Chapter 15: Jessica
I groaned as I opened my eyes. At first, I had no idea where I was or what had happened. Then the smells of antiseptic and the sterile equipment around me clued me in that I was in a hospital. The why was still fuzzy. The last thing I remember was seeing Ajax and then being locked in a room and crying. Everything after that was a big blank. I looked up as a beautiful woman entered my room. She gave me a smile. Her smile lit up her whole face and made her stunning.
“Hi, Jessica. I bet you have some questions, don’t you? How about I start first? I’m Dr. Newton. You’re at Hunters Creek Memorial Hospital. Do you know what day it is?”
“It’s Monday, February first.”
“Good. Tell me the last thing you remember.”
“I was in a bedroom at the Warriors’ compound. I was upset and then everything after that went blank. Did I blackout or something?” I asked her worriedly. I hoped everything was alright. Maybe this would be my way out of staying at the Warriors’ compound. I couldn’t afford to stay around Ajax. The heartache would be bad enough, but to see his reaction when he found out, would probably kill me.
“Yes, you did. From what I can tell so far, it was likely due to a variety of reasons, which we need to talk about.”
“Fine, but first can you tell me if there is anyone in the waiting room here for me?” I asked her anxiously. She laughed.
“Just a whole waiting room. They’re scaring the crap out of the other people waiting. One in particular is very anxious to see you.” Damn, it had to be Madisen. I hated that I worried her all these months. She was my friend. I just didn’t know how to keep in contact with her and not have to be in contact with the club. Or I guess, just in contact with Ajax.
“Would you please make sure none of them come back here?” She frowned. “I don’t want anyone to see me like this. Tell them I need to stay for a night. Then I’d like to talk to your head of security.” This had her looking at me with a questioning look. I didn’t know what it was, but I felt like I could trust her.
“I’m in danger. Not from the Warriors, but I don’t want them involved. I’m hoping the security for the hospital might be able to help me find a company or someone I can hire to be my bodyguards.”
“Okay, let me see what I can do. I’ll be right—” She didn’t get to finish her statement. In the door came Ajax, with Bull. I closed my eyes. I couldn’t deal with him right now. I still felt woozy and nauseous.
“No need to get security, doc. We’ll be taking care of this ourselves. Would you mind giving us a minute?” Ajax asked with a smile. He was going to charm her pants off, like he did every other woman. Except, Dr. Newton surprised me. She stood her ground with her fists on her hips.
“I do mind. This is my patient. I say what happens here, not you. She’s been through a shock and her body hasn’t begun to recover all the way. She needs peace and quiet, not a bunch of drama. Jessica, do you want them to stay or leave? I can get security like you wanted.”
Ajax scowled at her. Bull was busy on his cell typing out something. I looked at Ajax’s face and then Dr. Newton’s. She was willing to fight him on it. However, I didn’t want to cause her or the hospital trouble. I sighed. It would be better to get this over with.
“It’s fine, Dr. Newton. Give me a couple of minutes with these two.”
“Okay, I’ll be back in a few. If you need anything, just press your call light. And you two, if you cause her any stress, I’ll have your asses thrown out. Hear me?” She asked them. Both nodded and grinned at her. She shook her head and walked out, mumbling under her breath.
Ajax stood there studying me. I was glad I had the covers up over me. They had me in a skimpy hospital gown. His eyes were too penetrating. Bull came over and grasped my hand. He at least was smiling.
“Hey, sweetheart, how’re you feeling? You scared the hell out of us. Want to explain what happened? The prospect said you were crying out then went quiet. We couldn’t get in. Had to break in the window. Surely you realize we weren’t going to hurt you, Jessica? We just want to keep you safe,” he told me with a mild rebuke in his voice.
“No, Bull, I don’t know anything. I have people who want me dead, and one of them is hooked up with the man I was with. I should have never expected Madisen to keep him out of it or that any of you could help. It’s a conflict of interest. I get it. If you really want to help, find me someone I can hire for protection. Then we can call it even. I’ll be out of your hair for good.”
Bull cast a look at Ajax that I couldn’t interpret. Ajax stepped up and gripped the side of my face in his hand. He wasn’t hurting me, but it hurt to have him touch me. I looked away from him.
“Look at me, Jessica! Don’t think this is it, baby. You ran from me. Was gone for three months. Of course, I was going to make sure you didn’t do it again, but no one was going to hurt you. And there’s no fucking conflict of interest! I didn’t touch your stepsister and I sure as hell don’t have any contact with her. Now, before we discuss your protection, is there something else you need to tell me?”
I closed my eyes. Shit, had they told him? Weren’t they supposed to keep that private unless I gave permission? Though I had been unconscious, they may have thought it was alright. A rustling sound had me opening my eyes. Bull was going out the door. I went to call him back but Ajax stopped me. He lowered his head and kissed me.
I was stunned and lay there with my mouth open. He took advantage and thrust his tongue in my mouth. His lips consumed mine as his tongue dueled with mine. His hands held me still as I pushed on his chest repeatedly. He finally lifted his head.
“Why did you do that, Ajax? You know, it doesn’t matter. It’s not going to happen again. I appreciate you wanting to help, but the answer is no. I’ll handle this on my own. Now, will you please leave? I’m tired,” I told him in a rush. I needed to get him out of here before I gave into what his kisses seemed to be promising. But kisses like words could be lies.
He shook his head and sighed in exasperation. “You don’t get it, do you? I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you. We protect our own. And make no mistake, you’re ours. You’re mine, Jessica. My old lady and unless I’m mistaken, the mother of my unborn child.” His eyes dropped to where my stomach was covered by the sheet and blanket. Before I could grab his hands, he ripped both of them down and pressed my gown taut across my stomach. Though I wasn’t huge, it was obvious I had a tummy. One that I hadn’t had when he last saw me three months ago. My secret was out. Shit! I looked at him and refused to speak. I saw the anger flit across his face. He walked away from me and paced around the foot of my bed.
“Why? Why didn’t you say something? Were you going to ever tell me, Jessica? Were you?” he asked angrily.
“No, I wasn’t. There was no reason for you to know, Ajax. This baby isn’t anything you were looking for. You and I weren’t together anymore. I can raise this baby on my own. As soon as I get my inheritance, I can make sure this baby has anything and everything he or she ever wants or needs. And maybe one day, there’ll be someone I can trust and love who can be a father to this baby,” I told him softly. He let out a growl and I jumped. He raced to the side of the bed and jerked down one of the side rails. I shrank back. He grabbed my shoulders and shook me softly.
“You’re not fucking taking away my baby! And if another man ever touches you, I’ll kill him with my bare hands. You’re mine. Both of you are. I don’t know what fucked up your head so much you believe you aren’t enough, but I’ll show you that you are.”
I struggled to get loose. I was starting to get pissed. He had no right to yell at me and act all hurt. He’d fallen for Melody like every other guy I’d ever liked. And if it wasn’t her, it was May.