by Leaona Luxx
I’m about to answer as a nurse passes by. “Excuse me. I’m looking for Hadlea Lloyd, room 4E. She’s not in there.” I hold my breath; I’m pretty sure Hardy is, too. Looking at the chart she carries, she answers.
“She’s having some tests ran. She’ll be right back, are you Malone?” Shaking my head before I can answer. “Good, she’s been waiting for you. Try to help keep her calm; she’s really scared.” I nod as I return to her room to wait.
“Here comes the cops, One. Call me back. I called everyone, the cavalry should be arriving shortly. I also called Smith; he’s on his way.”
Blinking away tears, I can hardly say my raspy answer. “Thanks, man. Hardy?”
“Yeah,” he grunts.
Again, my voice breaks. “Man, I’m outta my league here. She’s my world, and I can’t even protect her.”
Hardy answers as only he can, truthfully. “Lea doesn’t need you to protect her; she needs you to love her. Hire the other shit out. From now on, she goes, you go. I got everything on the job handled, but my niece and nephew need extra care.”
He’s right. Hadlea is brought into the room as I end the call. “Hey, baby. I’m sorry it took me so long.”
Kissing her before she’s settled, I look her over as if I can fix something. She is shell-shocked to say the least.
“Hey, thank you. You’re fine, I didn’t need you hurt. I think they’re fine,” she replies as she rubs her belly.
“Yeah? Well, what about their momma? She’s important, too.” Kissing her again, I add my hand to the top of hers as we continue stroking her belly. I watch her when she doesn’t answer; apparently I’ll not be getting one. She’s too wrapped up, so I ask her something I know she’ll answer.
“Is there anymore bleeding?” She starts crying again. I feel like shit but she answers.
“I’m still bleeding but very little. There was so much, I think they threw my clothes away.” Sniffling, she tugs at me until I get in bed with her.
“You know they don’t like me in this bed with you.” Hadlea crawls into my lap as I shift further in the bed to hold her.
She snubs as she answers. “I really don’t care; I need to be close to you.”
Holding her like this gives me some semblance of peace. I begin rubbing her perfect basketball belly as she starts to relax. I continue the circles even after she dozes off; I hold her close allowing her to sleep.
After a little time passes, the door opens to Dr. Michaels coming around her bedside, so I give her a heads up.
“She’s sleeping.”
“Good. She lost a considerable amount of blood, but there doesn’t look to be any tears and the bleeding has almost stopped. She’s gained some weight, thank you. But all this stress is bad for her and the twins. How have you both been?”
Never stopping to soothe her by rubbing her baby bump, I smile at her in my arms. “We’re good. I just need to learn to take better care of her.” She stirs in my arms.
“Malone takes great care of me, of all of us. This really wasn’t anything we did. And believe me, he’ll hover from this point on.”
Turning her beautiful face toward me, she flashes those gorgeous green eyes. I kiss her forehead as she adds, “He loves me, more than himself.”
“Good. I’m sending you home with this man to take very good care of you. Bed rest and good food; you’ve gained six pounds. Keep it up. Malone, if you’ll join me, I have some prescriptions and instructions for you.” Dr. Michaels smiles.
Helping Hadlea from my lap, I kiss her with a smile, rubbing her belly for good measure. “I’ll be right back, baby.”
***
As we exit the ER doors, our family descends on us, so I answer quickly, “She’s doing better. The bleeding has just about stopped. There are no issues with her or the babies. We’re going home and putting her to bed.” Hadlea’s passed around being hugged from person to person.
“I’m fine. Just got a little over stressed. I’m sorry to worry you all.”
Lath tucks her into his side as Aksel and Hawk flank them. I lay back a little to give them some time and to speak to Hardy. Cal is close by.
“So, anything? Cameras or prints?”
Hardy shakes his head, as Cal adds, “I’ve hired personal security for everyone. Aksel ensured me it’s fine and he’d work with them on his end. Really good kid.” He claps his hand over my shoulder. We walk off in agreement. Damn, I’m one lucky man.
