As I nodded, she took my hand and held it gently. Looking at Gladys’ concerned face, my confusion grew.
“I saw the other young gentleman leave earlier. Looking at the size of that bouquet I am guessing that they are from him. While you were in the coma, I do know that he tried to see you many times. Now at the same time I got to know your husband Wayne quite well. At least I thought I had until I saw how he reacted to your friend’s visits. I wasn’t happy about that,” Gladys said.
Remaining silent I watched as Gladys glanced out of the window before continuing.
“Well as you can clearly see I have been around longer than you. So I can sense certain things. Now the way that you look at the other gentleman clearly shows me that you are in love with him. Which you are unable to tell Wayne because of his temper. Something which now brings me to an added thing that we need to consider.”
Taking a deep sigh, Gladys shook her head. Although every word that she had said was the truth, I welcomed the fact that I was sworn to silence until she finished. The nurse was such a lovely person, and I longed to talk to someone. Knowing that I could trust any advice that she may give.
“We need to think of an excuse for you suddenly having another bouquet in the room. I’m sure you don’t want Wayne to know the truth love. That I will need to think about so leave it with me,” Gladys said matter-of-factly.
My jaw dropped as her words sunk in. Gladys was right. If I told Wayne that Ryan had brought me the flowers he was sure to fly into a rage. I was distracted from the thought as Gladys continued.
“Finally, I just wanted to let you know I am here if there is anything that I can do to help you to see the other gentleman more often. The look of love on your faces says to me that you are meant to be together.”
Wracked with sobs everything burst forth. How Ryan and I met, the passionate connection that we shared. I bit my tongue when it came close to mentioning anything regarding Ryan’s werewolf connection. Gladys had no reason to know such personal and private details.
Yet even so, Gladys nodded understandingly as I described how Ryan and I felt about each other. Passing me tissues as I dabbed ay my streaming eyes. Throughout my whole tale, Gladys listened in silence. Taking in all the details that I described while watching me with sympathy.
“Oh you poor dear,” Gladys said gently. “Listen, I will sort out a story about the flowers. And if I see Ryan, I will warn you if Wayne arrives. If you need any other help, you just let me know love.”
“Thank you Gladys. You are so kind to me,” I replied sincerely.
“Well for an old dear like me, who can beat helping true love,” she chuckled as she returned to her work.
The realization that Gladys had sensed the love between Ryan and myself began to pry on my mind as silence filled the room. What if Wayne were to ever notice? I couldn’t imagine what his reaction would be if he learnt the truth just yet. He had clearly been through an emotional and difficult time since the accident. I didn’t want to cause Wayne any more upset, especially while I still lay here in a hospital bed.
I longed for my recovery process to improve. Although the therapist said that I was doing well, it still seemed to be dragging. If I could begin to get the feelings back in my legs, then surely the Doctors would allow me to go home. At least then I would be surrounded by my own belongings.
Wayne had brought small items from home to try and add colour to the blandness of the hospital room. I had found the shades of grey and yellow depressed me somehow. Now the walls held a few of my favourite prints, along with the odd ornament dotted around the room.
With a heavy heart I flicked the televisions on switch with the remote that rested by my side. Hoping that a programme may distract me from my sombre thoughts.
Chapter Six
The weeks began to turn into months. Though with each therapy session my condition was improving. I could now sit up in bed, and even manoeuvre myself into the chair at the side. Even when I was alone in my room I exercised my legs. Pushing myself until I was completely exhausted.
I spent many hours reading. Either absorbed in a novel, or flicking through magazines. Wayne also brought puzzles books for me. I needed to keep my mind occupied rather than allowing boredom to take over.
When I was in a more reflective mood, I would sit in the chair and gaze out of the window of my room. Trying to imagine how the gardens would look without the thick blanket of snow that currently covered it. Yet it was still a beautiful scene. All you could see was a crisp whiteness at the moment. Covering the lawn and perched among the branches of the trees and shrubs.
