Fractured Hearts (Shattered Lives, Book Three)

by Blakeley, Rissa

  “Well, you don’t really have a choice. That baby boy needs his daddy, and we need you, too.” He nodded. “Come on. Let’s get you inside. You should eat something, then try to get a little rest.” She wrapped her arm around his waist and guided him back inside the school.

  Chapter 47

  After Thomas and I walked the perimeter and secured the building, I changed into gym shorts and a t-shirt. I walked back toward the cafeteria where a bunch of people were lingering.

  When Elaina saw me, she bit down on her bottom lip. I knew what she was thinking and a half-smile lifted the corner of my mouth. I wrapped my arm around the curve of her waist and pulled her close to me, groaning in her ear, “Later, love. Me and you. I have some moves I want to show you.”

  “I bet you do. You better get away from me before everyone sees what a lucky wife I am,” she said, kissing my cheek.

  We sat with Gunther, who was staring off into space. I slid my hand up her thigh, reaching where the heat was pooling. I gave her a quick squeeze and released her.

  “All right, mate. What are your plans? I think you should try to get some rest.”

  Gunther popped another nut into his mouth. “Yeah. At least that’s what your wife tells me I need to do,” he mumbled.

  “She tends to be a little bossy,” I said with a chuckle. “Sometimes I have to take her down a notch.” Gunther smirked, appreciating my humor. “Well, in a few minutes, I’m going to head up a little training session. You can sit in if you want, offer tips or advice, but I prefer that you rest. Take some time before you get back into things.”

  Gunther nodded. “Yeah. I’m pretty spent. I didn’t sleep much last night. I probably won’t ever again.” He took a swig of water and set the bottle on the table. He fiddled around with the package of nuts, crinkling and tearing it to bits. “I think I’m going to go check on Grey, Josie, and Cora.”

  The pain on his face was unmistakable as he stood and shuffled out the door.

  “I’m worried about him, Elaina.”

  “Me, too.”

  “He said he almost shot himself last night. I would confiscate all of his firearms, but he’d be able to find them. He’s going to shut down. The look in his eyes tells me so. It’s just going to get more difficult with him until he turns the corner.”

  “We just have to do our best and show him he’s loved,” she murmured.

  Thomas approached. “You ready?” I asked him.

  “Yeah.”

  “Let’s get this done then.”

  I kissed Elaina on her cheek, then Thomas and I headed for the gym.

  When Josie opened the door to let Gunther in, Cora was leaning back on the couch with Grey nestled into her chest under a blanket. A slight whimper escaped from his lips at the sight. Then he focused on the kids, who were sitting at the table, playing a game.

  Cora motioned to the open spot on the couch next to her. “Have a seat.” She made some adjustments and set the blanket on her lap.

  “Is he asleep?” Gunther asked as he touched a wild curl on Grey’s head.

  “Yeah. I don’t dare move. He’s a bit fussy. Probably misses his momma,” Cora murmured. Gunther looked away. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “It’s fine. I think you’re right. They were really tight.”

  “I taste and smell different than Quinn. I’m actually surprised he took to me right away. I expected a battle of wills. He must’ve been really hungry.”

  “He was always on her. Probably why he’s such a big chunk.” He reached over and touched Grey’s face, making him grunt. Gunther smiled as much as he could.

  “How are you feeling…physically?”

  “I’m achy. My side is throbbing all the way down. Oh, surprisingly, my face hurts pretty badly, as well. You probably would have never guessed that by looking at me, though.”

  She reached out and patted his thigh. “Josie, can you run down and get the vodka and more gauze?”

  “Yes, of course.” Cora tried to dig into her pocket for the clinic room key without disturbing Grey.

  “Here. I’ll hold him.” As Gunther reached for him, he hissed.

  “You sure?”

  “Yes, of course. I don’t expect you to care for him all the time. I just need a couple days to heal, then I’ll just have you feed him when needs it.”

  Carefully, Cora slid him over to Gunther. Grey stretched and grunted again as Gunther leaned back into the cushion. He felt such love in his heart for his little boy. As he thought about how difficult it was going to be to care for him on his own, his one open eyelid grew heavy.