Once home, I help Hadlea to bed after a short visit with everyone. Cal, Hardy, and the head of my security, Smith, hang around. I meet them in the sunroom, peppering them with questions.
“So, where are we?”
“No prints. No video, although there’s a camera, it was turned off on that floor. Suspicious, yes. But nothing,” Hardy replies first.
Smith steps in at the pause. “Well, I’ve got the manpower after working all evening. Her son said they will work with us, so I’m meeting them in thirty to go over basics. Cal suggested keeping the chatter down for a few days around Ms. Lloyd.”
“It’s Hadlea, Smith. And soon, Aksel will also be mine. So, he’s our son and top priority. I’m not sure what’s going on, but there hasn’t been an attempt on my family since Thayer’s car. So, why Hadlea? It’s because of me, that’s a given. So, all three boys and spouses or girlfriends will be covered.
“Hardy, I’ll be with Hadlea for a few days, twenty-four seven. After, I’ll come in unless she has an appointment. I’ll get the kids to keep up with her during the days I can’t. Dad, see if we can get surveillance for the other floors, something must be somewhere. I know this wasn’t direct, but Hadlea fell apart for some reason. I’m going to try to jog her memory. Anything else?” Scanning their faces, only Cal looks to be questioning something. “Yes? I know it’s there, Dad, just say it.”
Clearing his throat, Cal explains. “Just wondering if you’re positive neither of you has anything out there.”
It’s a thought, I didn’t want to hear. This is not about Hadlea; this is clearly on me. “Dad, it’s me. This is about me, Hadlea is a casualty. We need to look deeper, that’s all. Okay?”
We are all in agreement as I show the men out. Walking in the bedroom, Hadlea is up, standing near her dresser.
“What are you doing, baby?”
“I need to shower. I couldn’t get all the blood off of me at the hospital. I think the bleeding has stopped. I just peed.”
She waddles back to the bathroom. I love that waddle; it gives her a shimmy shake.
“Can I help?” I ask as I walk with her. Stepping through the door as I place my hand on the small of her back, she steps away, dropping her head to answer.
“No, please. I’m gross,” she says turning her back to me. Like I care.
“I don’t think so, I’m helping. Together. We’re in this together.”
Placing small kisses to the top of her head until she calms, then I start the shower. After undressing, Hadlea leans in as the water washes over her. Once she’s completely wet, I move closer, when I see the red-tinged water. I almost panic.
“Hadlea, is this washing off from earlier or are you bleeding again?”
Not waiting for her response, I begin running the washcloth up and down her legs. More red. Finally looking up at her, I see fear. I take things in my own hands.
“Baby, I’m going to wash you, we need to see if you’re bleeding again, all right?”
Hadlea nods. I run my hand up her thigh and gently between her legs, more blood. Praying, as I continue the motion, it’s old. After cleaning her several times, the water runs clear, I take an easy breath, drawing Hadlea’s attention.
“What?” she asks as I finish her legs.
“You’re good, washed it all off. You’re not bleeding and the mess is gone. Let’s finish up. I need you in bed with me.”
Sitting Hadlea on the end of the bed, I grab my shorts and a tee shirt for her. She’s smiling as I walk over to her.
“Why your t-shirts every time
?” Laughing as I help her in it. It’s simple.
“Because you’re too adorable in it. From the first time I put you in one, I haven’t wanted you in anything else. I know you have prettier things. Maybe one day I’ll want you in them but right now, I need you in my shirts.” Shrugging as I say it, I pick her up, placing her higher on the bed.
“Oh. Okay. Kiss me, please.”
This woman wrecks me, never does she need to ask. With my hand cupping her face, I kiss her tender lips so she understands how much I love her.
Lea
Returning to the hospital for follow-up tests just a few days later, has my nerves on edge. The babies seem to be fine, moving on a regular basis now, but I understand the need for the tests.
I’m waiting on Malone when none other than ‘Nurse Nosy’ comes around the corner, shit. Pretending to check for texts I know aren’t there, I keep my eyes focused on my phone, pleading for her to walk on by me. No luck.
