Entangled: Sequel to Awakened (3 page)

Xavier felt safe to continue. “Aline was at the back of the lecture room. I asked her a couple of questions but her voice was so quiet, I was unable to hear her answers.”

“Aline, quiet? Really?” Linc was dumfounded. He glanced at Alistair. “The Aline we know has a voice like a foghorn.

Xavier continued. “Yes, she spoke very quietly. I asked her to move to the front so I would be able to hear her future answers. As she started down the steps, she tripped and fell. I couldn’t get to her in time to prevent the fall. It was my fault she was injured.”

“So, you’re saying, you were at the bottom of the steps and our daughter was at the top?” Alistair asked.

“Yes,” Xavier answered.

“Who do you think you are, fuckin’ Superman?” Alistair asked.

Callie and Linc chuckled.

“I beg your pardon?” Xavier asked.

“He’s saying, you would have had to be Superman to clear that distance fast enough to prevent Aline falling.” Linc clarified.

“So yeah, her fall was not your goddamn fault at all,” Alistair added. “You got us fired up for nothing.”

Linc apologized, “I’m sorry I reacted before you had a chance to explain. It’s just we lost Aline’s mother, Phoebe, in devastating circumstances and our daughter is everything to us. We’d kill anyone who hurt her.”

“She hurts herself often enough without someone else doing it,” Alistair complained. “I swear that girl is the clumsiest person God has put on Earth. She has given us so much joy but more than a healthy dose of angst as well.”

“I agree, Xavier. She is the most accident prone person I know.” Linc added. “Please don’t feel you’re responsible.”

“Pierce? Why is that name so familiar?” Alistair asked.

“Pierce Construction and Development in Dalton.” Callie answered before Xavier had the opportunity. “He’s going to offer Aline a position with his company in Corporate Law.”

Xavier watched with amusement as both men’s eyes narrowed and scowls appeared on their faces.

“Why?” It was only one word from Linc but it demanded a great deal of explanation.

“I have a couple of openings in my Corporate Law Department due to people being promoted and relocated to other offices of mine. I’m having to fill the gaps myself. If I employ a new graduate as an Intern, I can train them from the beginning as to how my company works and what is required. Callie said Aline’s interest lies in this area and with her outstanding results and keen mind, I think she’d be perfect,” Xavier explained.

Linc and Alistair glanced at each other. “Explained eloquently, Mr. Pierce but, do you also have a personal interest in our daughter?” Linc demanded to know.

Xavier dragged his fingers through his hair. Whew, dealing with one father in the past was tricky enough but, dealing with two, these two in particular, was like throwing himself head first into a lion’s den when the lion hadn’t eaten for a week. They were obviously fiercely protective and loved their daughter very much.

Is she worth it? Hell yeah.

“Let me explain further,” Xavier said. “I met your daughter on campus early this morning when she careened into me and ended up on her behind….”

Linc interrupted. “Let me guess. Head stuck in a book.”

Xavier nodded.

“Like mother, like daughter.” Alistair chuckled.

“Excuse me?” Xavier felt he was missing something.

“I met Aline’s mother when she tripped and almost crashed down the steps at the Court House. Fortunately I was able to prevent anything more serious than skinned knees and torn stockings.” Linc explained.

“You were able to reach her in time.” Xavier pondered.

“I was right next to her. Different situation. What I was getting at is, like her mother fell at my feet, Aline fell at yours.” Linc explained further.

“Yes, it appears it runs in the family.” Xavier laughed. He was starting to feel much more relaxed. On the war-path parents was more than he could handle.

Alistair turned serious. “You still haven’t answered our question.”

“Do I have a personal interest in your daughter?” Xavier asked.

The men nodded.

“At this moment, I admit I would like to get to know her better.” Xavier admitted.

“Fair enough. We appreciate your honesty,” Alistair said.

“But remember. You hurt her and I’ll feed you your balls,” Linc said.

“Understood.” Xavier answered. If any man could follow through with that threat, Xavier thought Linc would be the one.

