“Are you ready to go home, Sir?” I asked Blake while he fills in the discharge paperwork. Linda is glaring at us from far, and the medical director is keeping an eye on me since Blake and I left the bathroom together.
“Yes, are you coming home with me?” he whispered and gave me the most adorable smile. Blake has been in hospital for over a week now, and I can see that he is eager to leave.
He is still banged up, bruises all over his face still, at least the swelling has come down, but the scar on the left side of his eye, shhh that’s going to be there forever.
“Yeah, just give me a minute. I need to sign off on some patients. I will meet you in the parking lot.” he smiled and grabbed his bag from the floor.
“What are you doing?” Maggie asked, folding her arms. I know she is trying to protect me, and I know she knows we’re back together. I’ve been here every day for the last week, even on my days off.
“Nothing, going home.” I politely said, playing dumb.
“Em, don’t get too caught up again.” I nodded and try to avoid the conversation that was about to happen.
“See you tomorrow.” I grabbed my coat and made my way outside.
My eyes caught up to Blake where he talks to two men in the parking lot, and from where I stood, it didn’t look like a friendly conversation.
I moved closer to hear what they were talking about, but they kept quiet the moment they spotted me.
“Hey, you must be the beautiful Emily.” the tall guy with dark skin and dark brown eyes said. His body is slim and his dark jacket says trouble from a mile.
He smiled and stuck out his hand to greet me, but Blake took my hand before I could greet him back.
I can actually smell the nervousness on his face and the tension is running high between the three of them.
“Let’s go.” Blake rudely said, opening the passenger door for me.
“We’ll be in touch, Blake.” the other guy yells when Blake ignored them. I waited patiently for Blake to get in the car before I asked what a hell that was about.
He struggles to get into the car with the bruises still visible and painful on his body, but he manages to get in, and immediately turned the ignition on.
“Really?” I said, annoyed when he ignores my stares.
“What?”
“What was that about?” I fold my arms when he drove off.
“Nothing,”
“Blake?” I said in a low tone, yet he can hear I’m pissed, or curious.
“Don’t start, Em.” he rush the words and kept his eyes focused on the road.
“I’m not starting anything. I’m just sick of all the fucking lies and the constant secrets. Why won’t you tell me? I’m still waiting for you to tell me why you thought leaving me in a hotel room would protect me?” the words tumble out of my mouth without thinking.
“So we’re back to this shit?”
“Yes, no! I don’t know. Who are you trying to protect me from, Blake? Them?” I look back to where we left the parking lot, but Blake kept quiet. His eyes focussed still on the road without blinking.
“I told you it was a mistake. Please, just drop it.” I know it’s a lost cause to even start a fight. I just need answers. My entire life was always a riddle. Why my mother couldn’t leave my stepfather? Why does he treat me like shit, and now Blake has a secret, thinking he protects me from it?
I’ve had enough of betrayal and just all of this shit.
Blake stopped in front of his apartment and I sit still without attempting to get out of the car.
“Are you coming?” he asked, climbing out of the car.
“Are you telling me how that guy was?” I know I sound stupid and like a teenage girl, but for one I just need someone, to be honest with me.
“Stop being childish and get out of the car,” he responded, holding the door for me, and like always, I get out and let him have his way.
The stairs up to his apartment are a quiet walk with him behind me. I can hear he is in much pain with every step up to the apartment.
I want to help him, but feel way too angry to even look at him right now.
“Do you want something to eat?” he asked as if nothing happened a few seconds ago.
“No, I’m just going to have a shower.” I slept at Blakes’s apartment for the last week when he was in the hospital. It’s closer to work and easier for me to grab him something when he needed it.
So most of my stuff is here already, well the important stuff like my pyjamas and work clothes.
I worked out in his gym a few times and used his groceries when I didn’t order takeout.
He scanned the apartment with his eyes, and thank God I didn’t leave it in a mess.
“Are you still pissed at me?” he asked when I removed my clothes and covered my body with him. I don’t want to be pissed at him. He just got out of the hospital.
“No, I’m not pissed,” I replied, grabbing shorts and a tank top before I go to the bathroom.
“Then show me,” he replied. I’m not sure what he means by showing me. Is he seriously thinking about sex now?
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me, show me.” he shoved the box gloves in my hands.
“Don’t be ridiculous, you just came out of the hospital.” What is he trying to prove here?
“What? Your scared you’ll hurt me? I’ve had it worse.” he wrapped the wraps around his fist and kept his eyes on mine.
“Blake!” before I could carry out my sentence, he swings his fist and I duck in time before his fist connected with my jaw.
“Are you fucking crazy?” I yell at him, but he kept a neutral face, moving closer to me.