Page 97 of Wrecked
He goes completely still. If I didn’t know better, I would think he stopped breathing. He turns slowly until he faces me. His face, a blank mask…but I can see the hidden anger underneath.
“Who thefuckis Jack?”
Oh.
Ooh.
He’s jealous. He thinks I slipped up and called him another man’s name. I bite back my laugh and walk toward him, swaying my hips a little.
“Dr. Shephard…” I reply, tilting my head as if I’m assessing his reaction.
“Yourdoctor?” he asks, no longer hiding the possessive undertone in his voice.
“He’s…adoctor,” I tease, having way too much fun with this.
“Were you two together?” The sadness in his eyes is almost enough to stop my game.Almost. As far as I’m concerned, he’s forgiven, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve a little payback.
“God, I wish. But I was definitely more into his friend, Sawyer.”
Anger flashes in his eyes. “And you dated this Sawyer dickhead? The fuck kind of a name is that, Sawyer.”
I can’t help it anymore. I burst out laughing, tears streaming down my face as his anger for a fictional character continues to build. Eventually confusion replaces anger as Nate watches my hysterics.
“It’s a show, Nate.” I giggle, out of breath. “About a plane crash. I can’t believe you’ve never seen it!”
The tension leaves his body, but he still doesn’t smile.
“Well, why the hell did you call me Jack if you’re into that Sawyer dipshit.” He has zero embarrassment over that little alpha display.
“Because…” I say, sliding my hands up his bare chest. “Jack was the problem fixer. The hero. The guy in charge.”
He captures my hands and brings them around his neck. “I want to be the guy that gets the girl. I want to be Sawyer,” he nearly pouts.
“Sawyer was a career criminal who scammed women out of their lifesavings,” I deadpan. “And Jack does getthegirlat the end.”
Nate lifts an eyebrow. “I should probably be concerned about the types of guys you’re attracted to.” His hands move toward my waist before settling low on my hips.
“You absolutely should,” I murmur, standing on my toes to bring my lips closer to his. The movement causes his hands to slide lower down my back. He slides them a little farther until he’s able to cup my ass. “Unsavory. The lot of them.”
“Cavemen,” he whispers against my lips.
I pull back and smile wide. “Mycurrentcrush did indeed fuck me in a cave.”
“Current? Trylast. There won’t be one that comes next.” He nips at my lips until I open for him. He bends down, keeping our mouths attached, and picks me up wedding style. “I’m going to show you just how unsavory I can be.”
“Nate,” I giggle, “wait! Wait! The lizards…”
CHAPTER 42
NATE (26 YEARS OLD)
It’s been a year since Emmy’s diagnosis. The doctors postponed her kidney removal in favor of several rounds of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. It was the best option to buy time to try and find a donor. Without a donor, she will be on dialysis for the rest of her life, and her lifespan will shorten significantly.
Her tumor has gotten a little smaller, but even with the trial drugs, she’s not making much improvement. If she weren’t a part of the trial, she wouldn’t have been able to put off surgery as long as she has.
Small wins.
Emmy lost her hair a few months ago and wouldn’t let myself or Asher see her for weeks. Ash bought her a beautiful wig and had it dyed to match the color of Emmy’s natural hair, so we are finally allowed to visit again. She is so frail and thin, I’m afraid I’ll break her with my hug. The dark circles underneath her youthful eyes and her gaunt cheeks break my heart. If I could take this from her, I would in a heartbeat.