A nurse appeared at the doors and called Linc and Alistair in to visit Aline.

Xavier and Callie watched as the men disappeared through the doors.

Xavier expelled a deep breath. One filled with relief. “Coffee and something to eat?” he asked Callie. “It’s been a long day and I’m starving.”

“That would be nice. Thank you.” Callie readily accepted.

They headed for the Hospital cafeteria.

Chapter Three

The nurse led Linc and Alistair to Aline’s bed. “She’ll be groggy for a while. We’ll be moving her to the ward in about thirty minutes,” she said before leaving them alone with their daughter.

Aline’s eyes were closed, puffy and bruised. The rest of her face was pale. An I.V. into her arm dripped fluid at a consistent pace and she was hooked up to all kinds of monitors and gadgets. Her right leg, encased in white plaster, rested on a mountain of pillows.

“It breaks my heart to see her like this,” Alistair whimpered.

Linc took his hand and moved them to the side of the bed. “I know sweetheart. It breaks my heart too.”

Linc bent forward and kissed her forehead. Alistair followed his lead.

Aline’s eyes fluttered open. “Dad, daddy, I’m so sorry.”

Linc brushed the tears from her cheeks as Alistair gathered her hand in his.

“Ssshh, sweetheart. There is nothing for you to be sorry about. It was an accident and there have been plenty of those in the past,” Linc said.

“I know dad, but none as bad as this. I was looking back at Callie and not watching where I was going.”

“Darling, that’s nothing unusual for you.” Alistair squeezed her hand. “How are you feeling?”

“I still have pain but nothing compared to how it was. My face is sore thanks to my face plant onto the step. I’ve never been so embarrassed. I don’t know how I’ll be able to show my face again.”

“You’re sitting there battered and bruised and with a broken leg and all you’re worried about is being embarrassed?” Alistair laughed.

“I guess it’s pretty stupid huh?”

Her fathers’ smiled and nodded.

“What did the doctor say? How long will I be here? What about my final unit? Dad, daddy.” She gazed at them both. “I can’t do another year here. I can’t spend any more time away from home.” She began to sob and Linc gathered her carefully against him for a much needed hug.

“Don’t upset yourself by worrying about that now. Daddy and I will sort something out with the University so you can continue with your studies. Callie can take you to classes in a wheelchair once you’re out of here and I’ll speak to Xavier about helping you catch up on the lectures you miss. It will all be fine, I promise,” Linc assured her.

Aline pushed back and swiped her hand across her eyes before looking at her Dad. “Xavier? When did you meet him?”

“He was in the waiting room when we arrived and introduced himself. Apparently he and Callie have been there since shortly after you were brought in. He’s extremely concerned about you and blames himself for your not so elegant swan dive. They are waiting for you to be moved to a ward so they can see you.”

“Dad threatened to deck him in the waiting room when he told us it was his fault you fell.” Alistair grinned.

“Dad, you didn’t!” Aline glared at her dad. She was horrified at the thought her dad may have fought with her teacher.

“I didn’t touch him. Your daddy persuaded me to listen to what he had to say first. I was prepared to hear him out because I know how clumsy you are.” He popped her nose with his finger. “The man thinks he should have been there to prevent your fall.”

“But, he couldn’t have. He was too far away. It was my own fault,” Aline protested.

“We know he couldn’t have done anything. When Xavier said he should have prevented the fall your daddy asked him if he thought he was fuckin’ Superman.” Linc chuckled.

“Daddy!” Aline huffed.

“Well, the man thought he should have been able to get from the bottom of the room to the top in a single bound.” Alistair defended himself.

“We do appreciate him trying though. He likes you,” Linc said.

“Dad!”

“True, baby girl. He told us he would like to get to know you better.” Alistair affirmed.

Aline felt her face heat.
Hmmm, he’s smokin’ hot and he seems okay. Even if he did blame me for running into him. Which you did! I can’t believe he’s waited here all day.

