‘After everything I’ve done for you, this is the thanks I get,’ M spits as she takes a step towards them, raising her gun. ‘You’ve left me no choice. Now I’m going to have to get rid of you both.’
Like hell. M’s back is to me, so she’s still unaware of my presence. Moving quickly and quietly, I’m behind her in a flash.
‘Drop the gun or I’ll blow your fucking brains out.’
The colour drains from her face as she swings around and makes eye contact with the barrel of my gun.
‘Drop it!’
When her gaze moves up to meet mine, her eyes narrow slightly. A bitch right to the end. I’m sure she can tell by the look on my face that I mean every word, because, by Christ, I do. I’ll get immense pleasure from taking this woman out.
‘Just try to fuck with me,’ I warn.
We’re in a silent standoff. This woman has balls, I’ll give her that.
‘Police! Open up!’ we hear, followed by a loud bang on the door. I watch as M’s shoulders slump in defeat before the gun finally slips from her hand, landing with a thud.
Twisting the sleeve of her dressing gown in my hand, I hastily march her towards the door. I need to get her out of here so I can go to Jade.
There’s no doubt in my mind that M will be serving time for this little stunt. I’ll do my best to make sure she faces the maximum penalty.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
BROCK
My heart is heavy as I sit beside Jade’s hospital bed, her tiny hand clutched in mine. Hours have passed and she’s still out of it, sleeping now, rather than comatose. She’s stirred on a few occasions, but remains incoherent due to the narcotics that are still in her system. The doctor assures me she’ll be okay once they wear off, which is a huge relief.
I got word that Rupert survived the surgery to remove the bullet that was lodged in his shoulder. He remains in a critical but stable condition in ICU. He has some extensive physio ahead of him, but should make a full recovery. I’m yet to see him and thank him for all he has done, because I’m unable to leave Jade’s side. When she finally comes round and I know for sure she’s going to be all right, I’ll go to him. He put his life on the line for my girl, and I’ll be forever indebted to him for that.
Josh called earlier when he realised I was no longer at the house. As far as I know, he and Theo are still sitting in the waiting room, both eager to see Jade when she wakes.
I skim the back of my hand lightly down the side of her face. She’s so pale and fragile looking and I can’t help but feel responsible. I promised her I’d protect her, and I didn’t. I shouldn’t have left her alone.
‘I’m sorry,’ I whisper as a lump rises to my throat. I’m grateful to have her back, even though I’m not sure I deserve her anymore—I’ve caused her nothing but harm. I’ll never let her out of my sight again. I only hope she can forgive me for letting her down.
‘Brock,’ she whimpers in her sleep. Concern fills me as her head thrashes from side to side. I hate to think of the trauma she’s faced at the hands of that evil bitch.
‘I’m here, sweetheart.’
When I feel her grip tighten on my hand, I know she heard me. Standing, I slip off my shoes to carefully climb into bed beside her and fold her protectively in my arms. ‘You’re safe now,’ I whisper, kissing the top of her head. ‘I’ve got you, and no harm is going to come to you again.’
I’m not sure how long I lay there holding her, but exhaustion finally takes hold and I’m awoken some time later by Jade’s soft moans. My eyes spring open to find her gazing at me.
‘My body aches all over,’ she says and moans again as she pushes on my chest, trying to sit. ‘I feel so weak. What’s wrong with me?’
‘You’re going to be okay,’ I reply, pulling her back down to me.
‘Where am I? Am I in the hospital?’ she asks as her eyes dart around the room. With all the drugs that have been pumped into her system, she may not have any recollection of what has happened.
‘Do you remember anything?’
Her brow furrows and her eyes squeeze shut.
‘It’s okay if you don’t remember,’ I say as my hand gently strokes her hair. It’s probably a good thing if she doesn’t. I can only imagine how confused she must be feeling. ‘For now you just need to rest, I can explain everything to you later.’
She doesn’t open her eyes again, and I presume she’s gone back to sleep. Seconds later her eyes fly open. Tears rise in them before her grip on me tightens. ‘Oh, Brock. Thank God you’re all right. I was so worried about you.’