It looked like a scene that you would find upon a Christmas card. The snow was untouched, apart from where a bird or small animal had crossed it looking for food. Their small prints leaving a trail to show the path that they had taken. I felt relaxed viewing the peaceful surroundings of the hospital.
Ryan had been to see me many times over the past couple of months. Always being careful to choose a time when Wayne was less likely to show up. Gladys had been a wonderful help to us. Warning us if Wayne arrived and sneaking Ryan through another set of doors so that the pair didn’t meet in the corridor.
Though I knew my deceit was unfair on Wayne, I couldn’t imagine not being able to see Ryan. Even so, it was growing harder to keep up the pretence to my husband when he visited. Having to smile and remain cheerful while he was here when all I really wanted was to be with Ryan. Thoughts of him never far from my mind.
It was a Saturday afternoon as I was sat reading that Sarah swept into the room. I put aside the book and accepted her hugs. She hadn’t been able to visit often due to being busy at work, so I was happy to see her. Sarah settled in a seat beside me and took my hand. I looked at her with confusion when I saw her worried expression.
“There is something that I need to tell you Amy,” she said.
“What’s wrong?”
“Wayne is up to no good. He’s having parties at the house with his biker friends. Your neighbours are saying that there are naked women around the place all the time, and they are not happy. There is a rumour that he is having an affair with one of them,” she told me with a sad look in her eyes.
“It wouldn’t surprize me,” I replied quietly.
“What!” Sarah gasped.
I began to tell Sarah about the night when I had returned home and Wayne had friends in the house. Including my confrontation from one of the women. As I spoke, Sarah simply stared at me with a stunned expression. When I had finished she shook her head in disbelief.
“It’s okay Sarah. I think the time has come to tell Wayne the truth. If he has met someone else, then he probably won’t care when I ask for a divorce,” I said calmly.
“But he could take you for everything? All your savings, and your home,” Sarah implored.
“I don’t care anymore Sarah. I just want to be with Ryan,” I reassured her with a smile.
I quickly changed the subject. Not wanting to think about Wayne at the moment. Laughing with Sarah as she told me about the latest disastrous date that she had been on. Cheered by her visit, I hated it when she eventually said that she had to leave. After giving me a hug and kiss, Sarah promised that she would try to come more often. With a final wave she disappeared through the door.
As the room fell silent once more, I pondered what Sarah had told me. If it was true, it would actually be a weight off my mind. Surely if he was seeing someone he wouldn’t object to getting a divorce. I could only hope that Wayne wouldn’t fly into a rage when I spoke to him.
Chapter Seven
With the night closing in later that same day, I settled into bed with the book I had been reading earlier. The overhead lights were dimmed, so I turned on the light that hung beside the bed. It cast a glow over the text as I flicked through its pages.
Hearing the door opening quietly, I turned to see Ryan sneak into the room. The book fell onto the covers as I flung my arms around his neck. Covering his face and neck with kisses
as he chuckled lightly. Pulling back reluctantly I gazed into Ryan’s sparkling blue eyes. Smiling at him tenderly as he lay on the bed beside me.
I settled against his chest as Ryan placed his arm around me. Holding me tightly while he rested his head against the plump pillows. Ryan being here always filled me with joy. Though I never knew when he would be able to visit, I longed to see him each day. My heart heavy when he didn’t arrive.
The hospital corridors were quiet now. The hustle and bustle of the normal day eased now the day was drawing to a close. Only the odd sound of a nurse’s footsteps squeaking upon the polished floors as they cared for another patient.
As Ryan turned off the bedside light, he moved onto his side and embraced me tenderly. Pressing his lips gently against my own. I could feel his hardened member pressed against the sheets. Sensing his wanton desire to take me.
Pulling his top over his head, I relished in the feel of his muscular naked chest. Tracing my fingers across his bare skin. Kissing him softly as he ran his hand along my slide. Raising my nightie so that he could reach beneath, his hands caressing my warm skin. I gasped from the coldness of his touch, his hand chilled from the outside air.
