Chapter 65: Offers
*She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the Universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings. – Ariana*
It had been just over two weeks since the attack. Jolene was doing better and could whisper for a few minutes each day. The women in Reese’s family had worked out a schedule so that someone was always with her. The single women and teens flirted with the guards. If Neo and Reese were not around, they flirted back.
On Monday, Helen would return to work. Frank had tried to convince her to take more time. But she knew that her daughter was tired of always being watched.
JD and Jaxon took turns staying overnight with her. The nightmares were still strong and suffocating. One night she was woken up with JD carefully crawling into the hospital bed with her.
“I’m here. He’s not going to touch you. Ever. Again.” He had stayed there all night, wiping away her tears and reminding her that she was loved.
Ty even stayed one night. He was not as kind as her brother. “There’s abandoned buildings that catch fire all the time. Sometimes we find bodies. I’m not making any suggestions, that’s called premeditated. Just making conversation.”
The ease with which he had offered to kill and dispose of Hank’s body made her laugh.
Jaxon never made an offer to kill her husband. But he made it clear that Hank would never get near her. “I work with a bunch of rednecks and Mexicans. Both have been known to cook whole animals in their yards. Jose does a really good pig on a spit. We should talk to him cooking for JD’s graduation party.”
Reese came by several times a day to check on her. One of his daughter’s half-brothers was deaf and, they were teaching Jolene how to sign. She asked him one day if he was also going to offer to kill Hank.
“No, princess, that’s not my style.” He gave her a malicious grin. “I’m going to ruin him. And his family. I’ll take everything from them. The mountain hunting lodge. The vacations in Hawaii. His name. Reputation. Status. Certification to be a cop. His freedom. Friends. By the time he goes to jail, being fucked up the ass is going to be a good day.”
Jolene believed him. Not because she knew him like she knew her brothers and Ty. But because he said it with such conviction.
Helen seemed to know exactly what Jolene needed. She didn’t make any offers to unalive Hank. She didn’t try to coax details out. She had a quiet understanding that told her daughter I’ve been there and I’m here now.
Bunny would simply tell Jolene that when she was ready, there would be someone to help. There was always someone ready to listen. And when she was released, there was a place for her to go.
But the long haired Indian with the snake tattoo made the offer that scared her the most. And intrigued her at the same time.
“I’ve got connections on both sides of the law. Just tell me how big of a dick you want ripping his ass. In fact, just tell me everything that he ever did to you. I’ll make sure he experiences everything he ever did.”
It surprised her when he gently brushed a tear away with his thumb. Then he licked it off his thumb.
“A woman should never shed tears over a man. A real man would never make a woman cry a single tear of pain or sorrow.” He kissed the edge of her eyes before whispering in her ear. “Not all men are abusive assholes. Don’t give up on the rest of us.”
He had been so tender and gentle. Something that she was not expecting from a man like him. He was muscular like Reese, but several inches shorter and less bulky. His long black hair was shaved on the sides and braided down to his mid back. When he spoke with that deep baritone, you could vaguely glimpse a silver tongue piercing.
There was a deep sense of control and domination that seeped out of him. It was like he had a need to be in control of everything around him. The nurses either avoided him or tried to get his attention. She had been feigning sleep during one exchange when one of the nurses made a pass at him.
“Little girl,” Neo growled, “you just need to go home and go back to your fifty shades fantasy. Get you a good vibrator. I would break you in a very short period of time.”
“You’re disgusting.” The nurse hissed out.
“I’m not the one offering a blow job in the supply closet.” He pointed out. “And don’t even think about getting me kicked out of here, just like all my employees, I have a body cam.”
The nurse scurried out of the room and Jolene pictured her like a terrified and embarrassed mouse.
“You can open your eyes now, pet.”
Surprised, Jolene opened her eyes to see an amused Neo smiling down at her. He ran a knuckle down her cheek.
“You’re beautiful when you smile.” His gentle touch caused her to pull away slightly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t have consent.” He pulled his hand away and she reached up with her good hand and grabbed his hand. “Good morning, pet.”
“What time is it?” she mouthed.
“A little after five. One of the guys had a family emergency, you get me for an hour.” He ran his thumb over her knuckles.
“You need anything?” he asked, and she shook her head no. “Where’s your new phone?”
She motioned over to the counter where it was on the charger. Reluctantly, he released her hand and went to get the phone. He did not like that it had no screen lock on it but understood that with limited mobility it made it easier.
“I’m going to put my numbers in here. I’m giving you my personal number and the work numbers. You ever need anything, just call or text me.”
She nodded.
“Go back to sleep, pet.” She motioned to him. “My day usually starts around five anyway.”
The next time she opened her eyes, he was gone, and Willow had set up her laptop and cell phone to work. Jolene didn’t like the fact that she felt a pang of disappointment.
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