Hooker(91)

‘Great. Better than I have in days. I can thank you for that.’ He places a soft kiss on my forehead.

‘Because I wore you out?’ There’s humour in my voice as I speak. I think we wore each other out.

‘No. Because just being near you again has helped … more than you know.’

‘Having you here has helped me too,’ I admit. ‘I’ve struggled without you, Brock.’ Being honest like this is something I rarely do, but something changed between us last night. I don’t want to hold back when it comes to him. I finally gave my heart completely, and it’s a wonderful feeling. I only hope he takes care of it.

‘Move in with me permanently, Jade. If being separated from you this week has taught me anything, it’s that I’m nothing without you by my side.’

‘I can’t.’

His brow furrows as my words sink in. ‘Why not? Are you having second thoughts about us already?’

‘Of course I’m not having second thoughts about us. I meant everything I said last night. I love you.’

‘Then why?’

‘It’s too soon. If this week has taught me anything, it’s that we rushed into everything before. I want us both to be sure that this is what we really want before making such a huge commitment. I can’t have a repeat of what I went through this week. It almost broke me.’

‘I’m sorry,’ he says, resting his head against mine. ‘Hurting you was the last thing I wanted. I’m sure about us. I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life. You’re it for me, Jade.’

‘You’re all I want too, but I still think it’s wise if we take things a little slower this time.’

Sighing, he pulls my face into his chest. I can hear the erratic beating of his heart as his grip on me tightens. ‘If that’s what you really want. I don’t want to force you into doing anything you’re not ready for. I guess I’ll be spending a lot of time here then, because I refuse to spend another night without you.’

‘I can live with that,’ I say, smiling.

‘You don’t really have a choice. That part of the deal is not up for negotiation.’ I laugh when he flips me over onto my back and settles between my legs. ‘I need you with me, Jade.’

Threading my fingers into his hair, I pull his mouth down to mine.

I need him with me too.



After we make love again, we shower and dress. I have no food in my apartment, so Brock offers to take me out for breakfast. We swing past his place on the way so he can change. He even packs some extra clothes into a bag to leave at my apartment. It’s going to be nice having him stay over.

It’s the first time going back to Brock’s since the incident, and I’ll admit I feel sick as we pull into his driveway. I’m grateful that apart from being in the car with his father, I don’t remember anything. The drugs in my system and the rope burns were the only injuries I sustained. I had a bruise on my shoulder and hip, but those have faded now. Rupert said they would’ve been from when he was shot and collapsed, with me in his arms.

After breakfast we head to the hospital to see Rupert. His face lights up the moment he notices Brock standing beside me. Even though our hands are linked, I’m sure the smile I give him in return tells him Brock and I are okay. He hasn’t mentioned Brock much when I’ve visited, but from what little he did say, I knew Rupert was concerned about us.

‘It’s good to see you again, mate,’ he says, reaching out to shake Brock’s hand. ‘I was sorry to hear about your father.’

Brock’s body stiffens when Rupert mentions Maxwell’s passing. He’s been acting more or less like his old self since waking this morning, but occasionally I see him drift off. It worries me. I hate that he’s feeling responsible for his father’s death. This afternoon, Brock and Josh are meeting with the coroner. I hope once the autopsy results are known, it will give Brock some peace. Logically, there’s no way he could’ve killed his father. Even if he suffered a heart attack like Brock believes, there must’ve been some underlying heart condition.

‘It’s good to see you as well,’ Brock says. ‘You’re looking much better than last time I saw you.’

‘I owe my speedy recovery to Jade. She’s been coming to visit me daily, and cutting up my food because I can’t move this damn arm. She’s done a good job of keeping me sane. Being cooped up in this place is hell. Hopefully I’ll be able to leave soon.’ Rupert looks at me. An appreciative smile graces his face.

I’ve enjoyed looking after him—he’s been looking after me for years. I’d like him to come and stay with me when he’s discharged, just until he gets on his feet again. I haven’t asked him yet, but I hope he says yes. Apart from Brock, he’s the closest thing I have to family.