Stolen (13 page)

“What is there to say Blade? You made your point, and I made mine, now just leave me alone. I have moved on.”

“You have?”

“Damn right I have, I have been seeing someone for the past week, and I like him a lot. Now just leave me alone.”

“What is his name?”

“None of your business.” I snarl.

“Right…”

“I don’t care if you believe me or not Blade. Just go back to your wife, she seems lovely.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. She just has an attitude problem; she is perfect for you. Goodnight Blade.”

I turn and storm off, leaving him standing alone. I wasn’t completely lying when I said I had been seeing someone. The truth was Caleb had come back and tried to make things better; he swore he had never been with Summer and he was very persistent. That had to mean something, he could have moved on, but he was still chasing me. I let him in one night, and we had talked, I could learn to love Caleb again. Right? When I get home he is sitting on my patio.

“Hey Caleb.” I try to smile.

“Hey! You are home early.”

“Yeah. I didn’t feel well.”

“Really? What’s wrong?”

“Just over tired I think.”

“Come inside and I will run you a bath.” He smiles, opening the door for me. At least he is trying I guess.

We sit down for a while chatting and then he runs me a bath. I welcome it with open arms. It feels fantastic on my sore, lonely body. When I am done, I wrap a towel around myself and walk out. Caleb has taken his shirt off and
is sitting on the couch, which i
s pretty typical of him. He did that often, so it didn’t shock me. I just turn to get dressed when there is a knock at the door. I walk over and open it
, only
to face a sympathetic Blade.

“Oh,” He mumbles, “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were in the shower, can I come in?”

“Not right now no.”

“Why?”

“Because I am busy.”

“You have someone in there don’t you?” He growls, his eyes burning with jealousy.

I shouldn’t have
done what I did next, but I kne
w Caleb sitting with his shirt off and me in a towel would look very wrong. Even though we haven’t done anything.

“Yes I do, can you please leave.” I mutter.

“Who is it?”

I open the door further and he sees Caleb sitting on the couch. I can almost hear his blood boiling.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Couldn’t just let my relationship go down the drain, I had to try and fix it.” I smile, repeating what he had said to me about Cassie.

“You’re doing this on purpose
,
aren’t you?”

“Well I wasn’t expecting you tonight, so no.
”

“Are you sleeping with that jerk?”

“Am I in a towel, is he half naked? You interrupted us.”

“Your hair is wet. You were in the shower.”

“Yes I was, but when you showed up I
was on his lap
, now can you please leave?”

“You’re pathetic.”

“Why? I am not doing anything wrong.” I snap, as I do Caleb comes to the door.

“What is he doing here?”

“Nothing, he was just leaving.” I growl, glaring at Blade.

He shakes his head and storms down the stairs onto the beach, then he disappears into the darkness. I do feel a little bad now, but I want to hurt him, how he hurt me. That isn’t right I know, but I am so angry. After he leaves, I send Caleb home too. When he is gone
, I
curl up on the couch reading a book.

I am right in the middle of it when I hear some rustling outside. I get up and look out the window, but I can’t see anything. Figuring it is just a stray animal, I turn, then I hear a big crash out the front. I go rushing out to see Blade standing up and dusting himself off. I instantly smile; he is checking on me. He stares up at me, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Blade, you wouldn’t be checking up on me would you?”

“No, I was just passing by….” He snaps and then lets out a sigh
.
“Yes I was checking on you.”

I snort and shake my head. “Come inside and clean up.”

He follows me inside; I am still smiling when he turns towards me.

“It’s not funny.”

“It is a little funny.” I grin.

“Whatever.”

“Why were you checking on me?”

“I didn’t want you sleeping with that idiot.”

“Well clearly you can see I am not.”

“Well why were you saying I interrupted you?”

“Why do you think?” I say, and his eyes widen.

“You did that on purpose?”

“Yep.” I laugh, and he snorts.

“Well that wasn’t nice was it?”

“Probably not but you deserved it…just a little.”

“Thanks!”

“It’s nice to know you were checking on me.”

“I still care for you, I don’t want you to be hurt.”

“I am a big girl, I can take care of myself!”

“Big girl, I don’t think so.
You’re
still only a baby, so young and innocent.”

“Well I know when to say no.” I huff, folding my arms across my chest.

“I hope so.”

“Well I am here alone aren’t I?” I point out.

“Good point.” He smiles slightly.

“Do you want something to drink?”

“Yeah I guess.” He says tiredly, then sits down on the couch, I duck into the kitchen and get us both a drink.

“So why do you feel so protective?” I ask when I come back out.

“I don’t want to see you hurt, I just said that.”

“Well no offence Blade but you hurt me more than he ever will.”

He groans a little, before looking at me
. “I suppose you are
right.”

“Yeah, I am.”

“It doesn’t mean I
want to see you
hurt
anymore
, not after everything.”

“Well like I said; I can take care of myself
.
”

“I have no doubt. Anyway, I better go Cassie has been ringing me for hours.”

“Off you go then, run to her.” I mutter.

“Don’t be like that.”

“Well what do you want me to be like? She is a bitch.”

“Don’t call her a bitch, she is my wife Em.” He snaps.

