by Tigris Eden
"All right, but I better see Anna soon. I'm just as worried, if not more."
Unbelievable. Jackson thought. Lola Danvers was hell-bent on putting on the best show she could in the presence of her husband. Bear smirked over Lola’s shoulder at Jackson and shook his head as if to say, “Sorry, man. What can I do? She’s mine, and I love her.” Yeah, well, at least someone loved Lola Danvers.
"Yeah, baby, I'm sure you're worried, but not as much as Jackson. Imagine if that were me in that bed. How would you feel if Jackson told you he was worried more than you and needed my time?"
Lola looked back at Anna, who watched the entire scene.
"I'd tell him to suck my big toe.''
Bear’s shoulders shook with silent laughter. He turned them both and escorted Lola out the door with a head nod to Jackson. The nurse showed with a cup of ice chips a moment later. She raised Anna's bed, helped her adjust, holding the cup as Anna took some of the ice with a plastic spoon.
“How’s that, Miss Macon?”
Anna sucked some more before responding.
“Much better, thank you.”
Jackson stood, watching as the nurse checked her vitals and gave her some meds for pain.
"Doctor will be right in."
Anna nodded her head and looked to Jackson. Her eyes searching, seeking answers.
“Who stabbed me?"
Right to the point. She wasn't cutting any corners.
"Someone from Tony Peretti's family."
From the look on her face, she'd heard of the Peretti family. She had lived in New York. They were always in the paper over something drug related.
“Why would someone from the Peretti family want to harm me?”
“It was a message for me, Anna. You were just collateral damage for them. They knew hurting you would hurt me.”
Anna tried to adjust herself, and Jackson was there, helping her. He stepped back when she was settled before continuing their conversation.
"All right, you're the sheriff, but nothing ever happens in town. Drugs? Mafia bosses? Why now?”
He was going to have to explain things. She had no clue, and he'd wanted to tell her for so long but couldn’t.
"I'm not the sheriff, Anna. At least not only the sheriff."
"You're not?"
"No."
"So then who are you exactly? Don’t tell me something crazy like a CIA operative, or that you are part of some syndicate and you're smuggling drugs by way of Beauville and you took the job as town sheriff as cover. I love you, Jackson Storme, but so help me God, if you’re one of those do-gooder commando types or a drug lord, I’m gonna have to kill you myself."
He would have laughed, but Anna was serious. Before he could answer, the doctor walked in.
"Miss Macon, I'm doctor Zupani. I assisted Doctor Greer with your surgery. Your new kidney is doing well and taking to your body. But we still need to monitor you for a few days."
"New kidney?"
"Yes. Ms. Macon, you suffered two strategically placed stab wounds, as well as some swelling in the brain. We did all we could to save your kidneys but were not able to. Your brother, Treat Cavanaugh, gave you one of his."
Jackson waited for Anna's reaction about Treat being her brother. She didn’t say anything, but her face showed anger. Not surprise.
“Anna, I would have told you about Treat."
Her head slowly turned to meet his gaze.
"I know Treat's my brother. My mom told me the whole story about him and his asshat of a father, but now it’s come down to me having one kidney. How can I function with one kidney? What about Treat? Oh my God, is he even okay?"
"He's fine, baby, and so are you."
"Miss Macon, you can have a normal, healthy life with only one kidney. Some people are even born with only one.”
“Really?”
"Yes, ma'am."
“What about eating? Kids?"
“Yes to both. Your life isn’t going to change that much, Miss Macon. Just protect the one you have now."
“When can I leave?
"In a few days. You've also survived brain trauma. We'll need to monitor that. We’ll also prescribe some painkillers and physical therapy."
Anna looked over at Jackson and smiled sheepishly.
"And sex? When can I do that?"
Jackson laughed. Only his woman would be concerned about sex.
"Anna, you just need to rest and heal."
“I know that. But I also want you to hear it.”
This time, the doctor laughed.
"You can resume physical activity in about six to eight weeks. Take it slow."
