The Billionaire's Scandal (The Blank Check Series Book 3)

by Jeannette Winters

  “Brooke Cortes. A . . .” She wasn’t sure how to describe herself. “A friend of his brother Gareth.”

  “One moment please.”

  She listened to some classical music that did nothing to calm her nerves. When she heard the click, she took a deep breath.

  “This is Dylan. You are?”

  “Hello Mr. Lawson. I’m Brooke. And I am a . . . friend of Gareth’s.”

  “The woman in Tabiq?” Dylan asked.

  Guess he knows more than I thought. “Yes. There has been an accident. He’s in the hospital. He just came out of surgery, but the doctor believes it’s best he is flown back to the States right away to avoid any infection setting in.”

  “Fuck. What the hell happened?” Dylan barked.

  Brooke could hear the concern in his voice. She proceeded to tell him exactly what had transpired. At least from the point when the truck hit the house. “The doctor is optimistic, but it is very bad. The doctor said it was a close call that he didn’t lose his arm.”

  “It sounds like he almost lost a lot more than that. He shouldn’t have fucking gone to Tabiq in the first place. Nothing is worth what just happened to him.”

  It was like a slap in the face, because his injury happened saving her. “I’m very sorry this happened to your brother. But I’m sure he will be okay. May I give you the contact information for the doctor so you can make arrangements to transport him home?”

  “Yeah. And I can have a jet there in a few hours. He’s getting the fuck out of there. I knew nothing good was going to come from him being there. He should’ve left days ago when I told him to. But he wouldn’t listen, and I have a feeling it has to do with you. If he had listened to me, he wouldn’t be in this condition.”

  God. Is Dylan right? Did he stay because of me? If I would’ve said no, would he be okay now?

  Her hands trembled and she said, “You’ll have him back home soon. I’m sure they will take good care of him until you do.”

  Dylan said, “Thank you for calling and letting me know.”

  “I wish it wasn’t to deliver such news.”

  She ended the call and the phone dropped from her hands. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and Ziva pulled her into her arms.

  “It’s okay, Brooke. You did the right thing calling.”

  “But he . . . he said . . . Gareth coming here was . . . all a . . . mistake.”

  “He’s angry that his brother is hurt. His words weren’t meant for you. If anything, it was meant for my husband.”

  Brooke looked up. “I thought they got along?”

  Ziva smiled. “It’s amazing what one can overcome when they choose to. And trust me, Brooke, this too will pass. Soon Gareth will be up and back to his normal self and you two will have a story to tell your grandchildren.”

  If that was Ziva’s way of making her feel better, it wasn’t working. This was all she and Gareth had. He was going home to his family and so was she.

  “Thanks, Ziva. I should be talking to Janet about this, but I would like to cut my contract short, if that would be okay.”

  “With everything that has happened, it doesn’t surprise me one bit.” Ziva gave her a quick hug. “But you do know you’re welcome back anytime. Work or vacation or just for a visit. Don’t forget that, Brooke.”

  “I won’t. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to sit with Gareth. Even though he’s asleep, I just . . .”

  “Want to be with him. And you should be. It’s where you belong.”

  Until the Lawson family arrives and I’m . . . what put their brother in the hospital.

  10

  Gareth felt the stabbing pain on his left side and back. What the fuck happened? His mind was so foggy. He could remember screams. Whose were they? His? No. They didn’t sound like his voice. Thinking harder. A woman. She was screaming for him to help her. He couldn’t. She was . . . scared.

  His heart raced, and he turned his head, trying to find her, but all was dark. Where are you? No answer. Please tell me so I can help you. Still nothing. The more he struggled, the more confined he felt. Something was holding him down. Why were they preventing him from getting to her?

  Tell me where you are. I’ll come to you. Just call out to me again. She needed him. He promised he’d be there.

  The voices started again.

  “His fever is still going up. Call the doctor.”

  I don’t need a doctor. I need to help her.

  “Also check his restraints. He was pulling out his IV again.”

