The Irresistible Bundle (83 page)

Chapter Thirty-Six

Jaxon stepped out of the bathroom. In the few minutes it took for him to shower, Nicholas had brought in the other sofa bed and a recliner into the private suite. Marco and Valentino were back; both now at Carina's side. Leticia was nowhere to be seen.

"Where'd Leti go?" Jaxon asked.

"She went back to the club" Marco replied. Leticia had come at the perfect time to help calm and rejuvenate them. Her absence now permeated through the room. To say Valentino's surly attitude surprised him would be an understatement. Marco slumped in the chair next to his lover and best friend. He closed his eyes recalling their brief but intimate shower.

Marco stalked out of the private suite baffled with Valentino's hostility. Where the hell was all this coming from? Valentino silently walked by his side but he felt a million miles away. Marco looked down at their hands. They were close enough to touch but neither moved their hands to the other. His chest ached. He didn't think it could hurt anymore after Carina's assault but Valentino's sharp words pierced his already tattered chest.

Valentino stepped into the oversized bathroom first. Marco watched Valentino strip down, completely oblivious to his surroundings, without bothering to see if the door was closed or if Marco was with him. Marco rubbed his aching chest. Valentino's silence smothered him. He hated fighting with Valentino; especially when he didn't know what the hell was going on.

"Talk to me" Marco pleaded. He wasn't too prideful to get on his knees and beg forgiveness for whatever wrong Valentino deemed him to have committed.

Valentino spun on Marco, catching him by surprise. Marco blinked at his lover's unexpected aggressiveness. "We're supposed to be comforting each other" Valentino's vulnerable voice straightened Marco's spine. "It fucking hurts to see you holding him."

Marco's eyes widened with bafflement. What the... "Someone had to stop Jaxon from beating the wall" He scoffed in disbelief. "No one else stepped up to the plate. Do you think Carina would be happy with us if we just watched Jaxon lose his shit and do nothing about it?"

"But you never let him go after that" Valentino petulantly replied.

Marco bit the inside of his cheek. He wanted to laugh at Valentino's pouty expression but he also wanted to smack the scowl off his face. Valentino was always the level-headed one in the relationship. This was completely unlike him.

"And you never let go of Desirae" Marco retorted. Maybe it was a petty thing to point out, especially since he understood why Valentino was holding onto Desirae so tightly. No one had ever seen the freckled beauty so distraught.

"Diego couldn't be there for her" Valentino's face scrunched with confusion and indignation. Why the hell were they pointing fingers at each other? "Jaxon had Leticia but she couldn't get in there because you refused to let him go."

"I needed someone too" Marco gruffly whispered. He stared at Valentino trying to make him understand. He needed someone too and Valentino, always the white knight, swooped in to comfort Desirae. Who should Marco have turned to? Would Valentino consider Andrea a better option? Or maybe he should've sought the arms of his cousin, guaranteeing no fights.

Valentino's shoulders slumped in defeat. Through his frustration and jealousy he hadn't bothered to see things from Marco's perspective. It was a rare moment for Valentino to never consider Marco first. "I'm sorry" his voice cracked. He stepped forward pulling Marco into his arms. "I need you" Valentino confessed.

Marco wrapped his arms around Valentino's muscular frame. He closed his eyes and inhaled the unique scent of his lover. "I need you too" He whispered into his neck. They held each other for several minutes, just breathing each other in.

"I'm scared" Marco admitted aloud for the first time. "What if this changes everything? What if she blames us?"

Valentino held Marco tightly. "She won't blame us" He confidently stated. He had to believe it was true. "And we'll get through this together."

"I love you" Marco pressed his forehead against Valentino's. So much had happened in a matter of hours. "There's no one else for me but you and Carina. No one" Marco emphasized.

"Thank God" Valentino trembled. He pulled his head back and really allowed Marco to see the emotions roiling through him. They weren't pretty but Marco needed to understand. "I'm not the jealous kind but seeing you and Jaxon like that fucking shredded me. Don't get any ideas... I'm done sharing, and I sure as hell won't ever agree to you and Jaxon."

Marco's insides warmed at Valentino's possessive tone. He'd wondered how long they were going to maintain the open relationship. As fun as it was to play around with the girls on occasion, Valentino and Carina were more than enough for him. Marco watched the normally reserved Valentino make himself vulnerable to him. Insecurity, jealousy, grief, and love clouded Valentino's eyes.

"Okay" Marco whispered. He tipped his chin up and brushed his lips over Valentino's mouth. Valentino groaned at the contact. Marco pressed his hard body against Valentino's. Marco's skewed world righted itself whenever he was in his lover's arms. He sighed as Valentino parted his lips and slipped his tongue in.

"What are you thinking about?" Valentino whispered into Marco's neck. He was immensely relieved that they'd aired out their grievances before stepping into the shower.

"Remembering that kiss" Marco smiled at Valentino. He entwined his fingers with Valentino's as they both reached out to softly touch Carina. Each agonizing hour that passed with Carina still unconscious was only bearable with Valentino at his side.

