Breaking Beautiful (Broken Series #2)

by Amanda Bennett

  “Mr. Weston, I honestly have no idea. As soon as the surgery was done, I came straight out to the OR waiting room to find you. Obviously, I didn’t know what you looked like. There was only one man in there, so I assumed it was you. I asked if he was Mr. Weston, and he said yes. He looked devastated. Like I said, I could only assume he was you with his response to me. I am so sorry to the both of you. I have already called security and we have closed down the whole floor. Don’t worry; we will get to the bottom of this. I called for a few police officers to-“

  Gray instantly cut him off, “Thanks doc, but I have already called some of the guys on the force. They were almost here when I came in to see Bennett.” I could see anger radiating off of him.

  I reached out to stroke his arm, but he pulled away and stood up off of the bed. He got right in the doctor’s face and whispered something to him only the two of them could hear. Seconds later the doctor was leaving the room and Gray was back at my side.

  “Don’t worry Button, we will find him, if it’s the last thing I do. If I have to I will find him myself.”

  He pressed his firm lips to my forehead and I physically relaxed. “I know, Gray. I don’t doubt it, not for one second. I just need you to be safe.” My lips grazed his cheek and a million butterflies to flight in my belly.

  His hands slowly moved through my hair, combing it back with his fingers felt magical. His touch, mixed with the medicine quickly had me slipping into a deep slumber. Why was it such a struggle to stay with him, in this moment? The beeping of the monitor was soothing to my ears as I faded in and out of consciousness. In conjunction with his somber blue eyes, I felt safe enough to completely let go and let sleep invade me.

  Four

  Gray

  I was elated to see her beautiful face again. Those eyes of hers literally burned straight into my soul. Of course, that moment was shattered as the conversation of Raylon’s mysterious appearance became the center of conversation. All I wanted to do was hold my Button. When I found out about Raylon being in the hospital, I immediately called the precinct to get as many police officers as I could to take watch. After this, I didn’t trust the hospital to do their damn job.

  With all of the police officers scouring the building for his whereabouts, I was almost positive we were going to find him, and when we did, I was going to end this thing once and for all. I didn’t tell Bennett that bit of information, but she needed to rest and not worry about me.

  Just as I was ready to visit with my girl and her belly, she had all but passed out. I knew that she was being administered medicine on a regular basis, but I needed to see her looking at me. God, how I had missed her. Once her eyes stayed shut, I sat back in the old worn down recliner and watched her sleep. She looked so peaceful, as if the events from the day hadn’t fazed her one bit. Our fingers were still entwined since before she has fallen asleep, and it put a smile on my face just knowing she was touching me.

  I listened to the monitor beeping, letting me know she was still doing okay. When the sound of the fetal monitor hit my ears, I was suddenly overwhelmed with joy. Both my girlfriend and our little bump were doing great. I slide my hand from between hers and gently slid the blanket down enough to see her non-existent belly. My hands slowly glided across her smooth, delectable skin. When my lips made contact with her belly, my heart soared. There was a tiny piece of me growing inside of her, and it was very much alive. I peppered kisses all over her small abdomen before pulling the sheet back up.

  I wrapped her hand back into mine and fell back against the chair. I was exhausted and drained. I needed to sleep, but I couldn’t do that unless I knew she was comfortable and safe. Looking back at her face again, I felt myself fading. I whispered ‘I love you,’ just as my eyes closed.

  ****

  I woke up a little while later to voices in the room, but it was all in hushed tones. I squeezed my hand against hers, but it wasn’t there. My eyes popped open and I sat straight up, looking for her. When our eyes met only inches from one another, I felt relief wash over me. She was wearing a bright smile and I couldn’t help but smile back. I swear this woman’s expressions were contagious.

  I noticed the doctor talking to the same redheaded nurse I had spoken to earlier in the waiting room. “What are they talking about over there?” I motioned with my head, while taking her hand back into mine.

  “They are talking about moving me into a different room, if they can’t find Raylon. The doctor doesn’t want to jeopardize my healing but thinks it may be necessary.”

  I could see the sadness and fear in her eyes. My heart broke for her to feel whole again. “I’ll be right back, okay?” She nodded and I placed a small chaste kiss to her lips before heading out to meet my guys. I saw my partner Jason first. He was talking to one of the hospital’s security guards and it didn’t look pleasant. As far as I could see, he was the only one on the floor.

  I slapped my hand down on his shoulder to get his attention. “Hey man, any word?”

  “No, no word yet. We have scoured the entire hospital and we’ve come up with nothin’.”

  “Do me a favor. When we do find him, bring him to me.” I winked at him so he would catch my drift without alerting the security guard. As far as I was concerned we didn’t need or want his help.

  “You got it, bro. I swear we’re doing everything we can. We’ll find him.”