"Thank you, Doctor Zupani."
"You’re welcome, Miss Macon. Just gonna run an all systems go and get you some meds and food? Are you hungry?”
“Yeah, food sounds good, but Doctor, I gotta pee. Possibly get a shower, and well, move around a bit. My body is numb."
"In due time. We’ll tackle the facilities first and work our way up to walking. Deal?"
“Deal.”
One Week Later
Anna was trying her best. Jackson knew she was frustrated. She was also pissed. He'd told her everything. She'd been shocked, but the shock had quickly morphed to anger. She'd screamed—yes, screamed—and in the process, had opened her wounds. She knew he was supposed to be on long-term leave, but now he'd been put back on active duty. The NSA wasn’t playing around. Tracey had come to visit, and both women had taken an instant disliking to one another. More drama he didn’t need or want. He'd never understand women or their reasons for disliking one another.
He was happy Anna was so calm, but he had a feeling it had more to do with her recovery than being the adult in her and Tracey's pissing contest. One was his boss; the other, the love of his life. Even Pearl disliked Tracey.
"She's trouble, Jackson. A woman knows these things. Be careful with that one. She's overly protective of you. I hope you were a smart boy and didn’t play around. Office drama of the romance variety is bad."
Jackson had assured Pearl that he and Tracey were only co-workers. Tracey told him he had two weeks once Anna came home. But she'd changed her tune the moment she and Anna had come face to face. All of a sudden, the timeline was pushed up. Now, he was active. This, of course, was the main reason Anna was pissed. Jackson had to report to the New York office the day after tomorrow. He'd been denied family leave because Anna technically wasn't family. Treat was off for the next five weeks, and then he'd be on duty, as well. Jackson was set to meet with his mysterious partner that would join him and Treat in their investigation. Jackson shut the truck off. The drive to Beauville had been long and silent. Mostly, Anna slept due to her meds. When she realized the truck was no longer moving, she yawned, opening her eyes.
“Home?”
“Yeah, baby, we're home. People are here, waiting for you. Your family, some friends, and the Grimm triplets showed, as well."
“Liz and JoJo only, right?"
Jackson shook his head. All three of the Grimms had shown. They were Viola's cousins, and Anna only got on with Liz and JoJo. Leandra was the town bicycle, and everyone had taken a ride. Himself included. Yup, Anna was mad, but as Jackson looked deep into her eyes, he prayed she'd cut him some slack. Viola and Anna did not get along at all, especially after the incident at the Fourth of July picnic, and it was no secret Jackson had slept with Leandra.
"I'm not gonna say it because I shouldn’t have to, Jackson. I'm wiped. Drugs are wearing off, and all I want to do is sleep.
“Read you loud and clear, baby.”
"Good, Agent Storme, get them out. All of them, family included. I'll deal with callers in a couple of days. Not now.”
Yeah, his Anna was pissed.
I’m waiting in the vehicle as Jackson gets out of the truck. I'd zoned out for the trip on purpose. Finding out my fiancé is an Agent for the NSA is not at the top of my list of things I want to know or deal with. I know it’s handy information, but I'm scared. Shitless. I don�
��t want to tell Jackson I no longer want to be in the house. Especially with him leaving for New York tomorrow. I don’t feel safe. Who would, after they’re stabbed?
The door pops open, and instead of letting me attempt to walk, I'm in his arms.
"Jackson, I should walk. I gotta build up my strength.”
“You’re right. Here.” He sets me lightly on my feet. Everything hurts. My legs, my head, even my hair. It’s all connected. Slowly, I make my way to the porch. Shit. Stairs. There are only three, but each one is like a giant mountain. I lift my leg to take the first step, and my breath catches at the pain. Jackson's there, assisting me, but I shake my head and grab the railing. I've yet to meet my physical therapist or my other doctors, but I have to do this on my own. The second step is no easier. I grab the rail with my left hand and grip my stomach with my right. Not that I can relieve any pain or pressure by using this technique, but in my mind, I’m sure it’s helping me. There's no light here, no extra help, my mind is filled with darkness, and pain, there is only the next hard step. I take the last and final stair and let go of my breath. Sweat dots my forehead, and I feel extremely faint. Tired.
