The Irresistible Bundle (84 page)

Chapter Thirty-Eight

A constant beeping sounded pounded against her brain. Carina wanted to shut the sound off, whatever it was. It reminded her of Desirae's annoying ass alarm clock. She tried to move her arm to turn off the sound but it felt like dead weight. Her heart battered against her chest. Why the hell couldn't she move her arm? The beeping sound only got louder and faster. Fuck! Someone turn the stupid fucking thing off!

Her sluggish mind and heavy body felt like it was immersed in a pool of Jell-O mixed with molasses. She couldn't think clearly. She couldn't move anything. But damn, could she feel every fucking hair, muscle, and bone on and in her body... And everything fucking hurt. Every damn thing felt like it was on fire from the inside out.

Sounds... Sounds other than the irritating beeping... But Carina can't decipher any of it. She thought they were voices but the molasses in her ears wouldn't let her hear a damn thing. Thank God. Finally! Finally that annoying beep was fading away. But so was... Darkness...

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Jaxon looked between Valentino and Marco. They sensed it too. They'd only gone to the dining hall for a quick bite to eat. In that time Desirae had come and gone and Diego looked like he wanted to kill someone or something. Andrea's tight lips and strained expression let Jaxon know that she was the best one to ask what the hell happened while they stepped out but this wasn't the right time.

"Diego" Valentino politely but firmly got his attention. "Go to the dining hall or the gym." Diego opened his mouth but Valentino glared at him instantly shutting him up. "Step out of this room for a few minutes. I promise we'll call if anything changes."

Diego stared at Carina's motionless body. Time was a selfish rotten bastard that cared for no one.

"Your phone's charged" Jaxon motioned to Diego's pocket. "Right" he asked. They'd all been at the estate for half a day. Leticia was so fucking organized she even packed their phone chargers.

"Yeah" Diego replied as he double-checked his phone. It still had half a battery. That was more than enough for the quick trip to the buffet table.

The three men silently waited as Diego nodded his acquiesce. He kissed Carina on the top of her head, away from all her bruises and injuries and reluctantly exited the room. For a split second he contemplated checking on Desirae but quickly shut it down. That was the entire reason why Carina was on that bed, in that state, to begin with. His thoughts and desires had been to seek out the freckle-faced beauty when it should've been ensuring that his sister was safe. But he hadn't done his job and Carina was the one who'd paid for it.

~

"How bad" Marco asked Andrea. It was obvious to everyone in the room that something had gone down between Desirae and Diego.... And not in the good sense.

"Let's just say if Desirae stayed any longer she would've gouged his eyes out" Andrea cringed at the thought. "She's in the dungeons right now and I'm not entirely sure if that's a good or bad idea."

Valentino rubbed his hands over his face. Andrea was right. Desirae being in the dungeon could go either way. Someone needed to check in on her.

"How 'bout we play rock, paper, scissors to see who should check on her?" Marco suggested. Jaxon chuckled while Andrea smirked. Marco always knew how to diffuse a situation, much like Carina.

The constant beeping sound of the monitor changed. Four pairs of eyes widened as Carina's heart rate accelerated. Valentino and Marco rushed to the bedside. Andrea froze unsure of what to do. Jaxon rushed out the door calling out for a nurse.

The nurse rushed into the room. She pressed a button by the door and pushed everyone away from the bed. Carina's heart continued to beat steadily. Everyone watched between her impassive face and the frantic monitor. They silently prayed she wouldn't flat line.

"Did she open her eyes?" Dr. Redmond marched into the room. The nurse shook her head. The two women hovered over Carina as Jaxon, Andrea, Marco, and Valentino silently watched from the side. They weren't sure if the change in her heart rate was a positive sign.

"Damn it" Dr. Redmond muttered as the beeping sound steadied again. The nurse slumped her shoulders in defeat making the others edge closer to the bed.

"Is she alright?" Andrea timidly asked. Carina was still breathing but that was nerve wracking.

"I suspect she momentarily regained consciousness" Dr. Redmond replied.

Nicholas sprinted into the room. His eyes darted from his friends to Dr. Redmond. "Did you say she regained consciousness?" Nicholas' hopeful voice broke Andrea's heart. He hustled beside them. He couldn't hide his disappointment at her closed eyes and expressionless face. He knew he was being selfish but he'd even take seeing her in pain; at least then they knew she was awake.

"For just a few brief moments" Dr. Redmond replied. She placed her hand on Nicholas' forearm in a comforting gesture. "Regardless it's a positive sign."

Nicholas nodded his head. He looked between Marco and Valentino. "Did her eyes flutter open or anything?"

"Absolutely nothing" Valentino lamented. "Had it not been for the monitor we wouldn't have known."

