Chapter Twenty-Eight

Threats

I woke up the next morning still lying next to Chris as I had expected. But, one thing was there this morning that wasn't there last night, or yesterday for the matter.

I looked on the bedside table to find a note, left from Ryan and Addison.

Chris and Nicole,

Tonight, we have decided that the four of us are going to go on a double date. This may be news to you or it may not be but, the two of us have pretty large feelings for each other. Although, with the army and everything that is going on in our lives, we haven't actually been on a legitimate date yet. Which is what we are planning to do today. And what better way to go on a first date than with two people whom we love dearly. Don't worry we will take care of everything. From reservations to outfits, we will handle everything. And besides, Chris needs to be on his best behaviour if he wants to be let out for dinner tonight. The nurses have been keeping a sharp eye on him. So stay here and simply relax while we take care of every detail.

Love,

Addison and Ryan xo

By the time I had finished reading the letter, Chris had already woken up. He was attempting to lean over my shoulder to read the letter, but before he could hurt himself, I handed him the letter.

"You're gonna have to stop moving around so much if you want your shoulder to heal properly" I smirked.

"Well how can I when all I want to do is cuddle you?" he laughed.

"Just a few weeks and then I'm all yours" I grinned.

"Oh I guess that's do-able" he winked.

I gave him a quick kiss before deciding to head out for something to eat.

"What's for breakfast honey?" I asked him.

"Pancakes!" he smiled like a kid on Christmas.

"Comin' right up. Just hang in there for ten minutes alright?"

"Okay" he laughed.

I grabbed my purse and walked through the hospital, making my way towards the elevators. I pressed the button to take me to the ground floor and I slowly began to feel the elevator move. I stepped out once I had reached the ground floor and walked toward the parking lot. Realizing that Ryan and Addison had taken the rental, I saw that McDonald's wasn't too far away. I started to walk towards it when I tripped on a crack in the sidewalk. As I braced myself to be smacked by the pavement, I was brought back up to my feet.

"Thanks" I said instantly, my cheeks becoming slightly red.

"No problem baby"

Jay's voice.

"What are you doing here?" I spat.

"Trying to get my baby back to me" he replied nonchalantly.

"Well, it's too late for that! I've told you this a thousand times Jay. You lost me for good the second you decided to sleep with Lexi because a cheater always cheats and never changes. Why don't you get that?!"

"Because I love you Nicole. I always have. I know I was stupid, but haven't you ever made a mistake? I screwed up, I know. But I am willing to change if you will just give me a chance" he said taking my hand in his.

I instantly pulled my hand away and slapped him.

"How about a taste of your own medicine" I said venomously.

"You treated me so wrong Jay. So wrong. You hurt me! Physically and mentally. I had to make up reasons why I would come home with bruises on my arms and handprints on my cheeks! I hated lying to my own mother and you weren't worth the guilt of it. When you slept with Lexi, that was the tipping point where I just couldn't look past everything you had done and forgive you. I found a new courage to stand my ground and do what was best for me. Not you. You said you would change numerous times but you never did. Now leave me " I spat.

I turned away before he could respond and ran back to the hospital. I could hear Jay faintly screaming,

"Don't think you're superhero boyfriend can save you now Nicole! He's hurt! And I'm willing to take advantage of that! Keep being this stupid and you'll end up right next to him on your death bed!!"

Tears ran down my face as I sped into the hospital. I bolted to the elevators and pressed the third floor button. Thankfully, no one else joined me in the elevator.

When I heard the dinging noise signalling that I had reached my desired floor, I ran out of the doors, my shoulder nearly slamming into them. I ran straight to Chris's room and slammed the door behind me breathing heavily.

"What's wrong?" Chris asked, his voice filled with worry and concern.

I just let the tears run down my face and let out a quiet sob.

"C'mere" he raised his good arm and motioned for me to come over to him.

Needing his company, I ran over to his side and fell onto the surprisingly large hospital bed. I buried my head in his chest as he rubbed circles on my back in a desperate attempt to calm me down. I know that I shouldn't be crying this much over Jay but he had figured out a way to say things that will make me collapse into a puddle of fear.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" he asked soothingly.

"Well, I was heading for the McDonald's down the street when I tripped on a crack in the sidewalk. Just before I hit the ground, Jay caught me"

"Oh no"

"He said that he wanted to get me back, and after I reminded him of every horrible thing he had done to me, he said that he was willing to change. I told him that that was basically bull crap because he has said that before and he never followed through. I told him no once again and as I was walking away, he said that if I continued being stupid, I would end up right next to you in here on my death bed"

"Aw honey" he said softly, his grip on my waist tightening and causing me to be pulled closer so I was flush against his warm body.

I continued softly crying hoping he wouldn't hear me, even though I knew that he could. The man could see right through me. And when it came to my well-being, he was like a mind-reader and he suddenly developed super-sonic hearing. I was so thankful that he cared so much about me. Even though it could potentially lead to his demise.

"I won't let him hurt you. You know that"

"I know but, you're hurt. What are you going to do if he just came and jumped me in the street?"

"Anything it takes to keep you safe and sound. And here with me, no matter what condition I'm in, is the safest place you'll ever be" he comforted kissing my forehead.

Just then, Addison and Ryan came bursting into the room. Ryan's sling had been removed and he was recovering at "superhuman speed" so he said.

"Hey lovebirds!" he exclaimed as he walked through the door.

Ryan had this quality of making you laugh no matter what your mood. He was a great friend and he was almost turning into the brother I never had.

"Alright, Nicole you're going to have to come with me" Addison said.

I looked up at Chris before asking her where we were going.

"Well we have to get ready! I was going to take you to the bathroom down the hall so we can at least have an element of surprise"

"Alright" I concluded. Since we weren't leaving the building, I felt a little safer from Jay.

Chris poked my shoulder to make me look at him.

"You're safe as long as you're in a 1000 mile radius honey" he whispered stroking my hair.

"I know" I said kissing him lightly.

I got up from the bed and followed Addison down the surprisingly long hall. When we reached the end, there was a small bathroom to the right side of it. Addison walked in carrying two dry cleaning bags, a bag from a shoe store, and a bag from a little jewelry boutique down the street.

She closed and locked the door behind me which made some of the stress about Jay go away.

"What's wrong honey?" she asked inquiringly.

I told her everything that had happened with Jay today and she assured me that I was Chris's family and that he would protect me no matter what.

She hugged me and picked up one of the dry cleaning bags. She unzipped it and pulled out a gorgeous little black dress with a white satin sash. It had an A-Line neckline and came just below mid-thigh.

"It's gorgeous" I breathed.

"Size four?" she asked.

"How did you know?" I questioned.

"I took a lucky guess. I'm a size four and you definitely aren't bigger than me" she laughed.

"Let's see yours" I said.

She carefully set the black dress back into the bag and set it down. She reached for the other bag and began unzipping it.

She pulled out a crimson red dress that had a portrait neckline and a sash that was the same colour as the dress. Below the sash, the dress flowed beautifully with a few large ruffles.

"Oh my goodness! It's gorgeous!" I exclaimed.

"Thanks" she said "now let's get you ready. The dinner reservation is in an hour and a half"

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Hey readers!! So.....Jay's back and I think it's safe to say that he is a stalker.

Do you think that he will follow through on his threat and try to hurt Nicole? Or will Chris scare him off?

Keep reading to find out! Don't forget to comment and vote! Your opinions and feedback mean the world to me!

Happy reading!

Eagle_Eye_13 xx