Page 63 of Wallflower No More

Dex: How well do you want your steak?

Me: Well fucking done, and I want a big piece of it. He knows that means I want to participate in this action.

Dex: 10-4. We will be there in 5.

Me: Hurry.

The Murders Ink guys are ex-military and now offer incomparable services on the side. They won't work for just anybody, and they take mostly cases where women have been abused or kidnapped. When he asked me about my steak, he was asking how badly I wanted them hurt. Well done means that they will kill Jenson and Brody. No questions asked. They should have never touched her. She's as innocent and good as they come, so these motherfuckers will die today. I punch my steering wheel, then jump out of my truck.

As I walk in, Scarlett's screeching moans fill the hallway—and everything I've ever eaten threatens to come up as her cries reach my ears. Running toward the sound, my heart breaks as I see her trying to run away from Dex. They beat me here by mere seconds. She doesn't realize he's here to help.

Jenson and Brody are fighting, and they don't even realize she is getting away. Reaching for Scarlett, I take her from Dex. “Baby, baby. It’s me. It’s Axel.” I have my arms wrapped around her.

Ridge and Nathan join Dex, and they circle the motherfuckers who hurt my Wallflower. Jenson is on the floor, groaning. Brody kicked his ass. My first reaction is to go for them myself, but my heart knows that Scarlett is my only priority right now and that the Murders Ink boys will enact my revenge.

Pulling Scarlett back a little so I can look at her, I’m horrified to see what they’ve done to her. Her jaw looks dislocated. I've seen enough of these from my years in street fighting to know that it's not broken. I've even experienced it a time or three. The pain is excruciating. She doesn't deserve any of this. I feel murderous. She tries to talk, but it comes out all slurred because of her jaw. "Shush, baby. Rest. I've got you, and I'm going to call for help." I wait for the guys to give me the signal that it's okay for me to call 911. They leave out the back with the villains in tow. In and out like ghosts. My fingers tremble as I dial the numbers. Tears threaten to streak my face but letting them fall won't happen. I haven't cried since I was a kid, but it's taking all my strength not to allow them free reign now. "Help is on the way, Wallflower."

Scarlett tries to smile at me, but her injury can't allow the movement. As I kiss her forehead, the corners of my mouth tilt up in a half smile. "Damn, stubborn woman. I said rest." She tries to smile but it’s more of a grimace, shattering my heart into a million different pieces. Thankfully, Scarlett closes her eyes and leans against me before she can observe my change in mood. I'm helpless at this moment because I've never not been able to fix things.

It takes the poor EMTs several minutes to make me let her go. I didn't mean to be that guy, but the shock of what had taken place settled into my body, making me numb. Not being in control is not easy for me. However, the paramedics are trained professionals, and they understood why I couldn't let her go. One woman is retired from the military, and that's what sealed the deal. A marine could protect Scarlett better than even I can. I relented, and they went to work taking her vitals and loading her onto the gurney.

Scarlett will be okay physically. Her pulse, once she was in the safety of my arms, had slowed considerably, and was completely in the normal range by the time she was on the way to the hospital. Getting in my truck so I can follow close behind the ambulance proves difficult. Now is not the time for a breakdown, but when I dial Jake's number and he answers, I lose it.

My brothers and best friends meet me in the ER, and having Scarlett's phone on me, I call her dad. He will be on the next plane out. Not exactly how I wanted to be introduced to him. The police also stop by for details on her kidnapping. My face is straight as a board when I tell them who had her and that they got away when she fell into my arms. The detectives will never know what happened to Brody and Jenson because those are two bodies that'll never be found.

"What happened, Axel?" Jaxon is by my side, his hands tightened into fists.

"I'm not sure what made Scarlett go to her office, but she was attacked there. Then they took her to Sully's, the motherfuckers got away once they saw me." Guilt sinks deep in my gut. I hate lying to everyone, but they can't know about the Murders Ink guys and what really happened to them. They could be charged as accessories one day. Scar will be the only one I ever tell. She has a right to know.

The doctor walks over to us. "I've been in talks with Scarlett's dad, and he said it was okay to inform each of you about her condition. She's in a lot of pain and will be for a couple of days. We reset her jaw, but she should keep the bandage on for about a week. We're keeping her overnight, and she should be able to go home tomorrow. You all can see her now, but only two at a time. She needs rest.”

Dani speaks up before the doctor can leave. "Thank you, Doctor. May I ask if her D-dimmer levels have been checked for blood clots?"

My mind is gone to shit. Dani was hurt pretty badly last year and developed a blood clot and almost died. Glad she thought to ask that. He nods. "Yes, it has, and we will continue to monitor it tomorrow before sending her home." That brings a little relief to me. Now, I just want to see my Wallflower.

Chapter 34

Saturday the 14th: The Aftermath

The moment they enacted their plan to take Scarlett is the moment they chose to die because I will forever protect what's mine. -Axel

Axel

Scarlett has slipped in and out of consciousness all day long. I've been by her side for every pain pill and every scream she's made because of the nightmares, making me have zero regrets about my decision. Dex texted me that they were awaiting my arrival and that no harm would come to Brody or Jenson until I gave the command. He also stated they were the biggest bunch of assholes he had ever encountered.

My need for reassurance that she's alright makes me squeeze Scarlett's hand for the hundredth time. She's alive, and they say as soon as the anesthesia wears off, she'll be more alert. They decided to keep her for one night, just for observation.

Coach came by to check on us. We have an off week from football, which is a good thing because I would not be playing if we had a game. She will always come first. The game means nothing without her. Seeing the support from everyone has meant so much and I know it will make Scarlett feel good too once she’s awake and alert.

I lean down and kiss her knuckles. Scarlett is my lifeline, and when the doctor told me no more tests needed to be run, I called bullshit. He was informed that whatever Scarlett's insurance wouldn't pay, I would, and once he heard my last name, that got the ball rolling. Now, she's hooked on a thousand different pieces of equipment, and it still feels insufficient. Just one look at her swollen face breaks me every time. She’ll have to wear a bandage wrapped from the top of her head to under her neck for one week, and she won't be able to eat solid food for two. The surgeon claims that she should have no further problems from the dislocation.

That piece of good news won't save her attackers.

Dex: The packages are safe and secure, waiting on you, hoss.

My fists clench at my sides.

Me: 10-4, I'll be in contact soon.