Page 39 of Love Lies Bleeding

Glancing at Hank, I see him speaking to Lexi in a quiet tone, her lips moving slowly. Hanging up on the flight control, I move closer, wanting to hear her excuses, but none come.

“No. Honestly, I just need to go home.”

She looks exhausted and the bruises on her skin, which I hadn’t noticed in my anger before, mock me and turn my stomach with fury that someone has put his hands on her. I might be morally grey, but there are lines I’ll never cross and that’s one of them.

Moving closer, so I’m standing in front of them, I address Hank.

“It’s already left.”

Hank might be in his sixties, but he’s formidable and there’s no man alive I hate to go up against more than him. The air around us cools as his quiet displeasure permeates the air.

Standing up, he glares at me, clearly having overheard my part in what happened here today and not happy about it. Yet, all I was doing was protecting his son.

“Then see that my son gets the message as soon as he lands,” he growls, and gone is the patient man who placed his hand on my shoulder as I stood in court and shook with fear so many years ago. In his place is a force of nature—a man you don’t cross.

“Yes, of course, Mr. McKenzie,” I respond with forced politeness, my jaw rigid with tension.

Lexi begins to rise to her feet, and I resist the urge to reach out and help her, knowing I’m the last person she wants near her right now. Her balance is so unsteady she almost falls, reaching out blindly and grasping onto Hank, who places a hand on her back and eases her down.

“Please, Miss. You need to sit.”

I see the worry pass over Hank’s face and feel a sense of anxiety crawl up my throat, making my collar tight. Lexi looks exhausted, crushed, and broken and I know I should have done more research on her situation before I spoke. If something happens to her or that child, whether it’s Hunter’s or not, I won’t forgive myself.

I’m about to offer her a ride to the hospital when the door to our reception flies open and my past blasts in like a hurricane, taking my feet from under me. In stupefied silence, I watch as the only woman I’ve ever loved drops to her knees beside Lexi.

“Honey, are you okay? What did that asshole say to you? I’m going to kick his ass,” she demands before taking a breath.

God, she’s just the same, a stunning, wild whirlwind that is untamed perfection. Her hair is a softer shade of the pink she loves. Her curves are a little more pronounced, making my mouth water and my hands itch to explore every one of them.

Anger and determination tinge her pale skin the slightest pink and my dick hardens at all that fire inside her. I always loved Cherry for being so unapologetically herself. She was captivating, untamed, and I’d loved her beyond reason.

Even in a pink flowery skirt and a white, off-the-shoulder top, she looks like an avenging angel ready to slay anyone who hurts her friend. Lexi holds tight to her hand and Cherry doesn’t let go.

“I’m fine. Cherry, can we just get out of here? Please?” Lexi allows all the anguish she’d tried to hide from me and Hank show, and Cherry nods.

“Of course we can, sweetie.” Cherry looks up as she goes to stand, and I watch in fascination as recognition barrels into her. First shock and then anger cross her pretty features.

“You!”

“You!” We both say at the same time as we stare at each other.

Ignoring me, Cherry turns back to Lexi and gently helps her to her feet, her posture so rigid I can practically see the hackles prickle along her spine. I have the almost overwhelming urge to stroke my hand down her delicate spine and see if I can make her purr instead. “Come on, Lex. Let’s get you out of here. I don’t like the smell in here,” Cherry says as she helps Lexi toward the door.

Suddenly the thought of her leaving leaves me feeling untethered and desperate to hold on to her attention for just a few more seconds. “Cherry, hang on.”

Cherry goes stiff before she whirls on me, fire licking through her gaze as she rakes it over my skin like a brand. “No, Jake, I won’t hang on. I should have known you were involved. Breaking people is what you do, right?” she hisses as she turns to leave again.

I deserve that. I deserve everything she throws at me, but it still hurts to know that the woman who still holds the only living piece of my heart hates me.

My attention is yanked away by Hank as he moves to stop them.

“Lexi.”

Hank places his hand on her arm and I see Cherry move in closer, like a mama bear ready to throw down with anyone to protect her young.

“Here’s my number. If you need anything, please call me. I have a feeling there’s been a huge misunderstanding between you and my son. Despite everything you’ve heard and seen this morning, Hunter is a good man, and he cares about you a great deal.”

Lexi cocks her head with a sad smile. “Thank you, Mr. McKenzie, but I think Hunter has made it clear what he wants, and I’ll respect that. I won’t stop him from seeing his son if he wants to, but I won’t contact him again, either. I’m afraid I’m all out of energy where men are concerned.”

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