  I know his words were meant to be of comfort to me, but I felt the exact opposite. Nothing would comfort me until that asshole was off the streets and either behind bars or dead. I would prefer the latter of course.

  Since I was already out in the hall, I figured I would call Hannah and Theo and update them on Bennett’s progress. Hannah was excited to hear the good news and said she would be up to the hospital soon. I hung up with her and slowly made my way back to Bennett’s room. When I walked through the door I noticed the doctor was now speaking to Bennett, the redheaded nurse nowhere to be seen. I took the seat right next to her and listened intently to the doc’s words.

  “So as long as you and that little baby keep doing so well, we can have you out of here within the next two weeks. My face, along with hers fell at hearing how long she would still need to stay. “Because of the complications, and the bleeding we need to take all of the proper precautions to keep you healthy. Your spleen being removed now leaves you more susceptible to infections, so we need to be very careful.”

  “I understand.” Her voice was music to my ears. It was the most melodic sound I had ever heard and I was pretty sure I would never get tired of hearing it.

  “Did you hear that Baby? Only a few more weeks and I, I mean we, should be good to go home.” She looked so happy. I hated to bring down her good news reminding her of one small detail.

  “You realize that’s only a week before Christmas, right?” I knew how important Christmas was to her. I watched as her face went blank and it hit me. I knew exactly how to make this all seem better. “Its okay, Button. We will decorate your room and make it as Christmasy as possible, I promise.” I kissed her forehead and slid my phone out of the front pocket of my jeans. I didn’t know if Hannah and Theo were here yet, but I was hoping to catch them before they got here.

  I typed out a quick text message to Hannah explaining my plan. Two seconds later I received a very excited text message back. That is, if you can consider shouty capitol letters, excited. Hannah and Theo were on board, now all I had to do was make sure it all panned out properly.

  I was finishing up an email to one of my buddies, when her voice broke through my never-ending running brain.

  “Whatcha doin’ over there?” She asked quietly.

  “Nothing for you to worry about. Just updating Hannah and Theo. They will be here in just a little while.” I brought her hand to my lips, kissing every single inch of it.

  “Oh good, I would really like to see them.”

  “You will Button. Soon, okay? Just try to relax.”

  I sat checking my phone every ten second
s waiting for Vince to text back. I was glad that Bennett had fallen back asleep, so I could scheme away without her asking questions. She hated surprises, but LOVED to ruin them.

  Finally, my phone alerted me to a new text.

  WE’RE GOOD TO GO, DUDE.

  EVERYTHING IS ALL SET UP AND

  JUST WAITING FOR YOUR VERBAL

  APPROVAL. CALL ME WHEN YOU CAN.

  NO RUSH.

  I checked on Bennett one last time before I left the room. I wasn’t going far but I still made sure to have someone standing outside of her door, just in case.

  Hey, man. Who do I need to call to give my approval?

  No one. I am sitting here with the lady now. You’re on speakerphone, so just talk right to her.

  Hi Mr. Weston, my name is April. I just need you to say that you approve the amount and then I can get started.

  Please, call me Gray. I give my approval for whatever you need to do. Here is my card number.

  I read the numbers off to her and waited for her response.

  Okay, looks like it cleared Mr., I mean Gray. Now I just need to put in the order. It should arrive in the next few days. I will call you later with an expected date of delivery.

  Please contact Vince, the man sitting in front of you. As he explained earlier, we are still at the hospital and I need this to be kept a secret.

  Of course, Gray. Thank you for your business, we appreciate it.

  Thank you, April for the rush on all of this. I know it was last minute and I’m sure you all are busy this time of year.

  Your very welcome, Gray. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to call.

  Thanks, April. Vince, I’ll talk to you later.

  It sucked being so far away from my best friend, but I didn’t expect him to follow me back home after we graduated from the academy. It all worked out in my favor any way. Having him in Boston definitely worked out to my advantage in this instance.

  After I hung up with Vince and April, I quickly called Hannah and Theo to see where they were on their end of things. Theo answered Hannah’s phone after only one ring.

  Hey man. We are just finishing up here. They need a fax number to fax the paperwork to. Will the hospital let you use theirs? They said they don’t usually do things this way, but given that the guy knew your dad so well, he said he was willing to do it until you could get down here yourself.

  And is he okay with the time frame? I know it’s a lot to ask, but Theo, it has to be done.

  I know, Gray. He said it’s the fastest one they have ever done, but all signs point to yes.

  I felt relieved. I knew what I was asking of all of these people, but it was the only way this would work out.

  I’ll text you the fax number as soon as I hang up with you. Thanks man. And, tell him I am extremely grateful.

  Will do. See you guys soon.

  I quickly ran to the nurse’s station and asked if they could receive a fax for me. The nurse obliged and I was thankful that she didn’t need an explanation. I typed out the fax number to Theo and waited for it to come through.

  Minutes later, I was faxing the stack back to Theo. I smiled knowing that my plan was working out. Bennett deserved this. Despite what she thought of herself, she deserved the world.

