Throttle Me (Men of Inked)

by Chelle Bliss

  “You said that last time we did this,” I rolled my eyes.

  The doctor snickered. “I guess there’s no short term memory problems.”

  “My boyfriend and I were at a bar tonight and I walked out before he did. I thought he was right behind me and when I unlocked my car someone grabbed me from behind. By the time I realized what was happening, I was already on the ground and tried to fight back, but it was no use. I don’t remember much else.”

  A police officer stood in the corner and scribbled on a little note pad as I spoke. “I remember waking up in Joey’s arms and then the ambulance arriving.”

  I couldn’t give the truth. My boyfriend was supposed to kidnap me as we played out my fantasy for him to abduct me and make me his sex slave. Who did shit like that?

  “We’re just going to keep you here overnight for observation. You have a couple bruised ribs, the laceration on your lip, and a concussion, but nothing that will cause long term damage.” The doctor said, staring at his clipboard. “We’ll get you into a regular room as soon as possible so you can rest. We will release you in the morning.”

  “Is anyone here to see me?” I couldn’t believe that City hadn’t shown up or anyone for that matter.

  “Yes, but he’s been instructed to wait outside until we complete your assessment.”

  “Can he come in now, please?” My body ached, my face throbbed, and my head pounded from the after effects of the attack. I wanted to rest my eyes and turn off the light, but I needed to talk to City. I had to find out what happened and why he wasn’t the one to find me alone in the parking lot.

  “Yes, I’ll have the nurses talk with him and send him in. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ms. McCarthy.”

  “Thanks,” I said with a fake smile. I had nothing to be thankful for. All I wanted to do was crawl in my own bed and sleep against City’s body. Crunchy hospital sheets, plastic mattresses, and thin blankets were not my idea of comfortable.

  I threw my head back onto the thin paper pillow, squeezing my eyes shut. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t have any tears left.

  “Ma’am,” the officer said and cleared his throat. “I’ve taken down your statement, but I may need more details. We have your attacker in custody and the statement of Joseph Gallo and another gentleman, but we may still need your side to fill in the gaps. Here’s my card. Call me when you can talk. It can wait until you’re home and more comfortable.” He smiled at me and I could see he was genuine.

  “I’ll call you, sir. I just don’t feel like talking about it anymore tonight.” I rubbed my eyes, the lights were making my headache worse and I wanted to sleep.

  “No problem, ma’am.”

  Drawing back the curtain to leave, I caught a glimpse of City. A frown was visible as he looked at me. I could see the pain on his face. His hands appeared swollen and red dotted his knuckles, blood from the pounding he must have given to the asshole.

  “Hey,” he said as he approached my bed.

  “Hey yourself.”

  “Are you okay, sugar?” He sat down on the bed and held my hand.

  “I’m okay, City. They’re just keeping me for observation.” I shrugged.

  Touching my cheek with the rough pads of his fingers, he studied my face. His eyes roamed over every inch, stopping on my lips and cheekbone. “God, I’m so sorry, Suzy. It’s all my fault.” His eyebrows were furrowed and deep lines appeared on his forehead.

  “It wasn’t your fault. You meant well. I give you an A for effort, but a D in completion, big boy.” I smirked. I couldn’t really be mad at him.

  “Don’t make jokes, sugar.” He tried to keep a straight face, but I saw a small smile tug at the corner of his lips. “I could’ve lost you tonight.” He squeezed my hand, his eyes looking at our hands.

  “What happened to you? You were supposed to be only a minute behind me, Joey.” Closing my eyes, I remembered the fear I felt when I realized it wasn’t City grabbing me from behind.

  “I was on my way out of the bar after joking with the guys but I got held up. I tried to get away as quickly as possible. I didn’t want you to be outside alone. I should’ve never taken you to that bar. Fuck.” He rubbed his face, “What happened before I got there, sugar?”

  Tears began to fill my eyes as I spoke, I couldn’t hold them back. “I pretended to drop my keys when I heard someone behind me. I thought it was you. As I bent down to pick them up, he grabbed me by the hair and knocked me off balance.” I paused, trying to steady my voice. “He pulled me by my hair behind the building and I tried to get free of him. I kicked and screamed, but no one heard me. He hit me in the face and called me names. I could taste the blood in my mouth. I don’t remember anything else until I woke up in your arms.” I cuddled into City, needing the feeling of safety.

