Page 58 of Tess, Property of Blaze

Tess

Two weeks later

Today I’m leaving the hospital, and although the doctors would prefer that I stay another week, I begged them to let me go home. They finally agreed when I promised I’ll stay in bed and not lift a finger. The injuries that Viper gave me included a skull fracture, a torn anus, and internal bruising and bleeding.

Blaze has basically been here every day, staying at my side and sleeping on the chair most nights. I try to get him to go home and have a good rest, but he only goes back to the clubhouse to shower and change, then he‘s right back with me. I’m not worthy of him. I don’t deserve his kindness. I lied to him the whole time I was with him, and I’ll never forget the look on his face when he asked me to leave. He deserves better—someone who’s good and deserves him—and that’s not me. I’m damaged.

I’ve tried to talk to him about it, but he ignores me, and just says that it’s all in the past. Sometimes I bring up Viper because I need to know what happened to him, but Blaze keeps telling me I don’t need to worry about it, that all I need to know is that he’s been taken care of.

Taken care of? Does that mean he’s dead?

Blaze wheels me out of the hospital, as per their policy. I told him I could walk even though I’m in pain when I do, but I need him to know I’m on the mend so he stops fussing over me so much. He then refuses to let me walk through the car park, so I have no choice but to let him wheel me over to one of the club’s SUVs.

Everyone’s been amazing. Jasmine and Luisa visited me every day, and even Charity came along. She’s planning her wedding to Trigger, and I was thankful I got to hear about her plans. It’s nice to talk about something happy for a change. No one has asked me about Viper, it seems they’re all acting as if he never existed. I’m happy they are, but at the same time, I still feel as if my past is what’s holding me back from my future. Even if Viper isn’t around anymore, what’s to say my father won’t try to get revenge. I’m the reason his best man is dead. Me. I’m the one to blame. I mean, if he is dead. No one’s talking.

“Miss Bronx, you forgot your meds.”

Blaze stops the wheelchair, and I turn and look up at him. He has his eyes squeezed shut, probably because of the mention of my surname. He knows it belongs to my father. How will things work out between us if the mere mention of my name causes him to be upset like this?

“Thank you so much,” I say as I reach out my hand and take the medication from the nurse, which is all bundled up in a white paper bag.

“It’s my pleasure, now take care, and if you need anything or are in a lot of pain, call us.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“Thank you, nurse,” Blaze says. She stays with us as he opens the front passenger door of the car and then lifts me into his arms. The clean, fresh scent of his body wash and aftershave makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, just like being home again. He places me gently in my seat and buckles me in, then looks deep into my eyes for a moment before kissing my forehead and closing the door. It’s going to be so hard to leave him.

He says something to the nurse, and then she’s pushing the wheelchair back toward the hospital.

“Ready to go home?”

I smile at him. “Yes.”

Blaze runs his hand down my leg, then starts the SUV and takes off out of the car park. It’s a beautiful day, and I lower my window to let the sun and the breeze hit my face. I shut my eyes, letting the warmth seep into my bones. Two weeks in the hospital really made me feel like I was on lockdown. I needed to get out of there.

“I have a surprise for you.”

I turn toward Blaze. “What is it?” I ask, smiling wide, so happy to just be with him.

“If surprising you gets me that smile, then I’ll surprise you every day for the rest of my life.”

Rest of my life….Those words are magic to my ears, yet I know I can’t give him that. But for now, I’m going to enjoy whatever happiness I can get.

“Tell me what it is?” I say teasingly, and he smiles, looking at me briefly before turning his gaze on the road again.

“Now if I tell you, it won’t be a surprise, will it?”

My smile grows wider and I look out the window at the passing scenery. I’d been in the stark white hospital so long, it felt like I’d forgotten what the color green looked like. “So when will I get this surprise?”

“I’m taking you to it now.”

“Now?” My voice comes out as a squeal, I’m so excited. I mean, who doesn’t like surprises, right?

Blaze laughs hard. “You’re like a little girl who’s about to open presents.”

I laugh along with him at that. “I feel like a girl,” I admit, happiness blossoming in my chest.

“Not long now, baby. We’re almost there.” The way he calls me baby does things to my insides. I love it when he calls me that.

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