"Whew!
"You good? "Jackson asks.
“Better when we're inside, and they're all gone. Just want to sleep."
Jackson stands next to me and kisses my brow.
"I'm on it, baby."
Just as he gets the door open, my mother is there, arms wide, welcoming me. Seeing the look on her face brings me to tears. Her arms immediately surround me.
"Baby girl. You're safe. Home."
This isn’t home anymore, and I don’t feel safe. I have no idea how I'm going to tell that to Jackson. He loves this house.
“Momma," I whisper into her shoulder. She smells safe and feels like home. Jackson's heat is behind me, and I can hear others in the house but refuse to look up.
“She gonna be okay?" JoJo Grimm asks. We played volleyball together.
“She will be, but Anna needs to rest, so I'm gonna have to ask you all to leave.”
“Leave!?” Lola yells.
"Yes, Lo, leave.”
"I know you did not just ask me to leave, Jackson Storme."
Lola is about to pitch a fit. It’s building, and I don’t have the strength or patience right now.
"Please, Lo." I look up from my mom’s shoulder, the tears on my face still wet. "I'm tired, honey. I'll call you later in the week. Okay?”
Lola has tears in her eyes, as well. I hurt her feelings, which was not my intention.
"Okay, cousin, you call me if you need anything."
I nod. Jackson takes me to the room, tucks me in bed, then leaves to take care of our houseguests.
When the last of their houseguests were gone, Jackson made his way to his room. Anna lay in bed, her body relaxed, her snores light and peaceful. He couldn’t wait to climb into bed and pull her into his arms. Couldn’t wait to smell her, taste her skin. Slow down, she’s fragile, Jackson reminded himself. Instead of climbing into bed with his fiancée, he opted for a shower instead.
A cold one.
It would do him some good to think about what he needed to do in order to take care of Anna. He couldn’t leave her in the house alone. She hadn’t outright said she didn’t feel safe, but he could feel it. See it in her eyes. She was scared. If not for the medication, Jackson knew she wouldn’t have slept. She was his responsibility, and it burned deep down that she’d fallen on his watch. He was going to ensure that Anna never felt scared again. She was his world, and he’d do his best to guarantee that all in their world was right.
He had two people in his life now. Ava was a priority, and getting to know her had been one of the greatest moments of his life, but Anna was his highlight reel, she was ingrained into his memories. They’d practically grown up together. Interweaving his daughter's life into his with Anna wasn’t a chore, but a gift. He had to find the bastards responsible for hurting Anna. It was the only way to ensure his family—the loves of his life—was safe and secure.
Jackson stepped out of his clothes, turned on the shower, and stepped in, then just stood there, allowing the water to wash the stress away. His shoulders relaxed, his head fell forward to rest against the shower wall. There was a moment, a small moment, of absolute calm before Jackson quickly washed, shut off the shower, and stepped out, grabbing a towel from the wall hook.
Damn Tracey for making him return to New York tomorrow. Jackson walked back into the room he shared with Anna and smiled. She was home. He'd make things safe by doing his job and closing his case once and for all. No more hiding. Not that he'd been hiding, but he was sure that's what the Perettis thought. They didn’t think there would be any repercussions for their actions, but they were wrong. They’d fucked up. In a very bad way. He planned to leave no source untouched until he got to the top of the Peretti food chain.
Jackson's cell vibrated against the nightstand in the bedroom. Not wanting to disturb Anna, he tightened his towel around his waist and returned to the bathroom, leaving the door ajar so he could keep an eye on her.
"Storme."
“How's she doing?”
Treat was calling to check on the sister he never knew he had.
“She's sleeping. She didn’t want everyone here, so I sent them home."
“Good. Too much going on is bad for her."
“Like you would know," Jackson clipped.