Nicholas swallowed the lump in his throat. "I'm really glad she's here" he reverently stated. It would've been hell on all of them hovering in a hospital hallway. They all would've been thrown out at some point.

"We can't thank you enough for your generosity" Marco gripped Nicholas' shoulder. "We'll pay the expenses."

Nicholas waived Marco's comment away. "Carina has done so much for the estate this year. Just don't permanently keep her away from here and we'll call it even."

Valentino frowned. He didn't want to discuss anything about
Scandalous
or
Hedonism
for the time being. All he wanted was for Carina to get better and for Pete to rot in hell. That wasn't so much to ask for.

"We need to call Diego and Desirae" Andrea informed the men.

"For what" Nicholas tilted his head at Andrea. "She was in and out before you could finish pressing that button. They can be advised when they return."

"Diego wanted to know the second something changed" Andrea rebutted. There was no way in hell she was going to incur the wrath of Desirae and Diego. They would both be livid if they came back and learned that everyone else had been present and not them.

"Diego's just going to come running back for nothing" Nicholas replied shaking his head. "He needed to get out of this room. Leticia let me know that he's in the gym right now blowing off steam."

"Leti's here?" Marco asked. "She closed the club last night and will have to tonight too. Why are you making her work?"

"I'm not making her do anything" Nicholas nearly growled. "She's a grown woman, and a responsible one at that. Since she has to spend the majority of her time at Club 69 for the moment, she's here delegating her duties. I would think you'd approve of something like that."

Marco contritely looked down. Damn his mouth moved faster than his brain sometimes. "You're right" he stated. "Sorry" he mumbled, barely audible for anyone else to hear. Jaxon smirked knowing that was hard for Marco to admit.

Andrea turned her back to the guys. She walked toward the bathroom as if she was going to use it. She didn't care if they'd get pissed at her or not. She needed to make Desirae and Diego aware of the situation. Andrea sent them a text on her phone making it short and sweet. She waited expecting one of two things to happen. Either they were going to call or they were going to run back to Carina's bedside. Andrea anxiously awaited; she didn't want to call them. If Nicholas was right and they were both blowing off steam, perhaps they wouldn't see the text message. She frowned. Maybe they'd be pissed that they missed the message. She chewed her lip contemplating if she should send a staff member to relay the message. Maybe she should go...

Chapter Forty

Something soft and warm rested against her arm. Carina wanted to touch it to see what it was but she still couldn't move. She tried to focus on the sounds infiltrating her ears rather than the pain radiating throughout her body. That obnoxious beeping sound continued in the background but it wasn't like before. She tried to open her eyes but they felt glued shut. She inhaled slowly through her nose trying to clear her frazzled thoughts. The small inhalation of air stabbed needles in her lungs making her entire body tense. She heard the beeping change. That beep changed whenever she panicked... Beeping. Sound.

Carina's mind screamed she was in a hospital but she couldn't fathom why. If the beeping and unbearable pain were any indication then she was in rough shape. She focused on the soft contact against her arm. She didn't hurt as much on that side. She took small even breaths trying to calm herself and silence that aggravating beeping close to her.

"Belleza" the word caressed against her skin and warmed her icy veins. Carina wasn't alone. There was only one person on this planet who called her that and she welcomed his presence. Maybe Jaxon could tell her what the hell was going on because she was clueless. She mustered whatever strength she had into opening her eyes. How the hell could blinking be such a monumental feat?

"That's it" Jaxon's voice encouraged. "Let's see those beautiful brown eyes."

Her eyes slowly fluttered open. She quickly closed them as the lights in the room blinded her. "Call the doctor" She heard Jaxon instruct. "Marco, dim the lights. It's too much for her."

She exhaled in relief at his words. Marco was with him which meant Valentino was close by too. Her men were by her side. She valiantly tried again. Her eyes opened, closed, and then opened again. The dim lights made it so much easier for her. Her head didn't scream and her eyes slowly adjusted. She couldn't see much. One of her eyes felt too puffy, her vision too blurry on that side.

"Jax" Carina whimpered. She couldn't even say his whole name. It was only two fucking syllables and that was too much for her. Her face automatically tried to scrunch in frustration but immediately stopped when her skin screamed in agony.

"Shhh" Jaxon tenderly cupped her jaw. She moved her face trying to get away from the contact. It hurt too much to be touched. It hurt like hell to move even a fraction of an inch.

"We're here love" Valentino whispered. She swallowed loudly. It was the only thing she could do without wanting to scream but even then that was rough. Her mouth felt like she'd attempted to swallow a bunch of coins whole without chewing. The coppery taste gagged her.

