Page 41 of Jagger
I need to find Molly, so there's one less thing for Aphrodite to worry about. I know Molly will tell her what I did to her, but it's a bitter pill I'll have to swallow. I did it to save her from that sick fuck, even though it meant hurting her. Betraying her. Because that's what it feels like—like I've betrayed her. I know that's crazy because I never promised her anything; we weren't in a relationship…but we had a connection. Something I've never felt before, and I know she felt it too. Now whatever that was is gone, and I fucking hate myself for it. So yeah, I did it to save her, but I ruined any chance of anything happening between us.
I flex my fingers and watch as more blood trickles down my hand. This shouldn't surprise me—I've never had a relationship, and with good reason. I don't have anyone in my life who I would put my life on the line for—not even my mother. Hell, least of all her. I wish she'd died instead of my uncle. My gaze flickers over to the hospital, and I feel a sharp pang in my chest. I do care about my cousin. I care about my friends, too, but I wouldn't die for anyone. Love isn't strong enough for that. I think of Molly and close my eyes. The image of her lying broken beneath me makes my skin crawl, and nausea creeps up my throat. I'd had to endure watching Lawson hurt her—gripping her by the throat and tearing her underwear from her beautiful body like he owned her. Rage brews within me, and I can't help but clench my fists, my wounds be damned. I'm trying hard to push awayhow I feel about Molly, but it's fucking brutal. And now I've got no idea where she is. I head back into the hospital, the sickly scent of bleach and illness greeting me like a fiend when I walk in. I make my way back to Aphrodite's room and speak to Kaden, promising him I'll make the people who did this to Aphrodite pay. Kaden gives me a sad smile and says, "They won't bother her again."
So, he did kill them, just as I suspected.
"Then I'm forever in your debt," I tell him gravely. "Anything you need…"
"I need her to wake up," Kaden states, staring at my cousin.
I wish I could wave a magic wand and make her wake up?—
"Kaden?"
Aphrodite's eyes flutter open, and I jump to my feet, lifting the top of her bed so she can sit up. Her eyes are ringed with a faint blue color, her lips dry and cracked as she rasps, "They killed my parents."
Holy shit.
So, she does know. I gaze at her bruised skin and clench my jaw, my stomach in knots. She tells me what they did—but I already know, thanks to Kaden briefing me over the phone. I need to find out who killed her parents—because Kaden's already taken care of the fuckers that hurt Aphrodite.
"I'll find whoever did this," I tell her, and she locks her gaze onto mine.
Even bruised and battered, she looks fierce. Like a warrior. Pride blossoms in my chest.
"Promise me you'll let me deal with them."
As if.
I scoff and shake my head. "I'm dealing with them. Your parents and you are my family."
Her eyes swim with tears, and I lean down to press my lips to her head.
"Kaden will stay with you. Let him look after you, Aphrodite."
I step away, my legs feeling heavier than before. Every step takes mass effort, but somehow, I make it to the door.
"I'll get the doctor. It's good to see you awake, cuz."
I turn away just as Aphrodite calls, "Jagger!" I look back to see her eyes wide with fresh worry.
What now?
"Can you call Molly? Let her know I'm okay?"
My stomach drops, and my throat dries. Now isn't the time to tell her that I have no fucking idea where she is and that the reason she's not here is because I raped her. Oh, and her ex-pimp is back in town—also my fault.Fucking hell.
I swallow and force a nod, my head a heavy weight. "Sure thing." Then I turn away, feeling Kaden's gaze on me.
What the fuck am I going to do?
I step outside her room and lean against the wall, watched by a wary nurse. But I don't smash the wall up like I did before. I grit my teeth and count to ten, willing this bullshit to leave me alone for ten fucking seconds so I canthink.I look at the nurse and say, "She's awake. Get a doctor."
The nurse glares at me briefly but nods, hurrying away.
I barely pay attention to anything as I head outside, wondering where the fuck my car is and guessing that it's probably with Molly. I jump into one of the waiting cabs outside the hospital and rest my head on the headrest just as my phone rings.
I can't even begin to imagine what bullshit this call will bring. I'm not even sure anything else can go wrong.
"Jagger Knox?"