  Let me go. He tried to move again and the pain shot through his body.

  Once again he heard her. “Gareth. Don’t leave me. You promised you wouldn’t leave me. You have to fight. You’re strong. I know you are. Fight for your family. Fight for me. Just . . . keep fighting.”

  He was trying, but no one seemed to be able to hear him. No matter how much he tried, they all spoke as though he wasn’t there. All except her. Who was she? Why was he fighting for her? What was he fighting?

  Gareth willed his eyes to open. They were heavy, so heavy. Just once, because he needed to see her. Pushing past the pain, his eyes opened, just a sliver. Everything was blurred and something was so bright it hurt his eyes. But then there was a shadow, a gentle touch on his hand.

  “Nurse. He’s . . . he’s awake. Gareth’s awake.”

  He tried to speak but only choked. Something was in his mouth.

  She spoke to him again. “Please, Gareth. Remember your promise. You won’t let go of me. So fight. You can fight this. I know you can. Trust . . . me . . . trust me . . .”

  The voice once again sounded so far away. His eyes closed again; the darkness that was once there returned.

  I’ll fight. I’ll find you. I promise.

  Brooke ran out of the hospital room crying. Half of her filled with joy that Gareth opened his eyes, the other half saddened that the medical team asked her to leave so they could put him back in his medically induced coma.

  They said it was what was best for him so his body could fight a staph infection. She wasn’t in the medical field and no one was giving her much information. It was only what she overheard.

  Brooke wasn’t family, and as soon as Gareth was loaded onto the medical evac jet, she probably wouldn’t know what was going on at all. It was slowly killing her to know that in a matter of a few hours, she wouldn’t see him again.

  When she walked into the hallway, she saw Janet sitting there. “I thought you might like some tea and something to eat.”

  “I’m fine,” she said.

  “No you’re not. You won’t be any good to him if you don’t take care of yourself,” Janet explained.

  “I’m no good to him now. Look at him. He has tubes coming out of his nose and mouth. He is strapped down so he doesn’t pull out his IV, or any other tubes, again. And what can I do? Nothing but stand there and hold his hand.”

  “That might be all he needs right now. You’d be surprised how comforting that can be.”

  “I can’t help but think that this is all my fault.”

  “Brooke, you didn’t drive that truck into the house. And the man who did, had lost control of it. Nothing about this is your fault. It was just an accident. A very horrible accident.”

  “But he took me there because he thought he owed me. He didn’t. I would’ve been just as happy at New Hope, where this wouldn’t have happened.”

  “Gareth doesn’t seem like a man who does anything he doesn’t want to do. He brought you to that inn because he wanted to share something special with you. Hold on to that and let it be your strength through this. I’m sure, even though he’s in a coma, he’s holding on to it as well.”

  I sure hope so. “You do know he’s leaving soon. They are flying him back to the States. His brother is going to accompany him.”

  “Why don’t you ask if you can go too?” Janet suggested.

  She shook her head. The last time she spoke to Dylan, she felt guilty, as though she was the one who put Gareth
in the hospital. Deep down inside she knew that wasn’t the truth, but she wasn’t ready to see Dylan right now. How could she defend herself from what she didn’t understand? Why was Dylan so angry that Gareth wanted to stay in Tabiq?

  “It’s not my place, Janet. Besides, I’m leaving too.”

  “I know. Ziva told me. You’re going to be missed here.”

  “No one even knows my name,” Brooke stated. Right now she didn’t care.

  “That is what you believe. The Tabiqian people keep to themselves, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care. It is a form of protection. Yet when they learned of your accident, many came to me to see if there was anything they could do for you.”

  She smiled. “Please tell them thank you. And I’m glad you told me. I’m going to miss New Hope very much. But with everything going on, I need to be home.” She didn’t bother telling Janet or anyone else what her mother had said.

  “As you requested, your belongings have been packed and you have a ticket for the plane leaving tonight.” Janet handed her the ticket. “But if you change your mind, you’re welcome to stay.”

