Fractured Hearts (Shattered Lives, Book Three) (10 page)

“How long can we stay?” Mara asked.

“We will discuss that at another time. Any more questions?” The group looked at one another, leaving Ben to acknowledge Gunther with a nod. “All right then. Follow me.”

Gunther led them, Elaina stayed alongside, and Nick brought up the rear. He opened the door and walked at a quick clip down the hall.

Acting as a tour guide, Gunther said, “On your right…the clinic. We have limited resources. It’s locked. And up this way…the cafeteria. This is our common place. As I said, the food and drinks are locked up.” Gunther directed the group through the door. “Stand against the wall while we have proper introductions.”

“This is it?” Eli asked, looking at part of the crew that was assembled. “You acted like you had an army in here.” Gunther smiled. “You asshole,” he grumbled, crossing his arms.

“Eli, you are going to get us all killed! Or, at the very least, thrown out!” Lauren yelled.

Ignoring Eli and Lauren, Gunther put his arm around Quinn’s shoulders. “This is Quinn, Josie, and Thomas. You’ve met Nick and Elaina. Cora is with her kids, and Henry’s recovering.”

“From what?” Ben asked.

“If you must know, he’s detoxing.”

Balling her fists at her sides, Elaina was pissed at Gunther for exposing one of Henry’s issues to absolute strangers. She cleared her throat. “That’s a little
too
personal, Gunther.”

All eyes were on her for a moment until Mara spoke again, “What are the relationships?”

“Quinn is my love, and Josie is like our daughter. Cora and her kids are our friends. Nick is Elaina’s brother. Henry is Elaina’s fiancé. And Thomas…” He looked back at him.

“He’s like my baby brother,” Elaina offered. Thomas smiled at her.

“How about your crew?” Gunther asked.

“Well, Lauren’s my sister, and Ben and Jane are our parents.” Then Mara sighed, adding a rolling of her eyes. “And Eli… He knocked up my sister and is an asshole, which we’ve already covered.”

“Okay, well, that was awkward,” Elaina mumbled. “I’m going to go check on Henry.” She spun around and stormed out of the cafeteria.

The anxiety level over her ill-fated relationship was reaching the limits. At that point, Henry knew she felt they were in a downward spiral.

Staring at the door, she needed to collect herself first, so Elaina paced around the hall, working through what she would say. Quinn was right. She had to help him.

Gunther eyed Eli. “How old are you?” he asked.

“What’s it to you?”

That was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

In one swift move, Gunther stepped forward and grabbed Eli by the throat, slamming him against the wall, coming to within an inch from his face. “You listen to me, you little fucking prat,” his voice rumbled. Eli whimpered which, in turn, made Mara laugh. “I will tear you limb from limb and eat you for breakfast. You’re in
my
house and you
will
respond to anything I ask; otherwise, you can have a nice fucking life on the outside. Clear?” Eli stammered, but no words escaped his terrified body. Gunther slammed him against the wall again. “Do
not
make me repeat myself!”

“Yes,” Eli choked out. Gunther let him go, then stepped back. Eli bent over, wheezing and trying to catch his breath. Lauren grabbed his arm and tried to calm him.

“Now, I do believe I asked you a question.”

“Eighteen…,” Eli gasped. “I’m eighteen.”

“Thank you kindly for responding,” he said with a smile.

“I like this guy,” Mara said, giving Gunther a thumbs up and giggling.

“I’m going to get with Henry and find out where he wants everyone to sleep.” Gunther nodded at Nick and Thomas, silently telling them they were to keep the new group in their sights. He cupped Quinn’s face and kissed her on the cheek before he jogged off.

The door swung open again. I didn’t even have the energy to acknowledge whoever it was. Soft footsteps came toward me—my love. It had to be.

“Hey.” She ran her fingers through my hair. I groaned. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been run over by a bloody train,” I mumbled into my pillow. She grabbed my shoulder and started tugging, so I rolled over for her. I would have told anyone else to go fuck themselves.

“Let me see your eyes. Those same beautiful emeralds that grabbed me from the moment I met you, and the same emeralds that always reassured me.”

My eyelids were slammed shut, trying to avoid everything from light to critical stares. I wasn’t going to open them. “I don’t know if I’m that man anymore, Elaina. There’s nothing beautiful about hollow, lifeless eyes. And nothing reassuring from a man like me. I’m nothing but a fragile shell. One hard touch and I’ll crumble.”

“Please, Henry. I need to see them,” she begged softly. The silence grew heavy within my chest, crushing my heart, pushing out all my air. Elaina wiped the sweat off of my brow. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“This is not your fault. None of it. This is all on me. No apologies are needed from you.”

“I can still feel sorry, though. Look at me. Please.”

“I have a horrible headache. I can’t open them.”

In all reality, I did have a headache. But as the saying goes, “the eyes are the windows to the soul”. I didn’t want her to see there was nothing left of me.

I groaned as she continued to play with my hair. “Am I bothering you?”

“No. You could never bother me.”

“I need to be honest with you.”

“Of course, love.”

She inhaled deep, then exhaled slow and steady, trying to put together the sentences. “I’m struggling with us, Henry.”

