyes. Olivia was alive, and that was all that mattered. Jumping to conclusions wasn’t going to help the situation or my frenzied heart.
Two people in front of me. A few minutes passed. After what seemed like a lifetime, one person remained. To pass the time, I gazed at the huge Christmas tree decorated with all sorts of ornaments set to the side and the Christmas wreath with red ribbons. And finally—
“How can I help you?” The lady behind the desk beamed a smile, and her eyes roamed about my body.
I was wearing a suit and looked out of place. “Can you tell me which room Olivia Hunt was taken to?”
She dipped her head to scan the monitor. “Olivia is in the emergency room. You’re in the wrong building. Just follow that hallway, all the way down to the double door. It will lead you to where you need to go. But you—”
Christ! Why was it so freakin’ hard to get to her? “Thank you.” I took off before she could finish. Following her directions, I ran, almost running into people on the way.
“Sorry,” I murmured, passing them by.
Finally, the emergency room sign loomed just up ahead. Sweat dampened my forehead, and I was out of breath as I stormed through the double doors. Taking careful steps, I glanced around the room. A lady sat with her sick child. Closer to the door sat an older couple. With a nod, I smiled, trying to calm my drumming heart. And in the corner sat Isla curled up, looking like she’d been through hell, with her hands clasped together. With her hair disheveled and makeup smeared, I could only imagine what she’d gone through. She hadn’t seen me yet. I should have gone to her first, but I went to the lady at check in instead.
“Hello, how may I help you?” A young lady asked.
“I was told Olivia Hunt is here. I’m her boyfriend. Can you please let her know I’m here? I need to see her.” My last sentence came out as a hard demand.
“Sorry, but you can’t see her right now.” Her tone was apologetic, but she pissed me off.
“What do you mean I can’t see her?” My tone slightly rose. I needed to get a hold of myself. “I’m her fiancé,” I lied, trying to say anything to get me in.
She wrung her brunette hair behind her ear and cleared her throat, looking agitated. “I understand, but I was given strict orders not to let anyone see her. When the doctor lets me know, you’ll be the next to know. Meanwhile, please have a seat. I’ll let her know you’re here.”
I muffled a groan and suppressed my temper. The need to thrash through the closed door to see Olie was strong. Then a gentle voice called my name, diminishing the rage.
“Nathan.”
I turned to see Isla’s eyes red and puffy, looking so small.
“Isla,” I swallowed. I knew she was there, but I had dismissed her.
“Come.”
Sitting next to her toward the corner of the room, I said softly, “Isla.” I had so much to ask, but didn’t know where to begin or what to say.
“Nathan.” Tears poured. “I’m so sorry.” Her body shook, her fingers wrung on the edge of the chair so tight her knuckles turned white.
I wrapped my arms around her, letting her pour out the fear, anger, and all the emotions she must have felt through her tears. I still had no idea what had happened.
“How’s Olivia?” I managed to ask between her cries, trying to be sensitive, but I needed to know. Every second not knowing was killing me.
Isla pulled away and wiped her tears. “She’s a mess, but she’s fine. They wouldn’t let me stay with her. We can’t see her right now. She’s being examined by the doctor. Then she’ll be questioned by the police.”
“What happened?” I asked, trying to steady my nerves. Whatever she was about to tell me wasn’t going to be good. Inhaling and exhaling deep breaths didn’t help. Knowing Olie was fine was great news and somewhat kept my blood pressure at bay, but I needed to see her. I needed to touch her, hold her in my arms.
Isla looked down at her n
ails, shuddered a breath, and spoke. “We were on our way out, but Troy showed up. He pushed me and got ahold of Olivia. They fought. I grabbed the knife from the kitchen.”
She grabbed a knife? Good girl. I gave a small grin and arched my eyebrows.
“Yup, I grabbed a knife.” She shrugged. “It was the only thing I could think of to hurt Troy. I would have killed him if I could, but he was choking—” she paused “—Olivia, and I didn’t know what to do.”
I stiffened, rage roared inside me, and I continued to listen to the horrendous nightmare. Isla’s expression changed, depending on who she mentioned. She scowled and her eyes darkened with hate when she spoke of Troy, and then her eyes filled with fright and softened when she spoke of Olivia.
