Battlescars: A Rock & Roll Romance Read online

  She scooted over so that I could climb into bed next to her. She leaned over and put her head on my shoulder and her arm around my stomach.

  “I dreamed about you.” I raised an eyebrow. “Actually, I dreamed that we had a baby. I never thought that I wanted kids. But, after seeing you with our baby I want at least three.” She teased. My heart swelled. A baby with Aubrey would be amazing. I bet she would look fantastic pregnant.

  “A baby, huh? I’ll give you a football team if you want. I just want you to be happy.” I leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

  “I know. You make me happy.” She smiled.

  “You’re going to need to give a statement to police. It can wait until after you eat and see your parents.”

  Brett came back a little while later with some food and a small red bag. I took the red bag and set it aside. I pulled everything out and set it up on the tray table. He got lemonade, soup and grilled cheese. I fed her bites of the broccoli cheddar soup. When she finished, I called Tim to let them know that she was up. They were on their way, but Granny Jean beat them over. Brett was going to let the police know she was awake. Granny stormed into the room.

  “Bran muffin, you look like hell.”

  “Thanks so much, Granny.” Aubrey said rolling her eyes.

  “Glad to see you’re back to your smart-ass self. I was worried when you hit your head that you’d become a regular.” She teased.

  I laughed. Tim and Caroline breezed into the room a couple minutes later. I got up to move off the bed, but Aubrey dug her nails into my leg. I looked quizzically at her. She shrugged and gave me a half smile. They came over and hugged her tightly. She assured them that she was fine, just a little achy. They visited until the cops showed up. They found her wallet in a garbage can and brought the contents from it. They were keeping the actual wallet hoping to pull a print and get a match. They questioned her about what happened and informed us that there were no surveillance cameras for them to cross check. Then they asked about the missing ring in question. I told them since it made the press that anyone could have known about it, and how much it cost. They asked about the price, and I told them it was just under fifty thousand. The cop looked at me dumbstruck. I didn’t tell them that I just bought a replica. I could only imagine the look they would have given me then. I explained to them that I was in love and that nothing was too good for my girl. They left and told us that they would be in touch.

  Aubrey wanted to shower, so I called for the nurse again. She said it was fine, but for her to be careful because she was going to be weak. I helped her out of bed and over to the bathroom. I untied the hospital gown and looked at the bruise that took up most of her side. She must have gotten it when she fell. I helped her into the shower and washed her hair for her. When she was done, I wrapped her in a towel and carried her back to the bed. I fished out a clean pair of underwear from the bag that I brought. She cocked an eyebrow at me, and it was my turn to shrug. I pulled out her hairbrush too. I helped her get into a fresh hospital gown and brushed her hair. She looked tired, so I told her to sleep. As I was watching her, I had an idea. Once she was sleeping I went into the hallway to talk to Brett. I asked the doctor when the discharge would be. He said as long as she was feeling up to it that she could go home tomorrow. I had Brett make all the necessary arrangements and went back to lay with Aubrey.

  Aubrey

  I opened my eyes and felt my head throbbing. Jake was still sleeping next to me, which was a first since he was always awake before me. If I didn’t know better, I would have sworn he was a supernatural or something since he barely slept and yet still had more energy than anyone I knew. I wanted to get out of here and sleep in a normal bed that didn’t smell like disinfectant. I tried to move so I could to get up to go to the bathroom, but Jake opened his eyes. He insisted on helping me, and I reluctantly let him, knowing fighting was futile.

  My parents came with breakfast sandwiches and to say goodbye. They were going home today since I was being released. My mom kissed my cheek. My dad hugged me tightly and told Jake to take care of me. Jake went back into my bag and pulled out a pair of sweat pants and a hoodie for me to change into. I pulled my hair up in a hair elastic and piled it on the top of my head. He insisted on helping me get dressed. I may as well have been an invalid as far as he was concerned. He even tied my shoes. The nurse came in and went over the discharge instructions. Then she wished us a great trip. Trip? I looked at Jake.

  “We’re going to LA for some R&R.” He looked at me intently. “Everything is already in the car. We just have to get to the airport.” he grinned. “You’ll get to see how your better half lives.”

  I climbed into the wheelchair for the mandatory ride. Once we were out the doors he helped me up, and we climbed into the waiting SUV. There were a couple paparazzi waiting to snap a picture, but overall we got away unscathed. We went directly to the airport and boarded the plane. We arrived in LA at three in the afternoon. Brett said that it was business as usual, and he wasn’t taking any risks. He walked off the plane and checked the car and the surrounding area. Once he came back with the all clear we exited the plane. We drove to Jake’s house in California traffic. I decided that if I lived here I wouldn’t leave the house, unless I could walk.