  “Shh, sugar. I’ll never let anything bad happen to you again.” He crawled in the bed and wrapped his arms around me. I cried in his chest until there were no more tears left. He stroked my hair, kissing my head, rocking me until I calmed.

  “Where is she?” Sophia’s voice woke me from my peaceful slumber. “I don’t give a shit, I want to see her now.”

  Jesus.

  “Ma’am, you can’t go in there.”

  The curtain opened in one quick motion and a scared Sophia appeared. “Oh my God, Suzy. I’ve been worried sick about you.” She rushed to my bedside.

  I saw movement out of the corner of my eye, Kayden. He looked pissed. More pissed than I’d ever seen him and I’d seen him pretty crazy at times over the years.

  “I’m okay, Sophia. Just some scrapes and bruises. I’ll heal.”

  “You could’ve been killed for shit’s sake and you.” She glared at City, pointing her finger at him. “You were supposed to protect her from shit like this. How could you let her go outside alone?”

  “It’s not his fault,” I began to speak, but she held up her hand, stopping me.

  “Well?” she asked.

  “City, may I speak to you for a moment?” Kayden asked in a calm voice.

  I didn’t like pissed off looking and calm sounding Kayden. “You both need to back off,” I said.

  “Suzy, this is between City and me. I won’t keep him long,” Kayden said.

  I looked at City, silently pleading with him not to go. He squeezed my hand as he slid off the bed. “I’ll be right back, don’t worry.” He gave me a wink and a smile before leaving with Kayden.

  “Let the boys talk. What the fuck happened, Suzy?” Sophia sat down next to me, tilting her head before she grabbed my hand. “God, I was out of my mind when City called. This is all my fault.”

  “It’s no one’s fault, Sophia. I walked out and everything was going perfectly. I guess City got held up for a second and that’s all it took.” I wiped the remaining tears off my cheek. “The same creep had bothered me before and must’ve been waiting for me. It was stupid to think we could live out that fantasy. It’s not as sexy as it sounds anymore.”

  “Fuck, it’s my fault.” She hung her head.

  “Sophia, why would it be your fault?”

  “I kinda told him about your fantasy.” She didn’t look me in the eyes.

  “You did what?”

  She stood up and moved out of reach. “When he was doing my tattoo, I told him that you don’t like to share your fantasies and told him about your kidnapping thing you’ve been dying to live out.”

  Jesus Christ. “Sophia, I know we’re best friends and all, but that was between you, me, and Kayden.” I took a deep breath and tried not to be angry. Sophia loved me and so did Kayden. We always talked about sex and they were the two people in the world that never judged me. Kayden was the only male that let me pick his brain on the subject and answered honestly without making me feel like an idiot. “I’m a little embarrassed here. I thank you for trying to give me what I want, but that was my secret to tell.”

  “If it would’ve worked out, he would’ve knocked your socks off, babe. City is exactly the type of guy you need to be wit
h. Don’t let this experience put doubt in that pretty little head of yours. He was a wreck, Suzy. I feel a little shitty now that I got bitchy with him. He really cares for you, my little OCD friend.”

  I laughed. I always made Sophia insane with all my little quirks and lists. The woman lived life by the seat of her pants and I wanted everything planned. I had lists for my lists and I would even include her on my lists when we lived together. “I know he cares, Sophia. I saw the pain in his eyes tonight. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so afraid for me before.”

  I could hear the murmured voices of Kayden and City but couldn’t make out the words. “What is he saying to City?”

  “You know Kayden is very protective of you. He’s just having a man to man.”

  “I’m not a child, Sophia. Kayden better be nice.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

  “Kayden’s always nice. They’re just chatting.” She smiled but I could see the worry on her face.

  Life had become so complicated and my plans seemed to unravel before my eyes. I felt like Sophia on the rollercoaster she experienced when falling in love with Kayden. She put her hands up and screamed through the ride while I wanted to jump off and keep my feet on the ground.

  Who’s the Boss?