“Well, hello there. How are you?”
Glancing in her direction, I give a simple return. “Good.” Continuing to pretend to scan my phone.
“I must apologize for the last few times I’ve seen you. I often worry for the girls that come through here and take a vested interest in them. I am very sorry if I upset you.”
Glancing up, her eyes catch mine and now she knows I’m listening.
“I was once taken advantage of by a smooth talking man. In love or lust, we had a brief affair leading to a child. I was young and gullible; I would never want anyone else to go through what I did. Malone Woods is the same type of man, and his reputation proceeds him. However, I should have never approached you the way I did. I sincerely hope you and your baby are doing fine.”
What the hell? Fine, I get it but I still have an uneasy feeling about her. Still, I decide to bury the hatchet.
“I understand. Really. I’m Lea.” Reaching a forgiving hand out, she takes it.
“I’m Delaney.” She gives my hand a firm shake. We spend a few minutes talking until Malone politely interrupts.
“Hadlea, you ready?” I nod and turn to tell Nurse, erm, Delaney goodbye but she’s gone.
***
Malone finally relents his acquisition of me and returns to work. As if I have no idea, I get regular ‘visits’ from everyone while he’s gone. Every family member comes by in some capacity, even Cal, to ‘just drop by’.
It’s been three weeks since ‘car gate’. I’m a few days away from being six months pregnant. I’m going stir crazy. I whined until Malone allowed me to move without him. Yeah, okay. We had World War III before he gave in, making me promise not to go too far.
Walking Main Street in Shallot is wonderful, just what I need. I’m looking for an antique shop to find a rocking chair for the nursery.
Finally spotting one in a store window, I cross the street. Browsing the shop after finding the exact chair I was hoping for, I run into the last person I want to see, well almost, Delaney. Waving as she approaches me, I give a smile and a small wave.
“Hello. How are you, Lea?”
She looks everywhere but at me. “I’m good. You?” Delaney finally looks at me, although something seems off.
“Good. Are you shopping alone today?”
“I am. Just a little baby shopping.” Moving to the side to allow someone in the store, Delaney asks if she can join me.
We spend the afternoon looking at different shops and having a light lunch together. We talk about everything and everyone, and it’s easy conversation.
On my way home, I can’t help but think of the change in Delaney, nothing like before, when she acted hell bent on destroying me. Crazy how things can change in an instant.
I push the button to the back hatch so I can get my packages out and the rocker. I hear him before I see him.
“What do you think you’re doing? You’re not supposed to lift. Hadlea, are you trying to kill me?”
“Hey, babe. It’s the rocker I’ve been looking for. Let me get my packages.” I reach in to grab a few but I’m swept off my feet before hooking any of them. Malone has me in his arms, and I have to say, contentment fills me.
“I got it. Let’s get you off your feet.” I giggle as he carries me through the front door, sitting me on the couch. “Glad to see you at least wore sensible shoes and not flip flops. I’m gonna end up throwing away every pair you have.” Fussing as he removes my sneakers.
I sit there with water in hand as he brings everything in, placing it around the room. The rocking chair is sat in the corner for me to admire. Joining me on the couch, we talk for hours as we go through package after package, and I show him the beautiful things for our babies.
Dozing off in bliss, I have a horrific dream. I’m left feeling empty and alone, so alone. Waking in Malone’s arms, with his soothing and comforting words, I calm enough to try to drift back to sleep. Although I try, sleep evades me. I’m restless.
Early morning finds me walking the beach, a storm off the coast billowing in, waves crashing against the shore. The churning of the ocean, deep and dark, speaks to my soul.
Something is coming, just like this storm. I can feel the dread and expectation grow within me, threatening to pull me under. I can’t lose Malone, not now.
He works tirelessly showing me, telling me, fixing me, to believe in him. In myself. To believe in us. He loves me so much, sometimes, I think he’s finally loved all my doubts away.
It still moves me to tears to think how he could look past all my indiscretions and misgivings. Malone’s love for me is undeniable. He has me, all of me.
