Page 24 of Jake

“Welcome back. Quinn has gone to fetch the girls. Your Father and Connor are out checking everything is okay around the place. Do you want anything?”

“Water, and I wouldn’t mind something to eat, now I feel a bit better.”

Mum stood, poured a glass of water from a jug on the bedside table, and helped me take a few sips.

“I’ll go and make you some soup and scrambled eggs.”

“Thanks, Mum.”

While she was gone from the room, I closed my eyes and thought about Natalie. There had been a definite attraction when we’d met, but now, with me the way I was, unlikely to be able to give her what she needed in the bedroom, it couldn’t be explored. I felt an overwhelming sadness at knowing the only woman I’d ever felt anything for was beyond my reach.

***

I’d managed to swallow a few mouthfuls of soup and eggs when Barry arrived with that fucking black leather doctor’s bag in his hand. I was beginning to wonder if it had been surgically attached.

“Jake, good to see you looking a little better. How are you feeling?”

“Better than last time you saw me awake. Why do I still have so much pain? It’s been more than two weeks, almost three. Have I become a pussy?”

Barry laughed. “Son, I reckon pain is a pretty good trade considering you should be dead. Your injuries were some of the worst I’ve seen in thirty years of doctoring. That’s gotta tell you something, considering we work in a mafia business.”

I nodded in understanding. “So how long?”

“Weeks… months… you’re a healthy young man, but you have so many injuries that need time to heal.”

Our conversation was halted when Quinn led the two girls into the room. Natalie’s eyes locked on mine and a shy smile graced her lips.

“I’ve organised a meeting with Tania, Natalie, Mala, Waigi and Viola in an hour to talk about your care. First, I need to…” Barry started opening his bag; I reached over and slammed a hand on the fucking thing.

“Enough. Once a day, Barry. If I suddenly feel worse, I’ll send for you.” I knew I’d agreed to twice a day but was done with the poking and prodding.

Barry nodded in understanding, but I suspected his agreement was given reluctantly. I released his bag, he snatched it up, and after saying goodbye to everyone, he left to check on his practice before returning for the meeting he’d scheduled.

“I’m going to rest for a while; now you’re in capable hands.” Mum stood, kissed my forehead, and headed for the guest room where she and Dad were staying for a few more days.

Quinn followed her out, mumbling about my shitty attitude, language, and bad temper. Like he could complain with the way he was. Regardless, I needed to rein them all back under control.

After the two were gone, there was an awkward silence, the girls waiting for me to say something. It was clear they were both feeling uncomfortable.

“So, you two drew the short straw to look after the cranky bastard while he’s injured. I’d understand if you turned and ran. I’m not in a good place right now.”

They both stepped closer, Natalie lowered herself to the edge of the bed while Tania stood beside her.

“You’re in pain, Jake, it’s only natural for you to be in a shitty mood.” Natalie took my hand. “Just remember we’re here to help, but we’ve never done anything like this before, so try to be patient.”

I squeezed her hand, and surprisingly, it sent a jolt to my dick, which caused it to twitch. The attraction between the two of us was strong, considering we’d only met once and spent a mere few hours together.

“Just say what you need to if I give you a hard time. I promise I’ll try to behave and not be so grouchy.”

“Was it really terrible?” Natalie’s eyes welled with tears, and I again noted the sadness that seemed to haunt them no matter what. “Did you think you’d die?”

I’d promised myself when someone finally had the balls to ask me what I’d been through, I wouldn’t try to act like some hero and lie.

Our eyes shifted to the door when Connor spoke, interrupting what I was about to confess.

“Tania, can we spend some time together until your meeting with Barry, sweetheart? You don’t mind, do you, Jake?”

“No, we were only talking, filling in time.”