  “How in the fuck could you let her walk outside alone?” Kayden stood toe-to-toe with me – I didn’t blame him, he cared for Suzy.

  “Kayden, I know, man. I was supposed to be right behind her. Everything got fucked up.” I kept eye contact with him. I wouldn’t show weakness, even though I knew the entire thing happened because of Kaylee and my past. My fucking cock always caused trouble.

  “Yeah, I’d say. If anything happens to her, City, I’ll kick your ass. I may look small compared to you, but I’ll crush you. Hear that shit.”

  I clenched my fists, stopping myself from beating his ass right here in the hospital. I knew he wouldn’t hit me. Throwing down with Kayden would only drive a wedge between Suzy and me. I’d let him say his peace. “Got it loud and clear, Kayden. I’ll protect her with my life.”

  “I know you didn’t mean for any of it to happen, City, but I expect more.” He stepped back. “She’s like a sister to me. Just protect her and we won’t have an issue. I don’t want to be a dick, but I had to tell you that you fucked up.”

  “I know and I will, Kayden. I’m happy that you love her and you’ll look out for her if I’m not around. I know I fucked up and I’ll do everything in my power to make it up to her.”

  “Are you planning on breaking her heart, man?” he crossed his arms over his chest and stared. “If this shit is just a game to you then you need to end it now.”

  “Fuck no, but I don’t know where her head is right now.” I rubbed my eyes, exhausted from the events of tonight.

  “Don’t give her a choice, City. She’s quick to overthink everything. She needs a little push sometimes.”

  “I’m happy to show her the way. Are we good, man?” I asked. “I need to get back to her.”

  “Yeah we’re good.” He held out his hand to me in good faith.

  “Thanks, man.” I shook his hand.

  I walked through the curtain to the girls whispering on the bed. “Hey ladies,” Kayden said behind me. “Suzy, how are you, love?” he walked in front of me and stood next to her bed.

  I stood at the foot of the bed and watched them as they interacted. They were a family, anyone could see that. There was a love and a shared past that brought them together. They chatted, as I stood there transfixed. Suzy looked battered with bruises and a split lip. It would take forever for the effects to fade from her beautiful face.

  “We have a room ready for you,” a nurse said as she entered the small space.

  “Oh, great,” Sophia said.

  “We better head home, Suzy. Sleep well and we’ll stop by tomorrow to see you.” She kissed Suzy on the cheek and Kayden did the same.

  “Night, Suzy.” Kayden turned to me. “City, make sure she’s okay tonight. Don’t leave her alone,” Kayden said before he wrapped his arm around Sophia.

  “I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Kayden.”

  “I love you guys. City will take good care of me. Go home, Jett will be up soon.”

  “Bye, love,” Sophia said before they walked out.

  I sat down next to her as the nurse started to unhook the machines. “Hey, sugar. How are you really feeling?”

  “Sore.” She winced as she moved her limbs. “Can you find a mirror? I want to see my face.”

  Oh god. Her face was swollen with a small amount of dried blood in the corner of her mouth. I didn’t want her to see herself all bruised. “I’ll find one soon, wait until you’re moved.”

  “You can follow, sir. We’re taking her to the second floor for the night.” The nurse removed the brake on the bed as I stood and moved out of the way.

  “I’m not leaving her side, ma’am.” I said as Suzy laid her head on the pillow and smiled at me. I wouldn’t leave her tonight.

  The trip to her room was quick and the nurse left us alone and didn’t ask any questions. I sat down in the chair next to her as she yawned. My eyes felt heavy and my mind cloudy.

  “Will you sleep up here with me? I mean, there isn’t much room, but I want you to hold me tonight. I need you.”

  How could I say no to anything she asked? I’d stand on my head all night if it made her fucking happy. “Anything you want, sugar.” I kicked off my shoes, climbing in the small twin bed before lying on my side, pulling her face to my chest. “Try to sleep. I’m not going anywhere.”

  The tiny bed was perfect as I cradled her in my arms. She gripped my shirt, resting her face against my shoulder. I enveloped her in my arms, I wanted her to feel safe and I needed to know that she was okay.