“I know. You’ve made that perfectly clear.” I reached up and she gave me her hand.

“This has worn me thin.” Elaina’s voice broke. Jesus Christ, I made her cry again. “I don’t know if I can do this anymore. It’s been going on far too long.”

For a moment, I wondered if those were her last words to me as a couple. It was understandable if she wanted to walk away. As she already knew, I would fight and wouldn’t go away quietly. I could say one thing, though. I could never love another like I did her. She gave me her entire self and what did I give her?

Nothing but pain, lies, sorrow, and disease.

The tears came on fast and hard from both of us. “I’m sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you. But it was
never
my intention to hurt you. And I will fight to the very end to keep you. I love you so much. I want to right this and fix us.” She wiped away the tears running down my cheeks. “Don’t give up on us. I know I’ve fucked this…us…up so badly. I’m so sorry.” My voice broke, drawing out more sorrow. The sobs could no longer be contained. “Love…come here.” I needed her close to me, as much as she needed the same from me. While pulling her into my arms, Elaina’s entire body was rendered useless from her cries. “Please, love. Please. Bear with me,” I murmured in her ear.

Elaina rested her head on my chest and I wrapped my arms around her body, holding onto her. At one time, she felt secure in my arms. Not anymore. I had failed her miserably, but I wanted to bring that back to her again. I needed it for myself.

“I’m so sorry I’m doing this to you,” I said as we cried together, unsure if we would be able to repair our situation.

“I shouldn’t have said any of this to you right now. It may set back your recovery.” She pushed away from me, crushing me further.

I was losing her.

There was knock on the door. I swear, the next person to knock was going to get their hands cut off. Elaina got up, wiping her face and nose on her forearm. She was pretty much an etiquette nightmare, but that’s one of the many reasons I loved her. She was less than perfect, like me, which made her perfect for me.

Shaking every step of the way, she opened the door. Gunther. I was livid, but tried to hide it. I had a suspicion he was trying to win her and take her away from me.

He cocked his head to the side and had a look of concern on his face.
Back off, motherfucker.
“Is everything all right?”

“Yes. Yes. Please, come in,” she murmured.

I wanted to scream
No
! at the top of my lungs.

“Are you sure?” His voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “Did anything happen?”

“No. I just… Well, you know…”

“Give it time. He’ll eventually become the man you used to know.” I glared as he smiled and wiped away the tear trickling down her cheek. It was bloody difficult to stifle my growl. If I could’ve moved fast enough, I would’ve decked the bastard. “Listen, I need to speak with him about sleeping arrangements.”

“Right.” She cleared her throat and turned around as I managed to sit up.

According to her body language and the fear across her face, she was concerned I witnessed their interaction. I was throwing daggers from my eyes. Fuck daggers—swords. I was throwing swords from my eyes.

Not wanting to appear weak, I spoke with sharp and precise words, regardless of the physical pain I knew they would cause me. “Elaina, there are three rooms left in this hall. Gather Nick and Thomas to carry mats from the gym.”

“All right. Thank you,” Gunther muttered and started to turn around.

My lip rolled into a snarl. “You…stay.” I was going to give this headfuck a piece of my mind, even though my fists couldn’t do the talking for me. “Go ahead, Elaina.”

“I can stay,” she worried, biting her lip.

“I said to go!” I barked, then grabbed my head. “Damn it all to hell,” I growled. She opened the door and slammed it shut. I hissed. It took me a second, but I looked up at Gunther. My face was twisted into something so angry, it had to look frightening. That was my hope, at least. “One isn’t enough for you?” I snapped.

“Listen… I’m happy with what I have.”

“And what exactly do you have?”

“I have Quinn. That’s all.”

“You stay away from Elaina or, so help me, I will tear your motherfucking throat out. Are we clear?”

“Big words coming from a man who hasn’t been out of bed in days. You must have forgotten I’ve kicked your arse a few times before. I can do it again.”

“Fuck you, old man.”

Gunther glared at me. “Elaina needs support and, seemingly, all you have done lately is drink yourself into a stupor. You always were a lush.”

“You don’t know what it’s like!”

“Oh, I don’t? I don’t know what’s it like to be sick? Or beaten? Or tortured? Try never having parents and being bred specifically for that fucking program.”

“My mother was murdered…or so I thought. And I don’t have a father. So we’re even on that.” I looked away from him, picturing the beating and rape again. “You don’t know what it’s like to have addiction issues.” The shame of my situation was raw.

We were silent for a few seconds before Gunther decided to take a seat. I could see his need. His hands traveled all over his body, rubbing his neck, muscles, joints, and lower back. “Listen. I’m not trying to steal Elaina away from you. Don’t let paranoia take over. I cannot stress this enough.
My only desire is Quinn
. My heart beats for her, much like yours does for Elaina. I almost put a bullet in my head not that long ago and she… Christ. I don’t know how to behave with women, okay? I’m only good at fucking and fighting, mate. There, I said it. I don’t know how to be a friend.”

I shook my head, then started laughing. “Are you for real?” I laughed harder. “Shit. My head is killing me and you say something like that.” I roared from the hilarity of it.