  “Here. Let me get you a pillow so you can lie down and be comfortable.” Cora rushed around. “Lie back. It will make it easier to change your bandages anyway.”

  As soon as he lay back, the exhaustion enveloped him and he drifted off.

  When Josie came back in with the supplies, Cora held her finger to her lips. Slowly and with great effort to be gentle, Cora removed his bandages.

  As she wiped down his wounds, she shuddered. “This must be so painful,” she whispered. “He’s going to have a terrible scar. And his ribs… I can’t imagine how much pain he must be in. I’ll have to retighten the bandage when he wakes.”

  “I’m sure his body doesn’t hurt nearly as much as his heart does.”

  Cora glanced at Josie and saw her wiping the tears away from her cheeks. “I would imagine that’s true. How are you doing, sweetheart?”

  “I’m having a hard time with it. I’ve lost two moms now. If I lose him or you, I might go mental.”

  Touching Josie’s arm, she said, “I’m so sorry.”

  Gunther groaned, so Josie took it upon herself to cover him with the blanket.

  “Momma?” Silas called from the table.

  “Yes, Si?” She walked over and knelt to his level.

  “Is Mr. Gunther going to love you now?”

  Shocked, she replied, “Oh…I highly doubt that, little man.”

  “But you are Grey’s momma now.”

  “No, Si. No, I’m not. Please never say that in front of Mr. Gunther. It would make him really sad.”

  “But you’re feeding him like Callie.”

  “I know little man, but that’s the only way he can eat. Since his momma is now in heaven, he has to eat somehow.”

  Silas looked sad. “I miss Ms. Quinn,” he said as he began to cry.

  Cora hugged him for a moment. “We all do.” She kissed the top of his head. “You know, why don’t you make Mr. Gunther a nice card? I bet he would love that.”

  Silas scooted around in the chair at the table with a bin of crayons and a sheet of paper. Cora pushed his chair in and patted him on his head.

  Wanting to forget everything that happened, every moment of violence, every drop of blood that was spilled, I stormed into our room after the training session. I wanted to have my fix, maybe release a little tension, and take a nap.

  Holding a flashlight, Elaina was sitting at the desk, thumbing through a book, already filling a couple vials. “Look at you, Captain Sexy, with your shirt off. Henry, you really look great since you started taking care of yourself again.”

  “Thanks, love,” I said with a little grit. Three strides and I was in her face. Taking the book and flashlight out of her hands, I set them on the desk, then unhooked and dumped back the vials. “Mmm…,” I groaned, staggering over to the bed. “Come over here,” I demanded, lying back.

  “So very cocky, Mr. Daniels. Make me,” she coaxed.

  I lifted an eyebrow at her. “All right then, Mrs. Daniels.” I jumped up and bounded to her. Pulling her out of the chair, I threw her over my shoulder, then tossed her on the bed and landed right on top of her. I ground my hips into hers. “Did you say you want me to be all cocky?” I grabbed her hand and ran it down my body, forcing her to grip onto my thick and heavy soldier. “How’s that for cocky?”

  “Amazing,” she moaned.

  I slammed my mouth on hers, attacking and p
ossessing. She was hot as hell and I was going to take my wife rough into the night.

  My high peaked and every nerve stood on end. I held her arms down and rubbed my lower body against hers.

  In one motion, my shorts and boxers came off. Then I tore through her clothes like they were trash. Relentlessly, I thrust and pounded myself into her. It drove her right over the edge, coming quick and hard.

  “More…,” she whispered, panting.

  Breathing heavy and working her to the very core, I pulled out and flipped her over, caressing her back, hips, and ass.

  “God, you are so fucking fit,” I murmured, gripping her hips and slamming into her again.

  My body was popping against hers, filling the room with the sounds of intense passion. The need to be deeper in her called to me, so I switched to a kneeling position, bringing her with me. One hand pinched at her nipple while the other massaged her sensitive nub.

  “Oh fuck, Henry,” she cried out.

  “Come on, love,” I growled breathlessly, continuing to pop my hips up.