  Listening to her breath as she slept, I smelled her hair, but it had the scent of the cigarette smoke from the bar and dirt. Her body twitched as she whimpered in her sleep. I wanted to crawl inside her dream and rescue her.

  Flexing my hands, the stiffness from the bruises and small cuts made me wince. It wasn’t anything I hadn’t felt before, but I couldn’t work for a couple days until they healed. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I adjusted her body without waking her and sent Anthony a message. My other siblings would be in a panic and the entire crew would be here, but Anthony I could count on to keep the information low-key at least for tonight.

  Me: Won’t be in tomorrow. Tell Mikey to reschedule my appointments. Thanks, bro.

  Anthony had a gig in Clearwater and he was a sure bet to get the information. He read the message and began to respond.

  Anthony: I told him, he’s with me.

  Fuck. Might as well have put it on the evening news or taken out a fucking billboard. Mikey would have a million questions and would want details.

  Anthony: What the fuck happened? Not like you to not work.

  I didn’t want to give them the details but I had to give enough to get them off my back. I didn’t have a fucking choice in the matter. I’d have to cancel dinner with the family. My mother will want to know why – no one got out of dinner without a legitimate excuse. I wanted to stay with Suzy for the weekend and make sure she was okay before I let her be alone.

  Me: Situation at the bar tonight. I need to stay with Suzy. Tell Mom I can’t make it and clear my schedule for a couple days at least.

  Anthony: WTF happened? You okay?

  Suzy didn’t move as I typed with one hand trying not to break the embrace.

  Me: Beat the shit out of some fucker that attacked her. She’s in the hospital for the night and I want to stay with her after she’s released. Don’t tell anyone. I don’t want them to flip out.

  Anthony: Gotcha, but Mom is going to want details. Which hospital?

  Me: County Hospital, but we’re okay. My hands are just swollen. I’ll be fine.

  Anthony: Gotcha. Mums the word.

  Nothing stayed a secret in my family. It was like the mafia party line. I knew Mikey had probably read
over Anthony’s shoulder and soon the entire brigade would be on high alert. I set the phone above my pillow and closed my eyes, wrapping Suzy in my arms.

  I tried to think about happy things; Suzy’s laugh or how she kissed me, but all I could think of was her limp body and bloodied face in my arms. I kept opening my eyes to remind myself that she was okay. I waited for exhaustion to take me and wipe that vision from my mind.

  The sound of plastic squeaking against the tile floor woke me early in the morning. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you,” she said as she moved to the IV stand.

  I grunted and waited for her to leave before closing my eyes again. Hospitals aren’t the place for rest. The movement outside the room is constant, alarms and announcements echo through the halls, and people talk loud enough to wake the dead. I felt like a Mack truck had hit me. My back was stiff, my eyes burned and my hands throbbed. I wanted to get the fuck out of here and crawl in a real bed with her.

  A quiet knock caused Suzy to stir and my mother stood in the doorway. Fucking brothers – always mama’s boys.

  “Hey,” she said, smiling.

  I held put my finger to my lips hoping not to wake Suzy as my ma entered the room. “It’s early Ma, what are you doing here?” I whispered.

  “Your brother told me something happened and that you were here with Suzy. You know I can’t sleep good when I worry about my children.” She stood next to the bed, looking at Suzy’s face against my chest.

  “I’m fine, Ma. I couldn’t leave her and I want to stay with her when she gets out for a couple days. I didn’t think Mikey would put out an all-points bulletin.”

  “Always so quick to blame Michael, aren’t you Joseph? It was Anthony that texted me. I just wanted to stop and see if you two were okay.” She shook her head at me.

  When did my mother learn how to text?

  “We will be as soon as we get out of this shithole.”

  “What happened, son?” My mom pulled up a chair and waited for my answer.

  “Someone assaulted her. When I found her, I kicked his ass.” I didn’t want to meet my mother’s eyes. She was the only person in the world I never wanted to disappoint. I wasn’t a mama’s boy, but in an Italian family a mother is the queen bee, top dog, and wore the pants. Even my father bowed down to her and cherished the ground she walked on. He wasn’t a pussy and could kick ass in his youth, but Mrs. Gallo wasn’t a person any of us wanted to piss off. “Trust me, Ma, he looks worse than me.”