“Yeah and she isn’t mine, so I don’t have to like her.”

“Well it doesn’t matter what you think does it? She is with me.”

“Yes she is, and she knows it too.”

“She was just upset tonight, she isn’t usually like that.” He argues, defending her.

“Really then why doesn’t your mum like her?”

“Alright Em, you have made your point. I have to go, oh mamma said to tell you we are having a birthday dinner tomorrow night, it’s dad’s birthday. She really wants you to come.”

“I will be there. Wait is Cassie going to be there?”

“You know she is!” He sighs.

“Fine, goodnight Blade.”

He leans forward and surprises me by kissing my head.

“Night
Angel
.”

CHAPTER 10

I arrive at Nessie and Bill
’
s early the next afternoon, planning on helping Nessie with the food. I have dressed in a light yellow summer dress and sandals. I decided to leave my hair down for tonight, too tired to attempt tying it up. When I arrive at Nessie and Bill’s house, I see everyone sitting on the front porch. Including Blade and Cassie.

“Hi sweetheart!” Bill smiles when I walk up the steps.

“Hey there big fella, happy birthday.” I grin, kissing his cheek.

“Thanks love, how you been? We haven’t seen you for a while.”

“Sorry. I have been working and finishing the cabin.”

“How is it going there?”

“It’s great, I have nearly finished everything now.” I smile.

“Hey did you hear I was going overseas?” Jock pipes up.

“I did. I will miss you.” I frown.

Cassie snorts rudely, and I turn to face her.

“Have you got a problem?”

“No. I just think you’re putting on a massive act; it is really pathetic.”

“Right and you would know about pathetic, that’s why you’re here and nobody even likes you. Last time I checked that was pretty pathetic, or would you say perhaps embarrassing?”

“That’s not true.” She snarls.

“It is true, but you believe what you want, I might be “Pathetic” in your eyes, but I love them and they know it.”

“Here here!” Jock yells grinning.

“You are only here for Blade.” She shoots, her face reddening
.

“Ahhh, that is where
you’re
wrong. He is the
furthest
thing from my mind, didn’t he tell you I am seeing someone else? Why he popped in the other night and I introduced them!” I smirk, and she turns to glare at Blade, he sighs putting his head in his hands.

“Anyway, I am going to see Nessie.” I say cheerfully.

I walk inside; I am pretty proud of myself. Besides she asked for it. Nessie is in the kitchen with a few of the ladies preparing dinner. She looks well; the treatment is going great. Her eyes light up when she sees me.

“Oh Em. I am so glad you came, come here.” She pulls me into a firm hug.

“I missed you Nessie.”

“Me too. How have you been?”

“I am okay, it’s been hard.”

“I don’t know what is wrong with that boy, he has lost his marbles.” She laughs, twirling her finger by her temple.

“Maybe so but it is his choice to make.” I giggle, trying hard not to laugh at her.

“I suppose so, well at least you’re here. That makes everything better.”

“Thanks Nes, I brought you a salad.”

“Thank you love, that’s wonderful. Dinner is nearly ready
,
why
don’t you go sit with everyone?
”

“Are you sure you don’t want any help?”

“No. I have plenty, you go relax.”

“Thanks Nessie.”

I walk outside and pull up a chair.

“You want a beer?” Jock asks.

“Hit me.”

He laughs and throws me a bottle. I notice Blade staring at me, he looks handsome. More so now, than ever. His hair has lightened in the summer heat and it is looking more a sandy blonde. He is a great looking man; it hurts to imagine her with him. I try hard to ignore the stabbing pain in my chest.

“So Em, a
nother bloke hey?” Jock asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Yes, just an old flame.”

“He isn’t going to drag you away from us is he?”

“No! That would never happen.” I smile.

“I hope not, you’re too special.”

I see Cassie roll her eyes; I love it.

“Thanks Jock.”

“I am sorry, but I have to say something.” Cassie says standing up.

“Sit down Cassie!” Blade growls.

“No, this needs to be done, once and for all or we will never fix this marriage. It is clear she is in the picture with your family, so we have to sort this.”

“Sort what?” I mumble.

“Me and you. And this issue with Blade.”

“There is no issue with Blade. Except the one you’re making.”

“I am not making one, it is so obvious you still want him. I can see you staring at him.”

“Oh for
God
’s sakes, get over yourself.” I hiss.

“Come down here, we need to talk.”

“Fine.” I snap, following her down the stairs.

“This
isn’t
gonna end
well.”
Bill
mutters.

“What is your problem?” She growls at me when we stop on the grass.

“I don’t have a problem; it seems to me you are the one with the issues.”

“You listen to me and listen good. Stay away from Blade, he is with me now.”

“I haven’t even been near him, you are bloody paranoid.”

“I am not paranoid. You just mark my words, stay away from him, or there will be trouble.”

I start to laugh
.
“What are you going to do?”

She pushes me hard
, sending me a few steps backwards. I come flying back and punch her, connecting with her face and sending out a loud crack that echoes through the trees. She screams and the next thing I know we were tackling on the ground, then we are being pulled of eac
h other. We are both filthy
and panting with anger.