Water
Carina mouthed to whoever was close by. She suspected they were all watching her closely and since she couldn't see shit she had to rely on their attention to her. Something poked her lip which hurt like a bitch too. She flinched at the pain.

"Sorry" Jaxon murmured.

Carina opened her mouth, not much since it felt like she'd need a pair of pliers to unhinge her jaw. She wrapped her dry cracked lips around what she suspected was a straw.

"Drink" Valentino coaxed from nearby. She did as instructed welcoming the crisp cool water into her mouth. She greedily sucked up the fluid allowing it to wash out the awful taste in her mouth.

"Take it away" Marco instructed. "Don't want her to choke or worse." He gruffly stated.

She whimpered the moment the straw disappeared. She wanted to curse at Marco but couldn't muster the strength or energy. "Who" Carina mumbled through her stiff jaw, "Here" she finished.

Jaxon must've understood because he responded "Me, your men, Diego, your roommates, Leti, and Nicholas."

Her entire body relaxed at the information. They were all together. They were all... wait... was anyone else hurt? "Safe" Carina whispered. She needed to know if anyone else was injured like her.

"You're safe now" Valentino's breath caressed her forehead. She so badly wanted to reach out and touch him. It frustrated the hell out of her that she couldn't even see him when he was so close. Valentino kissed the top of her head. Carina sighed at the contact. It was such a welcome touch and one that didn't hurt as much as the others.

"I need everyone away from the bed" an unfamiliar voice barked. She heard shuffling at both sides of her bed. Who'd been sitting on the other side and didn't announce themselves?

"Welcome back Carina" the voice softly stated. "I'm Dr. Redmond. You've had quite a few people fussing over you these last few days."

Carina's brows furrowed. Damn that felt like sandpaper scratching her forehead but it was such an automatic response. Days? She'd been there for days?

"I'll let them explain later" Dr. Redmond replied to Carina's silent inquiry. "But first I need to check a few things. I want you to respond however is least painful for you. If you can talk, a simple
yes or no
will suffice. If that's too much, let's try blinking once for yes and twice for no."

Carina forced her eyes to remain open, or what she thought was open. A bright light shined in her eyes making her whimper.

"I know it hurts" Dr. Redmond cooed like she was placating a small child, "But I need to check your pupils."

Carina breathed through the doctor flashing the light at one eye, then the next. "Can you see out of this eye" she asked. It was the eye that could open and close without too much hassle.

"Yes" Carina barely whispered.

"Good" Dr. Redmond replied. "How about this one?" She asked as she motioned in front of the other eye. If Carina could at least open the eye more she could give a more definitive answer.

"Ung" Carina grunted. If she could say something it would've been more along the lines like
not well doc.

"Not really huh" Dr. Redmond assessed from the frustrated grunt. "It is in pretty rough shape" she surmised. "We'll keep a watch on that over the next few days. Expect blurred vision and pressure from that eye."

Carina felt the doctor press a stethoscope against her chest but the small contact had her body writhing in pain although she couldn't move. Carina's eyes closed of their own accord and she was drifting back to that sea of darkness. She heard the good doctor's voice but it sounded so far away and it took so much effort and energy to concentrate on her words. Energy that she didn't have... The darkness embraced her like an old lover. She willingly went into his arms knowing she was in good hands.

~

Carina opened her eyes relieved to be able to differentiate lights, shadows, and people. She blinked several times as her vision slowly cleared revealing a room full of loved ones. Her sore chest warmed at the sight of Valentino and Marco on one side of her, Diego on the other, Desirae and Andrea snuggled on a couch, with Jaxon sprawled on a small loveseat.

"Hey baby" Marco whispered into her ear. Carina tried to smile but her lips felt too stiff. Her cheek twitched letting Marco know she was happy to see him. She looked down at her hand. Valentino gently held onto it regardless of the numerous lines attached to it. His touch felt better than a warm ocean breeze.

Carina's eyes moved to her brother. Everyone else was asleep except these three. "D" she breathed. Carina didn't dare say much more. Her lips and jaw hurt like a motherfucker. She didn't want to know what her face looked like. Something niggled at the back of her mind as she stared at her brother. Diego's eyes filled with tears. His face crumpled as they made eye contact.

"Sss. K." Carina tried to communicate. She hated feeling so inadequate. Was it too much to ask for verbal capabilities?

"No it's not" Diego hoarsely whispered. Carina noticed Valentino and Marco shaking their heads at Diego but she couldn't move fast enough to see what they were trying to communicate.

"L-love you" Carina stammered. Diego covered his mouth sobbing into his hand. He nodded his head before leaning into her. Hot tears dripped onto her cheek. Carina closed her eyes welcoming the soothing sensation. She hated the cause of them but his tears were like a balm to her restless mind.

"Love you too muñeca" Diego whispered against her face.