“When I thought this was it for Olivia, I charged at Troy. I didn’t care if he hurt me. I needed to do something, but my body wouldn’t move. I shook all over, so stiff. I was so scared, Nathan.” She cupped her face into her palms, let out a soft moan, and then dropped them to speak again. “He released her just enough for Olivia to grab something off the floor. Before Olivia passed out, she stung him with a Taser. I never knew she had one, but it saved her life. But if she hadn’t had the Taser...I don’t know.”
“It’s okay,” I assured her. “You were there with her. She wasn’t alone. You did the best you could. This isn’t your fault and please don’t blame yourself for anything. It shouldn’t have happened in the first place. What happened after that? Where’s Troy?”
“Troy blacked out from the Taser. I called the police. When I saw Olivia was breathing, I taped Troy’s wrists and legs together and over his mouth. I wrapped that bastard up like a mummy.”
I patted her arm, trying to make her smile. “Job well done.”
She shrugged. “I might have given him a black eye, and I also punched his groin when he was down.”
I snorted, even though it wasn’t really a laughing matter. He deserved it. But picturing her doing it in my mind gave me great satisfaction. “Good for you.”
“I bet he’s in a whole lot of pain right now.” She beamed with contentment.
I pulled out my phone when it vibrated inside my pants pocket.
Isla: Nate
I flashed my eyes at Isla. “Where’s your phone?”
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t get a chance to reply back. I had to call the photo shoot and explain what had happened, and then I lost reception. After, I called Josh, and then I gave my phone to Olivia.”
I shifted my gaze back to the phone. Staring at the text as if I was looking at Olie in front of me, my heart sank, and I took a moment to pause. My unsteady fingers texted back.
Me: I’m here baby. I’m waiting for you. I’m not going anywhere.
Olie: Okay. I’m sorry.
Why was she sorry? My heart squeezed.
Me: You have nothing to be sorry about. Please, don’t apologize.
Olie: I’m glad you’re here.
Me: I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Let me know when I can see you.
Olie: Okay. I gotta go. The police officer wants to ask me questions.
Chapter 27
Olivia
I opened my eyes and my vision had just cleared when I was wheeled into the hospital on a stretcher. Hearing Isla’s voice gave me comfort, but I didn’t know what the heck was going on. The last thing I remembered was zapping Troy with my Taser. I must have blacked out afterward. As they pushed me into the double doors, Isla grabbed my hand and gave me her phone. She said she didn’t think to bring mine. Isla also said she managed to get ahold of Nate. I could only imagine what she must have gone through alone.
Dr. Ross examined me from head to toe in a private room. She especially concentrated on my face and throat. She asked me bunch of questions: Did he force himself on you? Did he hit you? Do you feel dizzy? Are you able to walk? I answered the best I could but hid how I truly felt—sick to my stomach. Then after more examination, she stepped out. Not sure where Nate was, I texted him.
Nate is here. My heart raced and tears fell. I wanted to be with him, to be in his arms, my safety home, but I couldn’t. And at the same time, I didn’t want him to see me. I was too embarrassed, too ashamed. Troy was my fault, a temporary escape from the memories of Nate. Nate shouldn’t have to deal with my mess...but he was here. And I didn’t want him to see me after Troy had his hands on me.
A knock on the door startled me. A police officer entered. After he asked me basically the same questions the doctor had and more, he left. Then another nurse entered to let me know I would be dismissed as soon as I signed some paperwork, and that Nate anxiously waited for me in the waiting room, which I already knew. She left the door slightly ajar and left.
The door creaked open after a stretch of time, but even a minute alone seemed like hours.
“Olie.”
I shuddered at the voice beckoning me. His tone was tender, with so much love in my name, but I couldn’t look up. I let my hair cascade down to cover my face. My fingers wove together and I crossed my ankles. I wanted to jump into his arms, to feel the warmth of him, but my legs refused to move.
“Nate,” I whimpered, feeling my throat constrict as tears streamed down my cheeks.
Nate dropped to his knees, as if asking to be forgiven, as if it was his fault. His head rested on top of where his hands cupped mine. “Oh, baby. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there.” Gingerly, his thumb stroked my fingers as he continued to speak. “I should have been there for you. I should have waited until you were out of the apartment. What was I thinking? I’m so sorry...so sorry. I should have been more careful. This is all my fault.”