  “I know. But I won’t.” Gareth wasn’t the only one who had some healing to do. Saying goodbye to him, especially in this condition, was like a knife to her heart. “I better get back inside. I don’t have much time with him before they move him.” She turned to walk back to Gareth’s hospital room but stopped. She turned back again and rushed over to Janet. Giving her a tight squeeze, she said, “Thank you for everything. You’ve been a good friend to me while I’ve been here.”

  “And I hope we stay friends for a long time,” Janet said.

  Brooke sniffed back the tears that once again threatened to flow. She’d cried so much in the last few hours that there shouldn’t be any left. But there seemed to be an endless supply.

  When she walked back into the hospital room, the doctor was there. She expected him to ask her to leave, but he didn’t. Brooke sat quietly in the chair watching and listening to everything they did. She had to admit, they were giving Gareth the best care they could here. But she was happy he was leaving. Logan had done some amazing things setting up this hospital, and the staff was spot on. But even back home, a staph infection was serious. That on top of the injuries and loss of blood scared her. This couldn’t be the last time she was going to see him. It can’t be.

  She didn’t want to be in the way as they prepared him to travel. She looked at the clock and knew Dylan would be arriving any time. She didn’t want to be here when he showed up. His last words still stung.

  Getting up, she walked over and softly asked the doctor, “Would it be okay if I spoke to him once more before I leave?”

  He stepped out of the way. “Of course. I’m a believer that some people can still hear when they are sedated.”

  Brooke smiled at him. I really hope that’s true. She stepped to the side of the bed and, once again, placed her hand inside his limp one. “Gareth, it’s me, Brooke. They are going to be taking you home now. Dylan is almost here. I know you’ll be okay.” She leaned over and whispered in his ear. “I’ll never forget you. You’ll always be in my heart.” I love you.

  It was the first time she’d ever said those words to a man, and she hadn’t even been able to utter them out loud. Brooke gave his hand a gentle squeeze before placing a kiss on his forehead. She didn’t want to leave him like that. It felt as though she was abandoning him, and she’d promised to be there. She had thought for sure he’d wake up and everything would be okay. But it wasn’t. And she needed to step aside.

  There was no doubt he’d have all the love and support he needed back with his family. It just wouldn’t be hers.

  Brooke stepped away from the bed, her hand trembling. “Thank you for everything you did for him.”

  “I only work to heal the body. You were here for his spirit. Do not discredit how valuable you have been in his recovery.”

  Recovery? That was a word of hope. She wasn’t going to let it go. Giving him a quick nod, Brooke left the hospital room for the last time. Each step was like a piece of her heart breaking. There was nothing she could do to change it.

  As she walked through the main doors, she saw a black SUV pull up and a man jump out. There was no doubt in her mind it was Dylan. As he stormed past her, it was as though he never saw her there. It saved her the trouble of introducing herself and confirmed her decision to leave.

  Brooke walked across the parking lot and got into the vehicle Janet had waiting for her with her belongings. She was leaving Tabiq. Leaving Gareth. Leaving a piece of myself.

  11

  If one more person asked Gareth if he needed anything or how he was feeling, he was going to knock them on their ass. The doctor gave him the all clear, all he needed to do was some physical therapy to work the muscles in his back and he’d be good as new.

  Maybe not exactly like new, but not the broken man he was a few weeks ago. He never thought a dumb infection would be what almost took him out.

  Maria walked over to him and said, “Do you have the rings?”

  “I do.” He patted his breast pocket to confirm.

  “And your boutonnière. Where is your boutonnière?”

  He couldn’t bring himself to wear it or admit why. The gardenia was always going to remind him of Brooke. “I’m allergic to it.”

  “You are? You’re not sneezing,” Maria stated.

  “No. Makes me feel tight in the chest.” Because the one person I could picture myself with walked away when I needed her most. When he woke from the coma to find she was gone, it hurt more than the recovery process. He’d been tempted to call her, but what was the point? The scars on his back would only act as a constant reminder of probably one of the most horrific times of her life. If that was what she needed so she could be happy, he wouldn’t try to stop her.

