Anonymous(24)

As soon as he steps out of the way, I hurry through the door to Jake’s side. His head is bandaged, and underneath his eyes is already black and blue. I pull up a chair and sit down, while Owen does the same on Jake’s other side.

“Jake,” I whisper, lightly gripping his hand. I feel nothing in return. I bring his hand up to my face and place it on my cheek.

“How ya doing, brother?” Owen asks, knowing Jake isn’t going to answer. The only thing we can do is talk to him.

My cheeks burn as tears flood down them. “Everyone’s here to see you, Jake. Your parents are on their way, and . . .” I choke on my words and close my eyes. He wouldn’t be in the hospital if it weren’t for Bryan.

“We have to find him, Owen,” I growl low. “Whatever Bryan’s up to, he’s not going to stop at this. Whether he’s trying to kill Jake to get to me, or whatever, we need to stop it.”

Owen lowers his head and sighs. “We will. Until then, you don’t go anywhere without me until Jake gets better. He’ll kill me if anything happens to you while he’s incapacitated.”

I nod. “Agreed.”

Slowly, he gets to his feet. “I’m going to give you two some privacy.”

I nod again. “Thanks.” Once he’s gone, the room is silent, except for the beeping of the machines. Cupping Jake’s hand, I bring it up to my lips, kissing it gently. “Oh, Jake. This is all my fault. You’re going to be so livid when you hear what’s going on.” Leaning over, I kiss his cheek. “I love you so much. The thought of losing you terrified the hell out of me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Don’t worry . . . cupcake,” he croaks out slowly.

Gasping, I jump to my feet and squeeze his hand. “Oh, my God, Jake.” He licks his dry lips and tries to open his eyes, grunting. I can tell it’s a huge effort. “You need to rest,” I murmur, cupping his face.

He licks his lips and clears his raspy throat. “You’re not . . . getting rid of me . . . that easily.”

I laugh and cry, all at the same time. “You’re damn right I’m not. I plan on us being together until we’re old and gray and everything sags. Nothing and no one is going to take that away from me.”

He tries to say something else, but his breathing slows and he’s out. Relief floods through me and I smile. Jake’s a fighter and he always has been. Bryan doesn’t know what he’s gotten himself into. Pulse racing, I pull out my phone. Provoking Bryan probably isn’t the best idea, but he needs to know he’s not going to win.

Me: I know it was you. If you try to go after my husband again, I’ll find you myself. I’m not the same sweet girl you once knew.

His reply comes instantly.

xxx-xxx-6334: A challenge, huh? I like this side of you, it turns me on. You’re more than welcome to come find me.

Me: Sick bastard. What the fuck do you want from me?

xxx-xxx-6334: I thought that was quite obvious. I want YOU and nothing’s going to stop me from getting what I want. I’ve waited too long to have what’s MINE.

My blood runs cold and my hands shake as my phone drops to the floor. I know it’s just a text, but I can feel the truth in it. Nothing’s going to stop him from getting what he wants, even if it means killing Jake and whoever else stands in his way.





Eleven





Ellie





The text exchange last night plagues my mind. It’s all I can think about. I’m worried about Jake more than anything. With Bryan being able to hide for this long, there’s no telling where he is, or when he’s watching us.

“Ellie, you still there?” Vikki asks.

I clear my throat. “Yeah, I’m here. Sorry, I was a little distracted.”

“I know. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind handling everything on your own for a few days? I hate not taking on new orders, but I just don’t have the time to decorate elaborate cakes right now.”

She scoffs. “I’ve got it handled. I may not do the fancy stuff like you, but you know I can decorate cakes.”

I smile. “I have faith in you.”

“I’ll be by the hospital this afternoon. I’ll bring Jake some of these chocolate-covered strawberry truffles.”

Jake is still asleep and hasn’t spoken since those few words last night. “He’ll like that. He spoke a little bit last night, but he’s been quiet ever since. I’m hoping he wakes up today. The police are going to stop by and ask questions when he does.”

Vikki blows out a breath. “This is insane, Ellie.”

“Tell me about it. I thought I knew Bryan. He was never violent or anything like that when we dated. I mean, yes, he always said we were meant to be together, but I never thought he’d try to kill my husband to make that happen.”

“Exactly,” she agrees. “What do you think set him off?”

I shrug, even though she can’t see me. “Hell if I know. Maybe there’s something wrong with him? Jake has a friend who has multiple sclerosis, and then one day, out of nowhere, he decides to stop his meds and leaves his wife and kids. No warning, no nothing. All they know is that he’s living on the coast and not coming back.”