“A difference of opinion,” she says.
“Where are you staying?”
“At Eva’s old place. It’s ideal because the room was already set up for Malia,” she explains.
“Anna’s with you?” I ask.
“Yeah, Riggs managed to upset her too.”
“He never said,” I mutter, feeling isolated again.
“He probably doesn’t want to worry you with your ol’ lady being in here.”
“She isn’t my ol’ lady,” I correct her and then feel that guilt creep in again. “It’s not like that between us.”
“Well, whatever. He just didn’t want to bother you.”
I dress quickly and step out of the bathroom. “Couldn’t they get a jumper to fit you?” I joke. She looks down at the baggy jumper and smiles, shrugging her shoulders.
Chapter Twelve
Leia
I sit at the top of the stairs listening to Riggs beg Anna back. She’s strong, refusing to go back and pretend to be happy any longer. “You might put on a smile, but I know you’re unhappy,” she says. “You hardly look at me. I don’t remember the last time you touched me.”
“That's ridiculous. I’ve had shit to deal with,” he snaps defensively.
“Alright,” she says. “Touch me.”
Riggs laughs, but it’s uncomfortable. “What?”
“You heard. Take me to bed now and fuck me. Touch me. Kiss me.”
“You're acting crazy,” he mutters.
“You can’t. I repulse you. Just be honest.”
“I love you. You’re mine. I don’t wanna hurt the baby. That’s why I haven’t touched you,” he says.
“Bullshit. Get out, Riggs. You’re wasting my time.”
“Anna, stop this now. You belong with me, not here renting your friend’s house with my pregnant sister.”
“When you prove to me that you love me, that you want me around, that's when I’ll come home.”
“You realize there’s some crazy fucker still on the loose. You’re not safe here.”
“I’ll take my chances.” She sighs and I hear his low growl before the front door opens and then slams closed.
I go down to Anna. “That was intense.”
“Everything is intense when it comes to your brother. I miss how we were in the beginning.” She sighs. “I know I shouldn’t say it, but keeping this baby was—”
“Don’t,” I warn. “Don’t finish those words. We all have regrets, but this can’t be one of them. We’re strong, independent women. We got this.”
Anna smiles weakly. “I guess. I just didn’t imagine doing this alone again.”
“You’re not alone. You have me, Eva, Gia, and my mum.”
I get to work earlier than when my shift starts, so I grab a coffee for Chains, which is becoming a habit. I knock lightly on the door and stick my head in, pausing when I see Raven sitting up awake and Chains inches from her face, whispering to her. They both look at me. “You’re awake,” I murmur and she smiles. I see why Chains likes her—she’s gorgeous.
“A nurse already did her vitals,” says Chains coldly.
My mouth opens and closes a few times. I’m not sure what to say, so I back out of the room. The door opens shortly after and Chains steps out, closing it gently behind him. “I don’t want her upsetting,” he says bluntly.
“Of course. I just thought you’d need coffee. I’m sorry to intrude. I . . . ” I close my lips and press them together. I’m babbling. How does he still have the ability to hurt me after all this time? “I’ll go.”
“I’ve gotta look after her. She’s my responsibility,” he explains.
I wave my hand in the air and fake a smile. “Of course. I get it.” I rush off to start my shift. I need to occupy my mind and take my own advice. I’m a strong, independent woman. I don’t need Chains. I don’t need any man.
“Leia.” The ward sister smiles. “You’re on the high dependency ward today. They’re short. Is that okay?”
My step falters. That’s where Raven is currently staying. “Really?” I ask. “Isn’t there anyone else?”
“Of course, but the ward sister told me you’re always down there and everyone else is scared of that huge biker in room three. She asked for you.” I groan and turn back around. Just what I needed.
I read through Raven’s notes—raped, broken leg, shattered pelvis, to name just a few of her injuries.
“Leia, I need you,” says the ward sister.
I stand and gel my hands. “Sure, where do ya want me?”
“The police are here to talk with the girl in room three. Thing is, that friend of yours, he’s not very welcoming when it comes to the cops. He refused to let them in earlier and they really need to talk to her. Any chance you could occupy him?”
“I can’t lie to him. I’ll tell him straight.”
I breeze into the room, ignoring the way Chains is stroking her hand. How can I be jealous after everything this poor woman’s been through? “I just need to do some checks,” I say with a smile. “I’ll be your nurse for the next eight hours.” I take the clipboard from the end of her bed and write the time in. “How are you feeling today?” I ask.
“How do you think she’s feeling?” snaps Chains.
“Baby,” whispers Raven, gently stroking his face. “Be nice.”
“It’s a stupid question,” he grumbles.
I ignore him and smile at Raven. “Any headaches, nausea?”
“No. I feel much better than last night when I first woke. My head feels clearer.”
I smile and write that in the notes. I do her observations in silence, but I feel his eyes on me the entire time. “Everything looks good considering,” I say, hanging the clipboard back in place. “The police need to talk with you.”
“I already told them no,” snaps Chains. “She’s just woken up.”
“It’s best to get it out the way. They’ll only keep returning,” I say.
“She’s right, Chains,” Raven says.
“I said no!” he snaps.
“It’s not your call,” I say firmly, finally bringing my eyes to him. “I’ll send them in.”
“Are you fuckin’ stupid? I just told you no!” he yells. He marches towards me and I square my shoulders.
“Sit back down or I will have you removed from this ward,” I say through gritted teeth.
“You and whose army?” He smirks.
“Do I need to call Riggs?” I ask and he scowls. I’ve given the game away and he looks pissed as hell. “I have an army, if that's how you want this to play out.”
“Leia,” he growls in warning.
“Leia?” repeats Raven. “The Leia?”
“I’ll send the cops in,” I say, leaving.
I make it two steps from the door before I’m hauled off my feet and pulled into an empty room next to Raven’s. He presses me against the wall and I feel his hot breath against my ear. “You think you’re clever?” he growls.