His apology killed me. I couldn’t let him continue.
“Nate.” My voice came out as a hoarse whisper. “Please. Don’t apologize.” My lips trembled. “This isn’t your fault. I’m the one who left you. I’m the one who dated Troy. I’m the one—” I stopped. Nate had caught my eyes for the first time since he entered. I wanted to be strong and not shed a tear, but with Nate, I was vulnerable in every way. He was my home, my savior, my rock. And the way he gazed back at me with anger and tears in his eyes, there was no way I could hold anything back.
“Olieeee,” his voice escaped him in sheer panic. Nate stood up, lightly placing his hands on my face. “What did he do to you?” His body stiffened, his forearm constricted, but his hands were still gentle. “Oh, God. I almost lost you, baby.” His arms wrapped around me gingerly, afraid to hurt me.
My arms snaked around his back, and my head rested against his chest. I utterly lost it as I sobbed away the fear, the anger, the pain, and the shame. Nate caressed my back and let me take my time to gather myself.
“I’m going to kill him,” he gritted through his teeth. It was a promise I knew he would keep.
I pulled back and wiped my tears away. My hand flew to his wrist. “No, Nate. I don’t want to lose you. Please don’t do anything foolish. The police have him in custody. They’re going to charge him with attempted manslaughter. It’s over now.”
“It’s over when he goes to jail,” he seethed. “I swear to you, Olie. I’m going to make it my personal duty to put him where he belongs. I’m going to be on top of this, every step of the way.”
I pressed my lips together to keep the tears at bay and nodded. Nate’s vow touched me deeply—I didn’t think I deserved him. My problem became his problem, too. Though I never wanted my problems to be his, he took them with open arms because he loved me.
Nate pounded a fist on the examining table. “I should have been a step of ahead of him so this wouldn’t have happened to you,” he continued.
I ran my hand on his arm, trying to soothe him. “No, Nate. Please stop. You couldn’t have known he would be this crazy. None of us did. And you can’t protect me all the time. But your love did. I used the Taser you made me put inside my purse. See, you were one step ahead of him. He never knew.”
Nate’s eyes softened, and he even gave me a hint of a smile. “I should have given you a gun instead.
”
I smiled but winced in discomfort when I swallowed. I covered it to hide my pain from Nate.
“Can you go home now?” he asked, focusing on my eyes and around my neck.
“I’m waiting for the nurse. I need to sign some papers.”
“Why do you have red dots inside your eyes?” Nate wiped the lingering tears with a glide of his thumb.
“The doctor said it was a petechial hemorrhage. I got them when Troy...um...when he choked...when no blood flows...” I stumbled, unsure how to explain to Nate without making his anger even worse.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to explain, Olie. I can see how it’s making you upset.” He kissed my forehead. “I’ve got you. You’re safe now. I’m going to take care of you.”
I released a shuddering breath, feeling like the weight of a ton of bricks had lifted off my shoulders. The shame and embarrassment lifted, replaced by Nate’s love. How lucky I was, not just to have him back in my life, but also to have him back as mine.
Nathan
I had an idea of the condition Olie would be in from what Isla had explained to me, but seeing it with my own eyes was worse than I’d imagined. When I walked in, Olie’s head dipped low, pulling her hair over her face. She did it purposely, not wanting to show me the aftermath of Troy. Olie’s shoulders slumped, her hair in disarray, and the way she folded her fingers together in her lap, as if to protect herself, made my heart sink.
I dropped down to my knees and placed my head on her lap, afraid if I held her, she would break. I hated seeing her in pain, and I hated what Troy had done to my girl. Guilt flushed through even more. I should have been there so nothing would’ve happened to her. The second my eyes met hers, anger blistered to another level. My whole body shuddered in rage, fuming with hatred toward Troy. I wanted to kill him. But I had to calm down for Olie’s sake. She couldn’t see me distraught and out of control. I needed to be her stability, her anchor.
When I held her in my arms, she released a long breath and sobbed. Her body trembled and though I shed no tears, I felt her pain, her anger, her regret, and her embarrassment. She blamed herself, but I wasn’t going to let her. This was not her fault. She almost lost it again when I asked about her eyes.