  Maria said, “This is your brother’s wedding. Look happy.”

  It wasn’t a suggestion. He forced a smile and said, “This is my happy face. Count yourself lucky that Dylan is marrying your daughter instead of mine.”

  Maria scurried off muttering something in Italian. That was easy. If only the rest of the night could be so easy. Part of him wished Dylan and Sofia had kept their original wedding date. But Dylan wasn’t hearing it. He insisted they would only get married once Gareth was well enough to act as best man.

  He was happy for them, but all this talk of love and their future and children was more than he could handle right now. The doctors said it could take time to sort things out. That sometimes when you wake from a coma, your emotions are off. You have a hard time telling what is real from what was part of your thoughts while you were under. But his gut told him she was there, calling his name, telling him to be strong and to fight. At the same time, that same voice promised him she would be there. And Brooke isn’t here.

  This was merely one night to get through, then he could go back to his apartment, the place where he seemed to spend most of his time lately. The last time he’d been out for what was supposed to be fun had been the sad excuse for a bachelor party. It had been an utter failure. Instead of Vegas like he’d wanted, they all sat around talking about the Hendersons and Tabiq. What part didn’t they get? He’d told them what he’d learned from Alex, nothing held back, at least nothing that was any of their business. Brooke was off limits, not that they’d asked.

  Sofia’s parents had closed their restaurant and turned it into a wedding venue. It wasn’t the large wedding Maria had wanted for her daughter, but it was what Sofia and Dylan asked for. Just family and close friends. With everything that had gone on over the past month, it still was more than he wanted to see. But there was no getting out of it. The music started, the cue for everyone to take their seats. All except Gareth and Charlene, Sofia’s best friend.

  As they stood on each side of the floral arbor, Gareth closed his eyes. Dylan walked down the makeshift aisle and leaned over, “Are you okay?”

  Gareth nodded. “Just listening to the musi
c.”

  Dylan shook his head. “If classical is your thing now, I better talk to that doctor for you.”

  Keep the mood light. Keep it happy. It was the best gift he could give Dylan.

  Dylan took his spot and turned around. The music changed and Sofia appeared, dressed in her white gown and holding on to Filippo’s arm. She looked beautiful. As she walked down the aisle, it was as though no one was in the room except Dylan, as it should be. This was their moment, and no one in the room could doubt their love.

  Gareth stood and only half listened to what the judge was saying. But when it came to their vows, Gareth shuddered.

  Dylan said, “I promise to always be there. Trust me, if you fall, just take my hand, and I’ll catch you.”

  Take my hand. Trust me. I’ve got you. He could hear Brooke cry out, feel her fear, but she’d trusted him.

  Help me. I need you. The voices said again. But the question was always the same: Where was she?

  Gareth couldn’t concentrate on their union, as he couldn’t stop thinking about Brooke. Was she okay? Had she moved on to her next job like she had wanted? Did her near-death experience leave her rattled? Was it affecting her life, like it was his?

  Gareth wasn’t living in fear, but it had changed him. He used to live for the moment. Actually he remembered telling Brooke to do the same thing. His life had been full, and he’d been happy. But now he felt as though he was missing something, and that something was her.

  Sofia had asked him if there was anyone he wanted to bring to the wedding. The only person he’d have even considered bringing to a family function was Brooke. But the last thing he wanted for her was his family asking a bunch of questions about the accident, and they would because he wouldn’t answer them. He told them the only thing that was important, it was only an accident, no one had intentionally, tried to kill him or Brooke. That had been a very real concern of his. That his digging into Tabiq, somehow had put Brooke in danger. Risking his life had been one thing, one he’d do again if he’d still gotten the result he did. But he’d never wanted Brooke to be caught up in any of that shit. Thankfully it really had been nothing more than faulty brake lines.