"How long" She mumbled against him.

Diego pulled his face away. His furrowed brows let her know he didn't understand her question. "Out" she added. Her limp tongue wouldn't allow her to say more than one or two words at a given time.

"You've been in and out of consciousness for the last three days" Diego informed her. Carina sucked in a sharp breath immediately regretting the action.

"Love" Valentino softly chided. "Your ribs are going to be very tender for the next few weeks. You're on strict orders to rest and recoup."

"What ha..." Carina tried to finish the word
happened
but it just wouldn't form.

"You've sustained some injuries" Valentino quickly jumped in. Diego looked like he was going to say something else. Carina looked between the three men. She sensed there was something more going on.

"Do you remember anything?" Marco inquired. He kissed the sensitive part behind her ear. She was immensely grateful for their tender touches and loving gestures.

Carina stared at the far wall trying to remember something... anything... She remembered the study group with her friends... Talking to Jaxon on the phone...

"I... talk...Jax" Carina gasped as a memory flittered in her mind. Pete's face flashed before her eyes causing her heart to pound in her chest.

"Shit" Marco jumped from his seat. "I'm sorry. Shit." He ran from the room yelling for the medical staff.

Carina gasped and wheezed. It hurt like hell to breathe but her body refused to listen to her brain. Her mind connected images and sensations as her body simultaneously fought against the memories and threatened to shut down in self-preservation mode.

"You're safe" Valentino's buttery voice poured into Carina's system helping to soothe her panic.

"Pete" she croaked. She wanted to tell them what happened but she couldn't remember the details. All she recalled was his violent attack and viscous tone. Words were lost to her.

"Diego took care of him" Valentino smiled brightly. He nodded his head in approval at Carina's brother. "Beat the shit out of him."

Carina's eyes widened in surprise at his statement. She immediately closed them as pain ricochet through her. The only time her eyes didn't hurt was when she blinked or if they remained closed. How fucked up was she?

"See me" Carina tried to communicate. She needed to see. She tried to lift both arms to motion to her face. One arm lifted about two inches before the lines and needles pinched her skin. The other didn't budge at all.

"Later love" Valentino crooned. He didn't want Carina seeing herself for another few days. Her garish bruises still caused people seeing her for the first time to wince. He couldn't imagine how she'd react to the sight.

"Hello Carina" the familiar woman greeted. "Let's check a few things."

Carina nodded her head as Jaxon and Desirae shot up from their seats. Carina watched their tormented expressions morph to relief as she made eye contact with them. She wasn't sure how often she'd woken up and still been out of it but apparently it had been enough times to make them wary to hear she was conscious.

"Good to see you awake belleza" Jaxon's voice cracked. He stretched from his awkward position on the loveseat. It hadn't been a comfortable rest but at least he'd been able to get some shut eye before Carina had finally woken.

"Hi" Carina's gruff voice sounded rough even to her ears. She watched the doctor poke and prod her and record things on a small laptop. She flushed with embarrassment as she realized she had a catheter in place. Her left eye really bothered her, like she couldn't open it all the way. Carina wanted someone to tell her the extent of her injuries but their lips were all sealed tight.

"You're on bed rest for the next two weeks" the doctor informed her and the rest of the room. "I don't want to move you from the estate. In two weeks we'll evaluate your condition and determine if you can return to campus."

"Will she be able to travel in three weeks?" Diego inquired. Thanksgiving break was less than three weeks away and their parents expected them back home."

"She won't be able to fly" Dr. Redmond stated. "Maybe you all can have Thanksgiving here at the estate."

"Will Carina be moved to a room?" Jaxon inquired.

"That depends on Nicholas but in a few days I think that would be possible. Miss Lobos will need medical supervision for the next week. We need to keep watch on her ribs and eye."

Carina growled in frustration. Everyone was talking about her like she wasn't even in the room. Three weeks to heal? Ribs, eyes, arm... Tears leaked out of her good eye. Her tongue still felt thick but she managed to voice her question.

"Doc" Carina's husky voice got everyone's attention. It sounded raspy, out of use. "List... inj-j-uries... please." It took a lot of effort to say those three words as one sentence.

Dr. Redmond sighed as everyone hung their heads. No one looked at her. It was like they all wanted to avoid her knowing but it was inevitable. She had a right to know.

"Carina, you've sustained several injuries; including cuts and bruises, bruised ribs, fractured collarbone, swollen eye, and a slight fracture between your lower eye socket and cheek bone." Dr. Redmond felt the lethal glares but ignored them. They'd monitored Carina's eye over the last few days and it was deemed unnecessary to operate on the hairline fracture. Their biggest concern was her sight and overall healing time. The estate offered her plenty of room, medical services, and available staff.