Page 22 of Ma Belle Marguerite
Rex just holds me for a moment before speaking. “Ma Belle, how are you feeling?” he asks quietly.
Looking around, I see that nobody is paying us too much attention. “I’m okay. What happened?” Trying to make myself small in his arms.
“I came to see you before I left, like I said I would. I was discharged, as you thought I would be. When I walked in, I saw you having what looked like a panic attack.” He seems to be watching my face for a reaction as he talks. “I tried to get your attention, but you were just staring at the person on the stretcher who was being brought in. You looked pale, so I picked you up, and you passed out.” Concern written across his face.
Well, isn’t this a great impression for all my new colleagues? So fucking embarassing. I can’t believe I did that. “Thank you, Rex. I should be good now. You don’t need to stay here,” I say, secretly hoping that he’ll stay just a bit longer.
Looking at me, confused, he asks, “Why would I leave you? I told you earlier that you are what is important. I’m not leaving you until I know you are 100% okay.” He sounds exasperated with me but doesn’t let me go.
I shake my head and say, “You don’t need to deal with this. Seeing all the blood reminded me of Adrien. I’m sure you don’t want to hear me talk about him.” Fuck, that’ll definitely push him away.
I see what looks like a flash of anger on his face, but he quickly schools his emotions and looks at me with soft eyes that he’s only ever had for me.
“You underestimate me, Bella. I don’t want to hear about the man who had what should have been mine, but he was a huge part of your life. I know he’ll come up. I can put my feelings aside temporarily for you. But I just may beat the shit out of someone if you tell me about your sex life with him,” Rex growls.
Laughing, I give Rex a small kiss on the lips. “Thank you, I needed that.” I sit up, still feeling slightly off.
“I’m just always worried that it will be someone else I care about being wheeled through those doors. My heart can’t handle anymore loss.” Taking a deep breath, I try to calm myself. “Well, I’m not getting paid to lie here and talk to you about my feelings. I need to get back to work and leave this bed for someone who actually needs it.”
Grabbing my arm, Rex pulls me back into him. “Bella, please, you need more time. I have an idea, if you’ll allow me to explain.” The look of concern on his face causes me to cave and relax back into his arms.
“Okay, you have two minutes,” I’m sure this will be interesting. His ideas have always been a bit outside of the box.
“You need a job to pay bills, right?” Rex looks at me with a serious face. “I have a job you can do, and I’ll match whatever you would have been making here. I also have a bit of sway with your boss. I can have him save your place here if you want to return.”
I cut into his rambling, “Why would I go to work for you when I have a job already?” I don’t know if I should be offended or happy. Who the fuck does he think he is?
“Well, your reaction to the man they brought in seems like you have PTSD or something. I’m no doctor, but I thought a change of environment for a while could help,” Rex tells me matter of factly.
Defensively, I ask, “So you think something is wrong with me?” I know he doesn’t deserve my anger, but he is so frustrating. I want to smack him and kiss him at the same time.
“No,Ma Belle,” he sighs, “I just want whatever is best for you and your kids. If you’re stressed out like this at work, it will transfer to them at home. Taking care of you is my main priority.” His voice sounds sincere, and the look on his face is serious.
“I’ll think about it.” I can’t believe him. “I need to finish my shift right now. I will text you when I make a decision.” I’m a full grown woman, for fucks sake.
Laughing, Rex says, “Oh, Bella, I already talked to your boss, and he agreed you need the night off, so he already has someone covering for you. You’re coming home with me.”
“Like hell I am!” I yell. Remembering where we are, I lower my voice but don’t back down. “You can’t just walk back into my life and take over. I’m a full-grown woman who can make her own choices, thank you very fucking much!” He is so lucky he has bruised ribs right now because I want to give him a swift elbow to the gut and get out of his arms. I also don’t want to hurt him more than he already is.
“I know you can, Bella. I’m just concerned. I already lost you once and don’t want to lose you again. Besides, what’s done is done,” Rex states like I am the crazy one here and he’s just spouting off facts. “I will take care of you whether you like it or not.”
Is he fucking serious right now? “I see not much has changed. Overbearing, possessive asshole Rex is still alive and well. That bang to your head didn’t help with that.” Normally overbearing, possessive asshole Rex is attractive in the bedroom, not at my place of work.
Laugh lines appear on his face, “I see my amazing, independent, bratty girl hasn’t changed much either.” He quips back. “Just the way I love you.”
Groaning, I turn away. “Wow, you definitely have not changed much at all. Since I now have the night off, I’ll go home and spend it with my kids. Goodnight, Rex.” I pull myself upright and sit on the edge of the bed as I get my bearings.
“I’ll bring you home. Darryl will follow in your vehicle.” Rex says this as if he is the boss here. He obviously hasn’t learned.
I turn to face him. “I’m capable of getting myself home, thank you very much. You may be the boss of your men, but you’re not my boss.” I’m sure he can hear the annoyance in my voice. I’m not doing this shit with him. I don’t have the time or patience.
“Bella, it’s not about what you’re capable of. This is about letting me help and make up for the years I missed. Think of it as you’re doing it for me, my peace of mind, if that makes you feel better about it.” Rex has the nerve to use his damn sad face that he knows I can’t resist.
Of course, I give in. “Fine, but I drive; you ride with me. That's the only way I’ll agree.” I can’t be a complete push over.
Smirking, Rex just nods his head, pulls out his phone, and starts texting. “Let’s go get your stuff.” He gets up and waits for me to lead the way.
Rolling my eyes I just walk away towards my locker for my bag. I can hear him following. This is going to be quite the adjustment if he thinks he’s just going to walk back into my life and run everything. I’m not a naive eighteen year old anymore.