Malone Woods fixed a lifetime of damage. Most days, I fight the good fight. But doubt creeps in from the dark corners of my mind making my heart jaded some days.
Well before Malone can shine his beacon, signaling me home. A light so bright, it chases away the darkness. A love so pure, it pulls me from the mire.
Returning to the house, I see him coming out. No doubt to come looking for me. Concern etched across his face.
“Morning, gorgeous. I woke up, cold and alone. I was worried when I couldn’t find you.”
Yeah, that was my fault. I ran hard from this amazing man, don’t judge. Anyway, there he stands, his eyes deep blue. A storm of fear and rage, like the turning of the ocean as the storm picks up the winds and twists the waters, deep and angry.
Malone’s brewing from my malicious actions, always pushing him away instead of drawing him near. It’s time to open up to him, give him everything.
Is this the reason for the deep-rooted anguish churning in the pit of my stomach, making me nauseous, dizzy even? I just need to do it. Grab the fucking handle bars and ride this fucked up roller coaster of a life. I look deep into those troubled blue depths and say, “I’m sorry, babe.” I reach him, placing my hand on his jaw. I soothe his weary soul, watching as his eyes turn to meridian. God, I love this man. Standing here, in his presence, I know he loves me too. “I’ll try to not do that again. Sound good?” Tiptoeing to kiss his lips, tender and loving.
“You’re good, Hadlea. I’m sorry if I scared you. I don’t want to hover, but I can’t help myself.”
“You? Malone? Hover? Never.” Laughing, I pull away to go in the house but he grabs my wrist, and before I know it, he’s on a knee.
What. The. Actual. Fuck?
“Hadlea. I have this amazing date planned. The perfect words memorized. The flowers ordered and the restaurant booked, but I can’t wait another minute. Woman, you own me. From the minute you uttered the first word, my soul locked on yours. My heart beats with yours. The woman you are, the woman you have yet to become makes me want to be there for every moment. I may never be the man that does everything right, but I promise to be the man who does his best for you, for us. Please, honor my love for you by becoming my wife. Walk with me through the twists and turns life brings. Be by my side because no one else will do. Be my last breath of hope, when I’ve lost all. Love me, when I no longer love myself. Run with me toward life. Walk w
ith me through the valleys. Live with me as we grow old. Take my love because there is no one else on earth more deserving than you, Hadlea.”
Frozen, not breathing, I can only blink away tears. Not sure if it’s the weight of his words or the relief of them, but I fall to my knees as Malone accepts me into the safety of his arms.
Kissing me with undeniable love and affection. My fingers tangle in his hair as his wind around my lower back and the other in my hair, and there’s not an inch between us.
Gasping for air as our words rush out, colliding, joining in unison as we declare our love for each other. Between “I love you” and inhaled breaths, we begin to laugh as he drags me to my feet. I hold him tight to me.
“Thank you. For wanting me.” Finding his lips softly as his reply comes swiftly.
“Thank you. We deserve this love, baby.” Picking me up, he carries me to bed. We spend the rest of the day there, making love.
And we fuck.
Waking the next morning to the smell of bacon, I sit straight up, tightening the sheet around me as the scent makes my stomach growl.
Standing in the kitchen, Malone is hot as hell. Wearing my favorite basketball shorts that hang just this side of decent, making me breakfast with bacon.
I watch him for several minutes, when he turns to find me smiling at him with nothing but a sheet between us.
“Not afraid of getting burned?” Looking his hard body over. Malone in those shorts, stubble, rippling abs, and just fucked hair. His tattoos stretch with his movements and meridian blue eyes looking like the ocean drink me in through his long, dark lashes.
“I was trying to hurry, so I could surprise you,” he answers as he walks over to me.
“You can surprise me with your meat anytime, anyplace, anyway. I like the way it looks.” Giving his fine body a look over for the umpteenth time.
I ready for his arm around my waist and his lips on mine as he reaches me, but it never comes. Instead, there’s a loud pop. My scream mingles with the sound of his hand connecting with my bare bottom.
