He stepped into my space, his cheap aftershave was sickly sweet, before dropping them onto the bed.
“With all the money you must have, Doc, you could at least buy some Hugo Boss.”
I eyed him as anger beat in my ears. When I picked up the file from the bed, he dropped the pen on top and I scrambled to keep it from sliding off.
“You’re actually a prized prick, these nurses only like you because they think you have money.”
“I don’t know what Gracie sees in you, you’re just a washed-up soldier like her current husband.”
My eyes snapped to his, I dropped the file onto the bed and clenched my jaw. “What the fuck is your problem, Doc?” Extreme irritation escaped me, pissed at both his words and presence.
Standing from the chair, my fingers gripped the windowsill to keep my balance.
“You couldn’t save your wife, so what makes you think you can save Gracie? You should leave her for a real man.”
My eyes narrowed, anger surged within and I popped my knuckles ready. Forgetting my pain and disability, gaining strength from who knows where, I closed the distance between us and smacked him square in the fucking jaw. The crack of bone meeting bone reverberated up my arm. Pain licked at my knuckles.
Chris dropped to the floor holding his jaw, water filled his shitty eyes.
“What the hell is your problem?” He snarled at me.
“You, you’re my fucking problem!” I dropped down on him and pulled my fist back hard. Before I could connect hard with his face, the door is pushed open and I hear her angelic voice.
“Kaden….” Her eyes are filled with horror when she sees what is happening.
“What the hell?” She dropped the bag and cup she was holding, strode to me and pulled at the back of my shirt, wanting me off Chris.
I roll off him to sit on the floor.
Martha is next to enter and she helps the doctor back onto his feet.
Gracie drops too her haunches before me and her eyes met mine, disgust swimming in them. Shame washed over me.
“He asked for it…” My hands reached for her face. “Baby, fuck.” My fingers feathered over her cheek, which was thick with black-blue bruising. One eye was bloodshot, swollen and purple. Her eyebrow was split open, a fine line of stitches had a small strip of white plaster over them. Her lip was also split, angry and swollen.
Hair rose on the back of my neck, my fist clenched. The pain from my nails piercing my palm was a welcome relief from the anger coiling inside me.
My hand which was touching the damage done to her beautiful face, moved to the back of her neck. I pulled her against me, her head lowering to my chest before she began sobbing.
“I’ve got you, baby,” I whispered into her hair.
My eyes burned into Chris’ as he stood rubbing his jaw. Martha stood next to him, her hand on his shoulder.
“You….,” he began.
“Best you leave, Doc.” I ran my nose along Gracie’s neck, giving her soft skin gentle pecks with my lips, my eyes never left his.
“You’re gonna fuck up just like you did with your wife.”
My body tensed at his words; my breathing became ragged.
“Leave now.” Gracie’s voice whipped out as she pulled herself from my body and spun towards Chris.
She stared daggers at him. Martha stepped back and held the door open for Chris to step out.
“Well that was quite the experience.” Martha lifted an eyebrow and smiled. “About time someone hit the Doc where it hurts.” Her tone was happy and satisfied with my actions, there was obviously no love lost between the two of them.
“I’m so sorry, Gracie.” Shame at my actions washed over me.