"I think you guys should sleep in shifts" Nicholas' voice came from the doorway. He walked into the room and reviewed Carina's medical chart. He looked at Valentino and Marco, pleased with their apparent reunion. "Diego, I really think you need to rest first." Nicholas urged. Everyone looked awful but Diego looked the worst.

"I need to be by her side when she wakes up" Diego adamantly stated.

"I know" Nicholas replied. "But Carina will worry about you if you keep looking like shit. At least take a nap. If Carina so much as twitches we'll wake you."

Diego's eyelids felt like they weighed a ton. Every part of his body ached and his mind felt as fragile as glass. The adrenaline was long gone and he was past the point of running on fumes. Diego looked at Marco and Valentino who seemed like the shower gave them a second wind. Jaxon looked to be in rough shape. Diego was sure he looked worse.

Nicholas watched Diego fight to stay awake. He followed Diego's gaze to a somber Jaxon. "I think both of you should rest while Marco and Valentino watch over Carina. I'll be in and out."

Diego sighed in defeat. He really was on the edge of being completely useless. He mustered the little bit of strength he had left and dragged himself over to the sofa on the other side of the room. He didn't bother removing the cushions and unfolding the mattress. He collapsed onto the sofa, looked at his sister one last time before closing his eyes and succumbing to exhaustion.

Nicholas turned to Jaxon and tilted his head waiting for him to do the same thing. Marco nodded his head silently pleading with him to rest. Jaxon grumbled to himself as he threw his body back onto the loveseat. He adjusted his position before scowling at the others who refused to look anywhere else but at him. He was more than capable of putting himself to sleep. Jaxon closed his eyes and prayed for nothing but blackness. He didn't want to dream about Pete or Carina.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Desirae wasn't sure if it was more of a blessing or a curse to have the connection with Dean Richard. She'd had the hangover from hell and hadn't gone to class. Even sober, Desirae knew she wouldn't have gone. How could she pretend everything was fine when her entire world had unraveled? Instead Dean Richard checked her attendance, excused her and Andrea from all their classes for the next two days and sent a car over to drive them to the estate.

The university was all abuzz regarding Carina's attack. Desirae refused to leave the apartment because all she wanted to do was bash in every face that made any kind of mention regarding Carina. If anything, Desirae was relieved to get away from campus. She needed to be by her best friend's side. She hated the silence emanating from her phone. No one had called with an update which likely meant one of two things. There was no update or Carina was in such bad shape that Andrea and Desirae were the last things on their minds. She refused to believe the latter option.

Desirae followed Andrea into the medical wing. Normally she was the brave one standing in front facing things head on. It's what they all knew her for. Desirae was the firecracker, the troublemaker. Now she was only empty. She couldn't allow herself to feel anything more than numbness because if she allowed emotions to infiltrate her system she would drown.

Their footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway. Desirae looked around hoping to catch a glimpse of a doctor or nurse. She preferred to get the update from one of them rather than the men. She hated being weak. She'd been in that state for too long during her adolescent years. She refused to become that girl again.

"Impeccable timing" Dean Richard greeted the girls. The trio stepped into the room together. The monitor beeped loudly as everyone in the room stared at the doorway. Desirae shifted uncomfortably. She didn't like the intense stares from the silent men.

"Does anyone have an update for us?" Andrea inquired. She grabbed Desirae's hand. For the first time Andrea felt like they were intruding on the guys and it wasn't right. They were as close with Carina as the guys were. Diego was the only one who had a right to claim something more.

"She hasn't regained consciousness" Richard replied. "Her vitals are stable. It's only a matter of time before she wakes up."

Andrea exhaled loudly. Desirae trembled allowing all of her spent up nerves to release through the tremors.

"What of Pete" Jaxon inquired. He sat in the recliner close to Carina's bed. Diego was still stationed to one side while Marco and Valentino remained at her other side.

"He's still unconscious" Richard sternly stated as he glared at Diego. "But for other reasons. There's swelling in his brain. If it doesn't go away in the next few hours the doctors will have to drill a hole in his skull to alleviate the pressure."

"Good riddance" Jaxon muttered.

"Diego" Richard's voice evened out. "Did Pete show any sign of recognition?" If anything Richard prayed that Pete remembered the attack on Carina but not the assault against him.

"I blindsided him" Diego shrugged indifferently. "I only recognized him by the sound of his voice. He could've walked right by me and I wouldn't have known who it was."

"Did he sustain other injuries" Marco asked the question everyone else didn't dare to voice.

"Too many to list at the moment" Richard tartly replied. He wasn't going to give the group the satisfaction of knowing how badly injured Pete truly was. "I just stopped by to give you an update. I need to sit down with Nicholas and review the footage he has for this case."

Jaxon shot up from his seat. "That's right" his voice climbed several degrees. "He said something about Pete's accomplice."

Richard held up his hand. There was no way he wanted any of them to see the footage. Whoever was entangled in this mess with Pete would be in danger from the very people in this room. Richard wanted this person to fully cooperate in this investigation.

"I'm the only one who's going. I'll let you know about our findings once I review the tapes and discuss everything with Nicholas and the University Legal Team."