“Sweetheart, are you feeling okay?” Linc asked with concern when she remained quiet.

“Just tired, dad,” she lied.

“Go to sleep, darlin’. We’ll be right here with you,” Alistair assured her.

“I love you both so much,” she said, beginning to sound groggy. 

“We love you too, baby girl. Now get some sleep,” Linc said.

The men moved two chairs to the bedside and sat. With her hand sandwiched between both of her fathers hands, Aline drifted off.

***

Aline was woken by soft talking and tugging on her arms. She opened her eyes to see two nurses unhooking her from various monitors. Linc and Alistair watched from the end of her bed.

“How do you feel now, sweetheart? You slept for a couple of hours,” Linc said.

“I have a slight headache and my leg is a bit painful. Nothing I can’t deal with,” she answered.

Alistair zeroed in on a dark haired nurse. “Is there something you can give her?” He hated his baby being in pain no matter how slight.

“As soon as we move her upstairs I’ll organize something for her. I’ll be looking after her up there and I’ll make sure she’s kept comfortable,” the nurse assured Alistair.

“I’d kill for a coffee, daddy.” Like Alistair, Aline was addicted to coffee.

“It’s after two in the morning. The best I can do is a coffee machine down in the foyer. I really don’t recommend it though. I had one about an hour ago and it was disgusting.” Alistair screwed up his nose.

“I can organize you a coffee and some sandwiches when you’re settled in your room,” the dark haired nurse said.

“Thank you. I haven’t eaten since breakfast. I think my headache is probably caffeine withdrawal.” Aline frowned. “Dad, daddy. When did you two eat?”

“On the plane coming here. We didn’t want to leave you,” Linc confessed.

“You must be starved,” Aline exclaimed.

“We’re fine but as soon as we get you settled upstairs we will go back to the hotel for a shower and sleep.” Alistair smiled at Linc.

“Right, sleep.” She smiled cheekily. “Make sure you eat something before you come back in.”

“Don’t go worrying about us. Concentrate on getting better,” Linc said.

A huge man entered the space and moved to the head of the bed.

Linc and Alistair eyed him curiously.

The man spoke directly to Aline. “My name is Sean and I’m the wardsman who is going to transport you and your carriage upstairs.” He waved his arm in the air, wrapped it around his ample waist and bowed.

Aline giggled. “Well, thank you kind sir. I would curtsy but as you can see, I’m not quite up to it.”

The dark haired nurse released the brakes on the bed. Linc and Alistair stepped aside and followed Sean as he pushed their daughter and her bed to the lift. Once they were all inside, the nurse pushed the button for the fourth floor.

In a matter of moments a bell dinged announcing their arrival. Linc and Alistair stood back while the bed was pushed out. Room 16 was to be Aline’s for the duration of her stay. Linc held the door opened while the bed was eased inside.

Xavier and Callie sat waiting.

Aline’s bed was maneuvered into position, the wardsman patted her hand, wished her a speedy recovery and left.

The nurse fussed for a few minutes before saying she would return with the much needed coffee, sandwiches and pain medication. She was barely out of the room when Callie rushed to her friend’s side. They hugged each other closely before Callie hopped up onto the bed. She ensured she stayed clear of Aline’s injured leg.

“Your eyes are so black. You look like you have a Halloween mask on,” Callie said.

“Landing on your face will do that,” Aline quipped.

Callie giggled.

“What?” Aline asked.

“I can’t believe it’s taken you three years to fall down those steps. I have been holding my breath every time you had to walk down them.”

“Gee, thanks for the sympathy,” Aline said with mock annoyance.

“Well, I know how damn clumsy you are. How do you feel?”

“I’ll live but I’m worried,” Aline confessed.

Linc and Alistair stepped forward. “About what?” Linc asked.

“I’m so worried about graduating, dad.” Tears pricked the back of her eyes.

“We told you that we would go to the University and sort it out,” Alistair scolded. “You need to stop worrying, Aline.”

“But, daddy. They may not agree.” The tears that had been threatening flowed as she sobbed.