“What the hell is going on?”
Ryan leapt from the bed, standing beside it protectively as Wayne stormed into the room. Using my arms, I pulled myself into a sitting position. Eyeing Wayne nervously as he glared at me from the bottom of the bed.
“Please Wayne! I am so sorry. I didn’t want you to find out like this,” I begged.
“I knew that there was something going on between you two. Yet I sat beside your bed for that whole month waiting for you to wake up. And this is how you re-pay me!” Wayne spat.
“I’m in love with Ryan Wayne, I’m sorry. I can’t help the way I feel,” I pleaded.
Wayne grabbed the vase of flowers from the window, throwing it against the floor so that is shattered upon impact. I jumped back, gripping Ryan’s hand tightly to prevent him from stepping forward. Clutching the covers as Wayne’s fist connected with the wall, causing blood to begin seeping from his knuckles.
“You’re nothing but a tart. Don’t you worry, you will pay dearly for this. That is a promise,” Wayne roared before slamming the door behind him.
Taking me into his arms, Ryan stroked my hair as I wept. My tears dampening his shoulder as I struggled to contain myself. Wayne’s cruel words cutting me like sharpened blades. I had expected him to be upset, but hadn’t dreamt that he would have threatened me like that.
A nurse rushed into the room. Seeing the damage before dashing back into the corridor and calling for security. When she returned she began to sweep the broken glass from the floor. Asking me continuously if I was alright. The security guard took some notes of Wayne’s description and headed to search the grounds for him. A part of me hoped that Wayne was long gone by now. Not wanting him to have a confrontation with the burly man who was now seeking him out.
The nurse took my blood pressure, instructing me to get some rest after what had just happened. I nodded at her, not wanting to speak in fear of becoming emotional again. Once she had left, I looked at Ryan apologetically. He shook his head before kissing me gently.
“Don’t worry. Wayne knows the truth now at least. Together we can face anything that he may try to do. I won’t ever allow him to hurt you, and that is my promise,” Ryan whispered.
“Oh I am so sorry Ryan. I never meant for any of this to happen,” I replied as I fought back more tears.
“Shush my love. We are going to be fine. Now we can be together. You no longer have to return there. When you are ready to leave the hospital, you are to come home with me.”
Relief washed over me from Ryan’s comforting words. He was right, I had no reason to return home to the house I had shared with Wayne. Following his outburst tonight, I was sure that I wouldn’t be welcome there anyway.
Chapter Eight
Over the next couple of days I tried hard to erase thoughts of Wayne from my mind. Instead, I concentrated on my therapy sessions. My consultants were happy with the progress that I was making, even hinting at the idea of allowing me to be at home for the rest of my treatment.
Although that would have filled me with glee before, now that Wayne knew the truth about me and Ryan the prospect brought nothing but additional things to worry about. How would I get my things from the house? What would happen if Wayne and his friends were there when I arrived? What sort of reaction would I receive?
I was now beginning to take a few cautious steps. Though I was unable to walk far. The feeling of numbness still restricting me. Now I was strong enough to get myself into a wheelchair, one had been left readily available in my room. So I could now wheel myself along the hospital corridors, visiting the nurse’s station and other patients. It was much nicer than being my room alone.
Sarah came to visit one afternoon, taking piles of papers from her briefcase for me to look at. I had called her to tell her what had happened with Wayne, and though she sounded sad I knew that she would be secretly happy. She had realized just how strongly I felt for Ryan, and that he felt the same. Plus her hatred for Wayne was now even more prominent than ever after his behaviour the other evening.
We looked through the paperwork together. Sarah had organized a solicitor for me to handle my divorce. So it was important that I could everything into place before Wayne was issued with the divorce papers. I wasn’t concerned about the house, or its contents. I just wanted my personal belongings, and for our savings to be split equally. I could only hope that Wayne didn’t cause any problems which could complicate things.
