Fifty-Eight
Violet
Iclenched my jaw andstared at Jared as he sat smugly beside my dad, typing something on his phone.
“I told you that your dad will get the money as soon as I have it.You can leave,” I said, not bothering to fight the snarl that came out.
“Yeah, and I was given strict orders to stay put and keep an eye on his investment,” he replied, tucking his phone back into his pocket.“Looks like you’re stuck with me for the foreseeable future.”
“I highly doubt that,” I mumbled, shifting the bag from one arm to another as I checked my phone to see if there were any new messages from the guys.I hated asking them for favors, but I also knew I couldn’t just call Capshaw and ask for an advance myself.He would ask too many questions, and I would risk him showing up and making things worse with Jared.All I needed right now was the money to give to Jared’s dad so they would leave my dad alone.
“Get out of my seat,” I said, pointing to where he was sitting.“You don’t get to disrespect my father by sitting beside him, so move.”
Jared sneered at me as he got up, making a point to look me up and down as if sizing up his opponent.
“Wow, you fuck a few douchebags in town and suddenly think you’re some bad ass.”He spat the words at me as he sat in the other chair and glared at me.“You’re still just a pathetic loser, Violet.Spreading your legs just made you their slut.”
I shook my head and set the bag down beside me as I got as comfortable as possible.My dad still hadn’t woken up, and part of me hoped he wouldn’t until after Jared left.The last thing I wanted was for him to hear all of this.
I ignored the awkward silence that came from my refusing to engage with him.He could call me a slut if he wanted, but there was nothing he could say that would ever make me feel bad about what I had with Enzo and Asher.They had loved me more than Jared would have ever been capable of—if he actually knew what love was.
The door started to open, but was yanked shut before anyone could come inside.That did nothing to drown out the voices on the other side of it.
“I’m sorry, but there is a limit of two people in the room.I can’t let you go—”
I got to my feet, wondering what the commotion outside was about when I looked up and saw Asher.My heart skipped a beat as I blinked my eyes, trying to force myself to wake up because this had to be a dream.There was no way he was there right now in my father’s hospital room.
“Sir, I told you—” the nurse started, but I stepped toward Asher, reaching for him to make sure he was real.
“He stays,” I said quickly.“This one was just getting ready to leave.”
I nodded to Jared, not missing the way Asher’s jaw clenched as he stared at him.
“I don’t think so,” Jared said smugly, resting his hands on his stomach as if he planned to sit there.“I’m not going anywhere.”
Asher raised an eyebrow and then looked at me.
“This is absolutely not okay,” the older nurse scolded.“All of you need to leave now.This patient needs rest, and I won’t tolerate any fighting in here.”
“We will take this conversation to the waiting area,” I told her calmly, not wanting to get on her bad side and risk her refusing to let me stay with my dad.“Let’s go.”
I gave Jared a pointed look, but it was Asher heading toward him that got him out of his seat.
“You two are not doing that in here,” I said firmly, shoving Asher back a step before he clocked Jared.“We can talk outside.”
“Fine,” Jared mumbled as he got up and shoulder checked Asher.
I followed them both out of the room and pulled the door closed behind me.Enzo was waiting in the hallway, leaning against the wall as he studied my face.
I shook my head, unable to believe that they were both there.I didn’t have time to think about that if I wanted to get rid of Jared.I walked down the hallway and stepped into the waiting room as they all followed behind me.
“What are you guys doing here?”I asked, needing to know what was going on.
“I think the more important question is what ishedoing here?”Asher asked, nodding at Jared.