  Her body went rigid, heat flushing everywhere I touched. The light sheen of sweat increased as she pulsated furiously around me. Feeling her perfect core gripping onto my cock made me groan again and again. She was so unreal.

  I had her in an escapable hold while circling my hips a couple times. “Uhhhhh…fuck! I’m going to come!” I shouted. And I crumbled beneath her, filling her, holding her tight around her waist. My breath was ragged in her ear, making her shiver.

  Moments later, I found enough strength to pull out, falling on the bed next to her. “God, love,” Elaina curled up next to me. “You’re so… I can’t even describe it. Hot? No. That doesn’t even begin to explain it. I don’t know. You meet and exceed my every need and desire. I have got it bad for you. That’s all I know.”

  “I love you,” she whispered, then moaned a little as I ran my fingertips up and down her spine.

  “Love you, too. Sweet dreams, my love.”

  She completely relaxed and dozed off. I wasn’t far behind, needing to get a couple hours before it was time to stalk the area.

  Chapter 48

  Grey whimpered on Gunther’s chest, making him groan as he wiggled around. He wasn’t ready to wake up yet, but all of Grey’s movements were causing him pain.

  Finally, Gunther cracked open an eye, only to see his little bear smiling at him.

  Cora jumped up when she realized he was awake.

  Glancing up at her in surprise, he murmured, “Sorry. I must have nodded off. Hey, little bear.” With the backs of his fingers, Gunther stroked Grey’s chubby cheek. “How’s my main mate doing?” he murmured.

  “That’s fine. You needed the rest.” Gunther tried sitting, but he hissed in pain. “Here, let me help you.” Cora picked Grey up, then wrapped her arm under Gunther’s to keep him stable as he maneuvered into a sitting position. He tipped his head back on the couch, breathing heavy, sweat rolling off of him.

  “You okay?” she worried.

  Tears clung to the corner of his lashes. “I just need a minute,” he strained.

  “Is it the pain?” she asked with concern.

  Trying to hold himself together, his jaw trembled, fighting the pain. “Yes,” he choked out.

  “Are you in need?”

  “Yeah. It might help.”

  “Okay. How much do I need to give you?”

  “No, I’m not asking. You already are going above and beyond for us.”

  “Gunther, if you are in need, you are in need. I don’t mind helping you.” He shook his head. “Please… Allow me to help you if it’ll help make you feel better.” She bounced Grey as he fussed. “Just sit tight. I’m going to feed him, then I will help you.”

  Gunther didn’t say a single word. He stayed quiet, trying to keep himself from falling apart as he saw Grey snuggled into Cora’s chest.

  Silas jumped down from the table and stood in front of Gunther with a card he had made. “Not now, Si Si. Mr. Gunther is in a lot of pain.”

  Silas’ head tilted down to the floor, looking crushed.

  “It’s okay, Cora,” Gunther said, fighting his pain. “What can I do for you, Silas?” he smiled.

  “I made a card for you.” Proud of himself, Silas held it out.

  Surprised, Gunther smiled slightly. “Why, thank you, little monkey.”

  Gunther took the card and stared at it for several seconds, his smile fading. He wiped his face with the back of his hand as the tears trickled down.

  “Silas! What did you do?” Cora exclaimed.

  “It’s fine. It’s the best card I’ve ever received, Silas. Thank you.” In truth, it was the only card he had ever received.

  “Can I show momma?”

  “Yes, of course.” Gunther handed it back.

  He jumped up on the couch and explained the pictures to Cora. “Look. That’s Mr. Gunther holding my hand. Then that is Callie and Kate. There you are, holding Grey. And here in the clouds is Ms. Quinn. See, look. She’s smiling at us. Kate helped me write that.” He pointed. Across the top of the card, the words “My Family” were scribbled in crayon. Cora glanced over at Gunther. He looked away while the tears poured down his face.

  “I’m sorry. I need a minute.” Gunther slowly got up and left the room.

  Once the door had closed, he leaned against the wall next to Cora’s door, trying to stop himself from being so emotional. Unsuccessful, he slid down the wall and pulled his knees into his chest.

  Elaina was still snoozing, and I wanted to do rounds and make sure all was looking tight before going on guard duty. After gearing up, I opened the door to my room, pausing when I saw Gunther in shambles on the floor.

