Page 103 of Frayed Bonds

“Fuck fuck fuck,” she whispers as her fingers thread into her hair and she pulls at it.

“Hey, come here. What’s going on?” I ask and pull her and the papers into my lap.

Tears run down her cheeks and she silently cries staring at the page along with what I assume is the notice in the envelope. “I fucked up, I was trying my best but I think I fucked up, Ambrose.”

“It’s okay, whatever it is we’ll figure it out, just tell me exactly what’s going on, Val. I can’t fix it if I don’t even know what’s going on.” My eyes plead with hers. She’s scanning mine and I can see how apprehensive she is to tell me the extent this goes.

“I had everything covered until the second surgery, but then complications arose and he had to stay longer,” she breaks down further. “There wa-was more phy-physical therapy, another fucking trip to the hospital and the bills were flying in from every direction.”

I pull her into my chest. “Breathe, it’s okay,” I whisper.

“I maxed out every credit card I could get. The cheques you gave me went straight to paying them off, and then they wouldn't see him without another payment, so I took out a second bond on the house. Since my parents had paid it in full, it should have been enough. But then he got sick and now I don't have enough to pay them back.”

She weeps and I don't know whether she’s crying for her father, herself or for the entire situation.

“Sweetheart, you did the best you could, I just wish you told me sooner about everything so I could've helped you sooner,” I say, kissing her temple.

“I let my pride get in the way, and now I have no idea what to do. I can’t stand being indebted to anyone anymore, not even you Ambrose.” She looks up at me with huge eyes that are drowning in tears and just like that I’m putty in her hands.

“Just let me help you and we’ll worry about everything else later. Let me settle all the debt so they stop hounding you, sweetheart.” I plead with her. I know it’s a big ask. This is the kind of money people work their entire lives to see, and I'm well aware that I could drop it right now without even feeling it.

“Ambrose, I don't think I’ll ever be able to pay you back,” she frowns.

“Okay then let’s make a deal, I’ll pay it all and you'll pay me back by letting me give you multiple orgasms every single day,” I smirk but the frown on her face remains.

“But that doesn’t even benefit you.”

I groan and roll my eyes. “Valerie Farina, please for the love of all that is good in this world, please let me help you. I don't want anything in return. Even if somewhere down the line you hate my guts and want to end all of this, I won’t hold this against you. Just let me help you.” I rest my forehead against hers.

I know it must be difficult with everything that happened with her ex, to trust someone with such a large amount but when I hear her sigh, relief floods through me.

“Fine, but only if you tell me why you were at the hospital to see my dad without me.” I try to hide my surprise at the question, not having a single idea where she could've figured it out. “I heard the blonde nurse discussing it with her coworker, and about how hot you are.” She rolls her eyes.

“Are you jealous sweetheart? Is this why you held my hand when we left?” I smirk down at her gripping her chin to face me.

“No I-I wanted to,” she tries to hide her face.

“Oh, sure, sweetheart…whatever you say.”

“No, but seriously,” she smacks my arm. “Why did you go see him without me?”

“He wanted to thank me for helping you get him to the hospital and that he’s grateful you found someone amazing like me.” I smile broadly while she sits still with a serious expression. I start chuckling and pull her further onto my lap so she’s straddling me.

“My, oh, so humble boyfriend.” She rolls her eyes and gives me a quick kiss. Then another, and another. Soon the innocent pecks have morphed into a full-blown make-out session.

The doorbell rings through the house again and we both sigh as another interruption breaks us apart. “I’ll check this time.” She says hopping off me.

Seconds later, she sprints into the living room. “It’s Antonio, hide.”

Chapter forty-three

Valerie

Ambrose lounges further into the couch. “No, I think I’ll wait right here,” he gets comfortable, putting his arms behind his head.

“Have you lost your fucking mind, please go to my room and close the door,” I beg as the doorbell rings again. He glares at me briefly before getting up.

“Fine, but we’re going to have to tell him eventually.” He agrees and smacks my ass as he walks up the stairs.

---