  I made my way back to Bennett’s room, and quietly nestled into the chair next to her. She was still asleep, thank God. I slipped my finger around her pinky and lay my head back on the headrest. We were finally going to get what we wanted. Now we just had to wait.

  Five

  Bennett

  When I woke up the first time, Gray was nowhere to be seen. I figured he had gone to get something to eat or drink, so I forced myself to go back to sleep. The pain medication definitely aided in that mission. I heard the door snap back into place and I could instantly feel Gray’s presence.

  I pretended to be asleep; not wanting him to think he had woke me. When his finger slipped around mine, electricity shot through me. His close proximity made my body hum and the need to touch him grew to an ungodly amount. I wanted to roll over, invite him into the bed with me and just have him hold me. But, I knew he needed his rest just as much as I did.

  I lay still in the bed, staring at the discolored ceiling tiles waiting for him to wake up. It had already been an hour and I was growing inpatient. I squeezed his finger with my pinky, checking if he was awake yet. When I got no response, I slipped my finger out from around his. I needed to pee like no other, but I wasn’t allowed to do so myself. I was reaching for the call button when I felt his hand on my back.

  “Button, what do you need?” Sleep strained his voice.

  “I have to go to the bathroom. Its okay Gray, go back to sleep. I can have the nurse help me.” I went to reach for the red button again.

  “I’m awake, Baby. I can take you.”

  Before I could ask if he was sure, he was already sliding my legs out from under the blankets. I didn’t argue with him. I knew he liked helping me, so I happily let him do so.

  After a quick trip to the in-suite bathroom, I was back in my bed and Gray was tucking the blankets in around me. How did I get so lucky to have such a caring, wonderful man? I would never be willing to give him up.

  “Gray?”

  “Yes, love?”

  “Kiss me.” He had been almost too gentle with me lately and I just needed to feel that contact with him.

  His lips fell onto mine instantly. I moved my mouth slowly at first but then put everything I had behind it, turning it into something more ravenous. Gray hesitantly pulled away before we got too carried away. I looked up at him in confusion, until I heard a woman clearing her throat. My eyes flew up and met with hers. Tears sprang free and I was so happy to see her face.

  “Oh Han, I have missed you so much.” I hugged her tightly until the pain became unbearable.

  “I’ve missed you too. How are you feeling?” She sat at the end of the bed, rubbing my foot through the blankets piled on top of me.

  “Better, actually, more than better. I feel…alive.” I smiled a genuine smile in what felt like days.

  “Oh good. I am so glad. Any word on when you will be busting out of this place?”

  I laughed at her attempt at a joke. “The doctor said about two weeks if all goes well with us.” My hand instinctively fell to my belly.

  “Right before Christmas, huh? That’s exciting. At least you won’t have to spend the holidays in this hell hole.” She laughed.

  “True.” I looked over at Gray, who was now wearing a shit eatin’ grin. “What’s with you?”

  “Nothing, why? Can’t I just be happy to have you here, with me, alive?” I knew he was serious.

  “Of course you can. You just seem like you’re up to something.” I gave him a suspicious look, then looked back to Hannah. I went to ask her if she knew what he was up to, when the door to my room flew open. It was Theo. If I said I was happy to see him, it would have been an understatement. He was like the brother I never had and it meant the world to me that he was here.

  “Hey pretty lady. How you doin’? His voice was soft and easy.

  “I’m doing good. How are you? Get over here and give me a hug.”

  Theo rushed to my side and hugged me fiercely. This time when I winced, Hannah took it upon herself to hit the button that administered my pain meds. I gave her a cross face, not wanting to go back to sleep. She was right though, I was in a tremendous amount of pain and it was getting worse by the minute.

  Shortly after, I was fighting to stay awake, again. Gray kissed me, “I’m going to walk them out Baby. I’ll be right back, promise.”

  I nodded and rolled on to my side to get more comfortable. I heard the three of them exchange words before I finally drifted back into a deep sleep.

  Six

  Gray

  I was starting to think that Bennett would catch on if Hannah and Theo had stayed any longer. I knew how badly she had wanted to see her, but I needed this to be a complete surprise. When we reac
hed the elevator, I completely shocked Hannah by pulling her into a deep hug.

  “Thank you so much, for everything. I mean it Han; I don’t know how I would have gotten through this without you and Theo. You guys mean the absolute world to me. You know that, right?” I needed her to understand how much she meant to me and to Bennett. We may have had our differences in the past, but things were on better terms now.

  “I know that, Gray. I know. Don’t look so worried; this is going to be amazing. Just wait and see. Theo and I will take care of everything.”

  She placed a small kiss on my cheek and then her and Theo disappeared behind the sliding metal doors of the elevator. I pushed my forehead against the cold metal praying that Bennett would be as happy about all of this as I was.