“I don’t see the humor in this. Seriously. Stop being a fucking prat.”

I couldn’t stop laughing. “I’m sorry. It just reminded me what Elaina told me.”

“What are you talking about?”

I was laughing so hard, I could barely speak. “When you were in the gym with Quinn… Elaina was going to see if Quinn wanted to help her and Cora with planting. When she got to the gym door she heard…things.”

His mouth dropped open. “Shit. I was teaching her how to fight and then we… Well, obviously you know what happened.” Tears from my ridiculous laughter trickled down my cheeks. “Please, tell her not to say anything to Quinn. She would be mortified.”

I was able to stop laughing for a second. “Consider it done.”

“I appreciate that. I’ve got to get Quinn aside. I’m hurting.” He stood and rolled his neck. “Nice talking to you, you tosser.” I started laughing again. “Fuck you, mate. Christ. You know, you’re a piece of work.” He waved his hand at me and headed for the door.

When Gunther opened the door, Elaina fell into him. He closed the door before Henry saw or heard anything.

“Everything okay? Did you get them set up?” She shook her head. “Is that prat, Eli, being impossible?” Again, she shook her head. “Then what’s going on?”

“I haven’t gotten there yet.”

“So you were standing here the whole time?” She nodded. “Why?”

“I was afraid what would happen. Plus, I’m spent. I don’t think I could walk another step.” Her cheeks flushed. “I think my life is imploding in on itself.”

“Look, I’m not very good with stuff like this. It’s not my forte.”

“Yeah, I heard. Fucking and fighting is what you’re good at.”

Gunther smiled. “Yes. That’s what I’m good at. I’m also a great cook, but that’s not anything I can do right now. So, fucking and fighting it is.” He smirked. She tried to keep a straight face, but couldn’t. “And I would appreciate it if you didn’t say anything to anyone else about what you heard in the gym.”

“I won’t say anything.”

“Thank you.” He took a step, but she still didn’t move. He stopped and turned around to face her. “Elaina, don’t throw it away. You guys are going through a major rough patch right now, but you love one another. You’ll work through this and be stronger than ever.”

Her smile was weak, but her body became stronger. She was able to pick her foot up to take a step. In a murmur, she said, “You
are
good at this.”

“Good at what?” he asked, confused.

“Being a friend.”

With a rough voice, he said, “Thank you. That means a lot to me. Come on. Let’s go get them situated.”

Once everyone was moved into the room Henry assigned, Gunther pulled Quinn aside, telling her he needed a fix. She took his hand and they headed toward their room.

He decided to lock the door for two reasons. One, there were too many people now who could walk in on them. And two, Gunther wanted a little action from his woman.

“You ready, love?” He had the needle in his hand. She smiled. “I take that as a yes.”

Sitting back on their bed, Quinn relaxed while he began the draw, gazing at one another while they waited for the vials to fill.

“Can we talk about something?” they asked at the same time, causing both to laugh. Then, as if on cue, they both said, “You go first.”

Gunther smiled and held up his hand. “Please, love. Go ahead.” He looked down to unhook her.

“Don’t get angry with me.”

“Now, you cannot say something like that and not expect me to get angry. That’s setting me up for failure.” He sat next to her and tipped back the vials.

She fiddled with her hands like a nervous child, knowing exactly how angry he could get at the snap of a finger. “Please take it a little easier on Eli.”

Gunther choked on the blood, spraying it out onto his hand as he coughed. “Why?” He coughed again.

Quinn stood and grabbed a small towel for him. “Because they are our guests and we need to be kind.”

“He’s an arse,” he murmured, cleaning himself up.

“I realize that, but it’ll cause friction if you are too harsh. I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve it. All I am asking is to tone it down a bit.” Gunther leaned back against the wall. He tipped his head back, eyes closed, enjoying the mini high he relished so much. “If you behave…”

He groaned. “Oh, if my reward is anything like last time, I will behave every-
fucking
-day for the rest of my so-called life.” He smirked, then opened his eyes when he felt the bed shift.

Quinn was perched in front of him. “Good. I’m going to hold you to that.” She leaned in and kissed him. He relaxed and pulled her onto his lap. “Not now,” she mumbled between kisses.

He moaned. “But I’m ready.”

She poked at the bulge in his pants. “I can feel that.”

“Just a quick one?”

“Nope.” Quinn stood.

“Love, you’re killing me. I’m high. It’s ten times more amazing during my high.”

“I’m not so sure that’s a compliment,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. He stood and pulled her close. His emeralds shined through the dim light, and he rested his cool forehead against hers.

“Trust me.” His deep voice rumbled through her body. “You make me feel things I have never felt before.”

Gunther swayed with her as if music played in the room. He took her hand and spun her around, their arms crossed in front of her body. Rocking back and forth, his lips nestled in the crook of her neck, he left a trail of soft kisses up to her ear. He was hard as a titanium rod, rigid against her spine.

Without warning, Gunther spun her back around and placed his hand on the small of her back, dipping her. He leaned down, tongue traveling around her neck. Quinn’s breath hitched. Her heightened pulse tickled his deep-seated carnal need.