46. CHAPTER 46

46

KAI

“Kai, I need you to wake up so I can do your observations,” a voice says, pulling me out of a peaceful slumber. I hate it, because the pain that disappeared in sleep comes back in full force.

“Sorry, you can go back to sleep when I’m done. How’s the pain?” the nurse asks.

“It’s starting to hurt more.”

“Okay. We’ll take a look and change the dressing, then I’ll talk to the doctor about increasing your pain meds.”

“How long was I asleep for?”

“Just over an hour,” my mom’s voice jolts me fully from being dozy. I turn my head and see her sitting in the chair. Where’s Jules? The nurse starts to remove my bandage and inspects the wound. I can’t bring myself to look at it, so I stay focused on my mom.

“Before you ask, he’s taken a walk,” she says, her tone firm with a hint of disgust.

I hiss as the nurse places the new bandage onto my wound. She obviously senses the tension as she gives me a smile full of pity before leaving the room.

“How long have you been with him?”

“It’s been building since we left home. If you’re asking how long we’ve been fucking, only a few weeks.”

“Don’t speak to me like that, Kai. I’m your mother.”

“Why not? It’s all you care about.”

She scoffs and flicks her long black hair over her shoulder.

“I care about the fact Jules took advantage of you. You can’t possibly think this will work or be accepted.”

I close my eyes and take several deep breaths to control my building frustration.

“I don’t really care what anyone thinks, Mom. Including you,” I say on an exhausted sigh.

“How can you say that to me?”

I snap my head to the side to face her, bewildered by how she can be so self focused right now.

“Because I nearly died yesterday, so forgive me if this doesn’t seem as important. It’s only made me realize how much I love him and want to be with him. I’m sorry if that makes you upset, but it’s reality.”

“Why did you come home if everything was so great? Did you fight?”

“It was a misunderstanding. You wouldn’t understand.”

“You’re so naive, Kai. I thought you had more sense than being this selfish.”

“I’d watch your fucking tone when you talk to him,” Jules bellows as he fills the room with his dominating presence. Tim follows in behind him, but I can’t take my eyes off Jules. The hero I wanted is standing in front of me to rescue me like he does in my dreams. I’m so fucked up.

“Hey, don’t talk to Jenny like that,” Tim says, putting his hand on Jules’s chest. Not the best idea.

“This ain’t your business and take your fucking hand off me before I move it myself,” Jules snarls. I can see what Aaron meant about how hot it is when your man fights for you.

“Can you all, please, just stop,” I say as loud as I can, all eyes turning onto me.

“Mom, Tim, I think you should both leave.”

“I’m not going anywhere! I won’t allow this, Kai. Who’ll take care of you when you get out of the hospital?”

“I’m going back with Jules.”

“Over my dead fucking body,” she shouts, and Tim stands behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders.

“That can be arranged,” Jules threatens.

“I’d watch it, Jules. Just because I’m off duty, doesn’t mean I can’t have you taken in,” Tim says, narrowing his eyes on Jules.

“You do that and I’ll report you for harassment. I’m serious. You both need to stay out of my business. I’m not a minor. I’m an adult of sound mind, and I want you both to leave. If you hadn’t noticed, I’m supposed to be resting, and you’re making it impossible.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry, honey. I’ll keep quiet.”

“I want you to go. I need to sleep. Let’s just start again tomorrow when everyone has calmed down,” I say pleadingly. Jules certainly picks his moment to come over and place a kiss on my lips before he sits in the chair beside me with a childish grin on his face.

“I can take a hint. You know you can call if you need anything. Come on, Tim.” And here I thought I was the child. They both stomp off and finally, the room mellows out.

Jules runs his hands through my hair, a move that I’m starting to become addicted to. I feel special, cherished and safe.

“Sleep, Kai. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

“Mm-kay,” I say before I drift off.