Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
The second the ambulance arrives, I lay Jules on their stretcher and allow them to work. I do my best not to get worked up as they see her in her underwear and panties, but I need her fixed. She has to be okay.
The police place the barely conscious Brandon in cuffs and drag him down the steps on his knees. “I need you to give me a statement, sir.” He looks at my reddened fist with a raised brow.
“Short statement. I came to speak with Jules about our relationship. I got to the gate, and it was open. When I went to ring the bell, I heard her scream. I kicked in the door to find him on top of her. He turned to see who it was, only to have her give him a nut shot. Then I lost control and subdued the fuck until he was passed out. You can ask me more questions at the hospital, but I’m riding with Jules.” I jog away and make it to the ambulance as the medic begins closing the doors. I call out, “I’m coming with you.”
“Anthony,” Jules calls out as I climb in and take a seat.
“I’m here, sweetheart.” I take her hand and bring it to my lips.
“Please don’t leave me.”
“Never again.” My heart’s thumping wildly as I watch her close her eyes.
“Most of these cuts look superficial, but she looks to have a broken finger and her wrist is swelling.” I drop my head to my chest, knowing I let her down. I hadn’t protected her from a man I didn’t believe she needed protecting from. He may get away today, but not forever. I’ll make sure that he disappears for good when no one is aware. Even if it takes a couple of years—retribution will be had.
Chapter Six
Jules
I wake up from the most horrific nightmare. It’s something I never expected. Brandon was attacking me, and my dear Anthony came to my rescue. I stretch and feel a pain in my hand and ribs.
“Jules, you’re awake.” I hear a deep, soft, growly voice that I know in my heart and mind.
“Anthony,” I say, but my voice cracks. I blink furiously, trying to clear my vision. When I finally do, Anthony—I mean, Blade—is sitting in a chair beside me, holding my hand. I fight the pleasurable sensation because he’s been known to give me pleasurable sensations, only to leave. “Blade, what are you doing here?”
“I get you’re mad at me, but it’s Anthony. It’s always Anthony to you. As to why I’m here—you asked me not to leave you, and I don’t ever intend to do that again.”
“Oh my goodness. It wasn’t a dream.” My body shakes violently, suddenly feeling the aches I hadn’t noticed before. I look around at all the bandages on my body and the stark whiteness of the hospital room.
“No. Calm down. You’re safe now.” His hands cup my face, thumbs rubbing my cheeks, swiping at my falling tears. “I’m not going to let anyone hurt you again.” I want to challenge those words since he’s the one who caused a lot of hurt, but now isn’t the right time. Besides, the sincerity in his eyes, the pain etched in those caramel orbs, makes my heart ache to have him kiss me again.
Instead, I try to hide my emotions with a lie. Letting my eyelids droop and releasing a yawn, I mutter out, “I’m sleepy.”
He brushes my cheek gently. “Just give me a moment, Precious. I need to call the doctors.” He reaches across me and presses the button on my bed. It surprises me because the bed’s massively wide, and yet he makes it look effortless as he says, “She’s awake.”
“Okay. We’ll be right in, Mr. Santini,” a woman says through the speaker. More than likely, he’s paged my nurse or someone at the nursing station, but for whatever reason, hearing her say his name makes me jealous.
“How long have I been here?” I ask when he sits back in the chair. The sun’s out, so it could be the same day or maybe the next day. My gaze remains on the window, hoping that it hasn’t been long.
“About three hours and twenty-eight minutes.” He kept track? Why? Maybe he’s a time guy. One of those people obsessed with knowing the comings and goings by the clock. It’s probably not because he actually cares about me.
I wonder. “What time is the sun supposed to set?” I ask, turning my attention from the window to him.
He looks at me like maybe I’m more hurt than I am, but he doesn’t mention his suspicions. Instead, he just answers my question with a shrug. “I don’t know. I can look it up, but from the color in the sky, I’d say soon.”
The nurses enter the room before he can ask the question I see in his eyes. There are two of them, one nearly as young as me and the other in her late forties or so. Both of them are smiling sweetly at me. As they approach, Anthony stands up. Is he leaving me?