  “Are you all right, mate?” No matter how much he worked his mouth, no words would come out. “Come on. Let’s get you back to your room.” I held out my hand, hoisted him to his feet, and ushered him to his room. “You look like you’re in need and should have another bag. You lost a lot of blood.”

  “I don’t know who to ask. Cora said she would, but she’s already doing so much with Grey and caring for me medically.”

  “Well, Josie gave you a bag yesterday. Elaina just gave me three vials so she’s out, as well. Thomas is going on guard duty with me in a few.” I thought about it. “Accept Cora’s help. She wants to help you, yes?” I helped him sit on the bed and realized this agony wasn’t about needing a fix. “What’s going on? Besides the obvious.”

  Gunther wiped his face again and took a couple deep breaths. “Silas. He made a card for me. It just overwhelmed me emotionally, that’s all.”

  I patted Gunther on the shoulder. “I’m sorry you’re going through this, mate. I wish I could help you, but nothing I say or do will make you feel better. My only advice is time. Take your time grieving. You two were mad for each other, and the circumstances are just fucking awful. I wish you well, my friend.”

  “Thank you,” Gunther mumbled as he lay back.

  “I’m going to talk to Cora for you before I go out.”

  Gunther didn’t respond as I left the room and headed straight to Cora’s door.

  “Coming,” she said when I knocked. When she opened the door, she had a blanket draped over her shoulder and chest, feeding Grey.

  “Hey… Sorry to interrupt,” I murmured.

  “That’s fine. What can I do for you?”

  “He’s really in need, but he can’t bear to ask you. I can’t allow him to use Elaina. She just gave me some about an hour or so ago. Josie gave him a bag yesterday, and Thomas is about to go on guard duty with me. Is there any way–”

  Cora interrupted me, “Absolutely. I’ve already told him I would. He’s so stubborn. What do I need to do?”

  There wasn’t any hesitation in her voice at all, earning her much respect from me for stepping up and filling in where need be.

  “I appreciate this. Thank you. He has all the supplies in his room. He can hook you up. Maybe Elaina can watch Grey until the process is done.”r />
  “Okay. Well, give me a second. This little oinker should about finished.”

  “Great. Thanks.” I smiled. “I’m going to go talk to Elaina. Meet me there first.”

  Minutes later, Cora dropped Grey off with Elaina, then headed into Gunther’s room. She brought the card Silas made, but was concerned it would upset him again. She felt it should be in his possession, though.

  She knocked and cracked open the door to the pitch black room, regretting not bringing a flashlight. “Gunther?”

  “Yeah… Sorry. Looking for my matches.” He struck the match and the amber glow highlighted the vapid expression on his face as he lit a candle. She was immediately taken by how beautiful he was, even with his injuries.

  “I, uhh… I brought Silas’ card. I just wanted to make sure you had it.” Cora looked down at it, feeling self-conscious. “I’m so sorry he drew this.”

  Gunther walked up to her. “No, it’s fine. I love it. It’s beautiful.”

  “I asked him to make you a card. I should have instructed him to make you a ‘Get Well’ card. I’m sorry it upset you.”

  “It’s fine. Really. Have a seat.” He directed her toward the bed. “Sorry. It’s still a mess in here.”

  “That’s fine. You will get yourself squared away soon enough. If you need help, all you have to do is ask. I would be more than happy to tidy up in here for you.”

  She sat and rested her back against the wall. Gunther knelt next to her with the supplies for the draw.

  “Henry is making me do this.”

  Cora’s nerves were surfacing. Her hands trembled, making her pull at the blankets beneath her. “I know. But I said I wanted to help you.” She looked at the supplies in Gunther’s hands. “I’ve never done this before.”

  “Just relax. I’ll try to make it as painless as I can.” He gave her a slight smile, and she reciprocated. He strapped a belt around her arm. “Pull this around tightly.” He pulled out a fresh needle and swiped her arm with an alcohol pad. She shivered from the chill of the wipe and the gentle touch from Gunther’s cool hand when he tapped on her vein. “Lovely pronounced vein. Ready?”