Jaxon gritted his teeth but didn't object. His uncle's implacable tone broached for no negotiating tactics. He just hoped they'd learn more by tonight. Something needed to give - Carina waking up, or Pete's accomplice getting arrested.

"Muñeca" Diego's soft voice carried through the room. "Come back" he pleaded.

Desirae swallowed the sob climbing up her throat. Diego, Marco, Valentino, and Jaxon all looked like they'd barely slept. Desirae looked at the four men awed and humbled by their unwavering presence. Normally someone would be grateful to have one person so devoted by their bedside but Carina had four faithful men with her. Desirae wanted to claw at the envy that sizzled through her veins. She had no right to be jealous of Carina's situation. Diego was Carina's brother. Jaxon was her ex and male best friend. Valentino and Marco were her boyfriends, lovers; however you wanted to categorize them. Desirae was sure that if her parents knew they'd already be camped out in this room too. She envied that kind of love. Desirae knew that if she was injured and unconscious she wouldn't have this kind of following.

"Des" Jaxon called from the recliner. "Come snuggle up to me" he solemnly offered. It was a typical Jaxon line but delivered with no flirt or flare. Desirae looked between Jaxon, Diego, and Carina's bedside. Diego was in the same room with her but she felt as if he didn't even acknowledge her presence. She hated this sense of hurt and confusion. She hoped Carina could make everything better.

Andrea dragged Desirae to Carina's bedside. They shoved Marco and Valentino away urging them to head to the dining hall and grab some food. Jaxon accompanied them knowing it made their decision easier. If by some wonderful chance Carina woke up, Diego would be the first face she'd see.

Desirae watched the men exit the room. She couldn't bring herself to look Diego in the eyes... yet. A nurse walked in, "Afternoon" she cheerily greeted. Andrea and Desirae aptly watched as the nurse listened to Carina's heart, took her blood pressure, and recorded some things onto her chart. The nurse checked the bag attached to the catheter and notated the urine level. She moved the thin sheet off Carina's injured torso and cleaned off the day-old injuries.

"It looks worse today" Diego gruffly commented as he pointed to Carina's swollen and bruised collarbone.

"She'll look worse before she starts to get better" the nurse assured him.

"It's been over 12 hours" Andrea's meek voice added to the conversation. "Shouldn't she be awake by now?"

"Dr. Redmond said with the kind of injuries Miss Lobos sustained that you shouldn't be surprised to see her unconscious for another day or two."

Desirae blanched while Andrea gaped at the woman. Diego sighed hating the reality of the situation. He'd actually thought Carina might stir at least in the last 18 hours. Soon enough he'd have to call his parents and let them know.

"I'll be back again in a little bit" the nurse waved goodbye as she exited.

"Do you even know her name?" Andrea quipped. She knew playful banter wasn't appropriate in this instance but she was desperate to see something shine in Diego's eyes.

Diego shook his head. It didn't really matter if he knew their name. All he wanted from the staff was to do their jobs and make his sister better. He wasn't here to make friends.

"O-kay" Andrea dragged out the word. Being in the room with him was going to be like getting a root canal: an unpleasant necessity.

"Has she moved at all?" Desirae softly asked. Her eyes were still glued to the distinct boot print on Carina's chest and shoulder; seeing her best friend in this fragile state just made her want to beat the shit out of someone.

"Her eyes haven't even stirred" Diego whispered. "I'm just waiting for a twitch, a moan, a hitch in her breath... Something to indicate she's coming around."

"She will" Andrea reassured him.

"I can't lose her" Diego choked. Tears trickled down his cheeks splashing onto his lap.

Desirae wanted to reach out and touch him but she was locked within her own torment. She didn't know if she could sit by Carina's side waiting for her to wake up. The barrage of emotions assaulted her and threatened her calm façade. Everyone knew she was upset but she was a hairsbreadth away from losing her shit and going AWOL. She looked at Diego who still refused to make eye contact with her. The plethora of emotions roiling under her skin included anger and resentment at the hot piece of ass across from her. They were all upset about the assault but Diego took it to the extreme. He refused to be cordial with anyone and he treated Desirae like a piece of furniture. She closed her eyes fighting against the tears that burned behind her eyelids. She needed to expend some of this negativity, fast.

"I'm heading to the dungeon" she announced. She shot up from her seat and turned towards the door.

"Are you fucking kidding me" Diego hissed. He narrowed his eyes at Desirae and curled his lips in disgust. It was all Desirae could take before walking around Carina's bed and slapping the shit out of him. She had to get out of that suffocating room.

"You're enough of a fucking martyr for all of us" She sneered. "Drea, let me know if anything changes."

Andrea nodded her head knowing by Desirae's stiff posture and blank face that there was no way to convince her otherwise. Carina was always the one who could ground Desirae when she got like this. "Be careful" Andrea looked her in the eye. This was one of the times she was actually concerned about Desirae's mental state before heading down to the dungeons.

Desirae stormed out without saying anything else. She had to get the fuck out of there before she did or said something she'd regret. She'd come back once she cleared her head. For Carina, she'd come back. Fuck Diego and his holier-than-thou demeanor.