Once Sarah had left, I felt exhausted and so lay upon the covers on the bed. My eyes closed as I slept lightly. The warmth of the room washing over me as dreams of Ryan filled my mind. Breathing contentedly as a smile crossed my face.
I woke with a start as I felt a hand cover my mouth. My eyes were large, filled with terror as I saw Wayne scowling down at me. I tried to fight against him, but his strength overpowered me easily. I could do nothing as he placed his legs either side of mine. Leaning upon me heavily as his hot breath blew on my face.
“Now, you listen to me Amy. I am going to tell you how things are going to be from now on,” Wayne growled.
With his hand still preventing me from speaking, I could only nod and wait for him to continue.
“The house and everything that it is in it are now mine. Your things will be dropped off at Sarah’s house. Then you have no reason to come back to the house, alright. I don’t want to see you or hear from you again. As for the savings that we had, they were spent months ago. You silly bitch, how do you think I have been managing all this time. I will give you your divorce so you can be with your new man. There is just one thing I want you to know. You will always have to spend the rest of your life looking over your shoulder. Because you will never know when I am going to get my revenge for leaving me.”
I cringed back as Wayne leant close and pressed his lips hard against mine. Turning my head away as he licked my neck. Feeling nothing but revulsion and fear. Tears streamed down my cheeks as Wayne groped my breast with his other hand. His hardness pressed tight against his jeans as he grew aroused. Closing my eyes, I prayed for this nightmare to be over.
Suddenly Wayne’s body was thrown from the bed. I looked up stunned surprise to see Ryan. His hands clenched into fists, breathing heavily as he tried to contain his anger. Wayne jumped up, clearly ready to fight. I glanced between the two men, unsure what to say or do.
Luckily before they could come to blows a security guard burst into the room. Immediately striding across the room and taking Wayne roughly by the arm.
“Hey, I have just come to visit my wife,” Wayne protested.
“Do you want him to stay Amy,” the guard asked.
Shaking my head, I watched as Wayne was dragged from the room. Fighting against the guard to try and free himself. His angry rants echoing along the corridor as he was roughly taken away.
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br /> As soon as Wayne was out of the room I couldn’t help but weep. I was so grateful that Ryan had arrived when he had. I had never seen Wayne look at me in such a way before. There had been an evil glint in his eye that had truly terrified me. Ryan held me tightly. Allowing me to release all the emotion that was built up inside of me. Saying nothing until I was calm again.
“I am going to speak with the Doctors my love. I want to take you home now. You are clearly not safe here. You will be better at the house with me and the family watching over you,” Ryan said firmly.
I didn’t offer any objection as he left me to organize things. There was no way that I could feel secure here anymore. Wayne could come back at any time, and I was helpless against him here. The hospital staff were busy enough without having to worry about me.
Gladys came to say farewell as Ryan and I gathered my things together. The Doctors had been sympathetic, yet understanding that I was not longer safe. Agreeing with Ryan that it would better aid my recovery if I was in a place where I felt secure. They reassured me that a therapist would visit me regularly so my sessions could continue. Issuing me with a wheelchair that I could use around the home.
“I will miss you Amy love,” Gladys said with a slight sniff of emotion.
Hugging her tightly I thanked her for all she had done for me. Promising to keep in touch. Dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, Gladys turned to Ryan.
“Now young man, I know you will but I want you to look after this little one,” she scolded playfully.
Taking the nurse completely by surprize, Ryan kissed her cheek gently. I saw the blush rise in her cheeks as she giggled like a young girl.
“I will, don’t you worry Gladys,” Ryan promised.
With a brief nod of her head she left the room. Still wiping the tears from her cheeks. I felt sad having to say goodbye to her. Vowing to come and see her as soon as I could.
Werewolf Romance: A Teacher's Turmoil (Paranormal Romance 3 Book Bundle) Page 6