"Man, I'm worried just like you are. I've always thought of Anna as a sister. Even before I knew. Hell, she’s family, always has been, even when everyone thought The Mayor was her dad. He and my dad are cousins.”
"I understand, Treat, but I've got a hold on things."
Treat grunted before speaking again.
"Joey doesn’t want her in that house, and honest to God, I know you have your shit on lock, but I'm inclined to agree with my wife. We both want her here."
Jackson's first thought was to disagree, but Treat was right. Anna wouldn’t feel safe in their home right now. He didn’t know if she ever would. Shit.
“I agree."
The other end of the line went silent.
"Treat? You there?"
"Yeah, man, I'm here. I didn’t think you'd agree, but I should have known better."
“My gut instinct is to protect Anna. No matter what."
"You deserve her, man, and all the happiness and love she's gonna give you.”
“Yeah, not too sure about deserving her, but I’m damn well gonna do everything in my power to cherish the love and the happiness she gives me. I’m gonna make sure she feels appreciated every damn day.”
“Yeah, you do that, else you'll deal with me," Treat warned.
"I'm gonna let you go. I only have tonight and tomorrow.”
"When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow night. Tracey wants me in the office bright and early.”
"She's being a straight up bitch."
"That's the way she is. She wants the case closed, and soon."
''All right, go take care of our girl. Joey's back now, gotta get some rest.”
The phone disconnected, and Jackson opened the bathroom door. Anna was wide awake. She was propped up against her pillows, and her hair was piled on top of her adorable head.
"Annabelle."
Until Her: Chapter 3
There is a reason women throw themselves at Jackson Storme. I know this. It’s kind of a thing, but for some reason, I'm discovering it for the first time. Medicated or not, Jackson Storme can cut through the foggiest of brains. He's standing in the doorway of our bathroom. The light illuminates his entire form, and he looks like a man created for pleasure. My pleasure. His chest is bare. The only thing he's wearing is a towel that sits low on his hips. How I wish I could lick my way down his amazing set of abs. The contours of his abdomen are flawless, sculpted in such a way they’re more than defined. They are beautifully pronounced. I'm in a lustful trance. Thankful I put my contacts in, I track the beads of water down his chiseled for
m until they disappear inside his towel.
He watches me watch him, and I grin. Sex is obviously off the menu, but the moment I’m given the all clear, I'm going to devour him. Consume him like the glutton I am.
"You keep staring at me like that, darlin’, and we're gonna have a problem."
That voice, that deep, dark, honeyed voice gives me involuntary shivers. It’s a balm to my soul and engulfs me whole. Only this man can do that to me. It was his voice I heard in the darkness, his tone coaxing me home. I looked at my man some more. His form is cut to perfection. The inverted triangle at his hips is even manly as a trail of dark hair peeks out from beneath the cloth. Thick arms are wrapped in solid muscle; he’s powerful, and he knows it.
"I'm gonna keep looking, Jackson, but only because I don’t want to be pissed at you for lying." That’s my excuse for now. It’s valid. I still haven’t digested all the information he presented me with.
Jackson makes a sound from the back of his throat. He’s frustrated, and I can care less. He withheld information that he should have disclosed way before he popped the question. If he thinks I’m marriage material, it also means I’m trustworthy. My heart rate is climbing, and not because of his body anymore. Because I feel betrayed. My face must give me away because Jackson is now by my side, face inches from mine, trying to calm me.
"Baby, I couldn’t disclose the information. Inara was under Treat’s and my protection."
If I could scream right now, I would. But I don’t. My wounds will reopen with the force of my breakdown.
“You did a lot more than protect her with my brother. The two of you fucked her," I say harshly. “All things I'd rather not know, but should know so I can better combat her and deal with your job."
He leans back on the bed and grabs my hand. Arrogant ass. He’s gearing up to try and dissuade me.
"Anna, I don’t ask about your conquests, but in this, you're right. I should have prepared you. And the moment I knew I was going to marry you, I should have sat you down and laid it all out."
I'm shocked.
Speechless.