Linc scowled at Alistair for upsetting their daughter before he sat on the bed and gathered her to him. She sobbed into his chest.

“May I interrupt?” Xavier asked.

All eyes turned to the man seated in the shadows in the corner. They had completely forgotten he was there. He stood and moved closer. “May I ask what the University should agree to?” he asked Alistair.

Alistair glanced at Linc who nodded for him to go ahead. “We hoped Aline could attend classes in a wheelchair,” he glanced at Callie. “We thought you could help her to and from class until she can manage crutches.”

“Heaven help us. Can we bypass the crutches? I’m happy to push her around in a wheelchair,” Callie joked.

“I thought you were my best friend? I knew there was a reason I only had boys for friends before I met you,” Aline retorted.

“She is right though, sweetheart. You and crutches will be a rather dangerous combination.” Linc laughed.

“I have to agree with them too, darling,” Alistair added.

Aline huffed.

Linc addressed Xavier who had been watching the byplay between Aline and her fathers. “We also hoped you would help Aline catch up on any classes she misses.”

“I’d be happy to help her. I’m sure the University will agree to what you have suggested. In fact I can guarantee they will.” Xavier turned to Aline and smiled. “As your fathers have already said, stop worrying. It will be fine.”

Heat shot to Aline’s core.
God he’s handsome. How will I concentrate with him so close?
“Thank you so much. I’m very grateful.”

“It’s the least I can do,” he answered.

The conversation quieted for a moment until Linc said, “I think it’s time we left and got some rest. It’s been a long day.”

“Me too,” Callie agreed. She jumped down from the bed.

Xavier waited quietly in the background while the men hugged and kissed their daughter and Callie hugged her friend. They all left together.

At the same time, the dark haired nurse entered the room with a steaming hot mug of coffee, a plate of sandwiches and a syringe. She placed the food and drink on the bedside table and moved it in front of Aline. She then injected the pain medication into the I.V. “Call me if you need anything,” she said before leaving.

Xavier waited for the door to close before moving back to the bedside. He noted Aline was struggling to sit up straight enough to eat and drink. “Would you like my help?”

“Would you mind? I’d really like to drink my coffee rather than wear it.”

Xavier laughed.

He has the sexiest laugh I’ve ever heard. Maybe I misjudged him when I said he was arrogant and rude.

Xavier moved the tray out of the way and held his hands near her waist, palms up. “May I?”

Aline drew in a deep breath. He was going to put his hands on her.
Get a grip. He’s going to help you to sit up, is all.
“Yes.”

Grasping her around the waist, he eased her slowly up the bed until she was sitting. He re-arranged the pillows behind her and under her broken leg. Once he was satisfied she was comfortable, he moved the tray back to where she could reach it.

Aline zeroed in on the coffee and took a huge gulp before sighing. “Sorry. Thank you.”

Xavier sat.

“Would you like a sandwich?”

“No, thank you. I ate in the cafeteria with Callie after we knew you were out of surgery. We had to wait for you to be brought up here and it filled up the time.

Aline again gulped at her coffee before picking up a quarter of her ham and cheese sandwich and taking a bite. “You don’t have to stay, you know. Don’t you have to teach tomorrow?”

“Yes, but I’ll be fine. I am used to going without sleep. I’ll get some sleep after teaching and then visit in the afternoon with the class notes. We can start immediately so you don’t fall behind if that suits you.”

“That will be perfect, thank you. What about your other classes?”

“I only teach Contract Law, three days a week. I fly back to Dalton on Thursday afternoons to check in at my office and back here on Sunday evenings. When you own a company you have to keep your finger on the pulse. I have exceptionally good staff but I like to know exactly what is happening.”

“So you work on weekends?”

“It’s all the same to me.”

“So, if you don’t like leaving your company, why are you teaching so far away?”

“I was asked to.”

“Do you always do what you’re asked even if it means leaving your business in the hands of others? Or, do they have something on you?” She smiled cheekily.