  We pulled up to a house on the ocean. Brett punched in a series of numbers into a keypad, and the gate swung open. Jake was grinning like the Cheshire cat. He climbed out and held his hand out. Jake told Brett to go home. He said could come back tomorrow, but not before he called. He fished his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door pushing it open. He walked over to the wall and quickly shut off the alarm. The house smelled like the beach. As soon as the bags were inside he locked the door and reset the alarm. There were no walls on the inside, and the entire back of the house was glass. It was painted in varying shades of light blues and greens. It was filled with high-end electronics. There was a spiral staircase off in the corner. I looked at it in awe. Ever since I was little I always wanted a spiral staircase. I used to beg my dad to build me one. It was impossible since we lived in a single story ranch. He said it led up to his room. He took my hand and led me over.

  I took the stairs up to Jake’s room. The entire room was painted in ocean blue and white. His furniture was made of driftwood. He had a king sized bed in the middle of the room facing the ocean. I walked over to the sliding door that led to a balcony. He unlocked it and slid the door open. There were two turquoise chairs and an umbrella strategically placed on the white plank boards. I felt the warm breeze off the ocean across my face. I breathed in the salty air. I walked over to his bed and flopped down. It was comfortable and smelled like him. He came and sat on the bed next to me. I was already feeling much better.

  “What do you think?” He asked.

  “I think I never want to leave.” I told him.

  “I was kind of hoping that you would say that.” He kissed me gently.

  He leaned over and grabbed the remote to switch on the TV. He ordered us some Chinese take-out and told me we would have to go food shopping tomorrow. He also said that we could go to the beach and the hot tub. I sulked and told him I wanted to go in the hot tub now. I won. After dinner, we were in the hot tub soaking away. I slipped across and straddled his lap. I brushed my lips against his. He tried to protest, but I wasn’t having it.

  “I missed you.” I pouted my bottom lip.

  “Aubrey, you were just in a coma for three days.”

  “Exactly, which means I was without this for three whole days.” I grabbed his crotch and massaged gently. “I’m feeling slighted.” I pouted.

  “Baby, my restraint isn’t that good. Come on.” He pleaded, but I persisted.

  I slipped out of my bottoms and pushed his down. I slowly slid down onto him. He leaned his head back, and I bit his neck gently. We made love by the stars, and I relished in every moment of it. Later when we were in bed, I remembered something and mildly freaked out.

  “Jake, you’re going to b
e so mad at me.” I cried.

  He looked slightly freaked out. “What’s the matter baby?”

  “I haven’t been taking my pill, and we just had sex.”

  He let out a deep breath. “Yeah, so?”

  “So, I could get pregnant.” As if it wasn’t blatantly obvious.

  “You said in your dream that we had a baby. It’ll just happen sooner if that’s the case.” He shrugged like it was no big deal.

  “You’re not even upset? I wouldn’t want you to feel trapped.” Gah, how could I have been so stupid.

  “It would throw my other plans off a little… but I would still be happy about it. And woman please, I’m hoping you’ll trap me so I can have you forever. Fuck it,” He reached over to the nightstand and pulled something out. “I had this whole smooth thing planned, but I don’t want to wait anymore. I got you replacement.”

  He pulled out a red Cartier box and dropped to one knee. He opened the lid and nestled in the cream colored velvet was an exact replica of the ring that was stolen.

  “Aubrey Jean Thompson, you are and will always be my better half. You’re my smart-ass, eye-rolling partner in crime. The day I met you, was the day I learned what it was like to breathe. You make everything in my world better, and I want nothing more than to spend my life being lost in you. I wish I could give you everything, but for now I hope this ring is enough. Will you marry me?”

  I looked down at Jake and was completely overcome with emotion. Here he was, pouring his heart out proposing and I was blubbering like an idiot. I threw my arms around him and knocked him on his ass.

  “Yes!” I shrieked. “Yes, Jake Parker. I will marry you.”

  “Thank God! I love you, baby.”

  “I love you too.”

  He slid the ring on my finger, and we had round two.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Partner In Crime

  I woke up the next morning with the sun shining through the windows. I looked down at my hand where my engagement ring was and smiled happily. I heard music coming from downstairs and went to go find Jake. I got out of bed and padded down the spiral staircase. The music was blaring. It was Lit’s ‘Partner in Crime.’ How fitting… Jake was sitting at the dining room table on his laptop. He didn’t notice me, so I snuck around and yelled, “Boo!” He jumped, and I laughed. He put his arm out and kissed my ring.

  “Good morning, my beautiful fiancée.”

  “Hey handsome.”

  “Do you like dragons?”

  “Random question, but yeah I guess they’re cute. Why?”

  “’Cause I’m gonna be dragging my balls across your face later. Get it?” He laughed.

  I smacked him in the shoulder.

  “That’s foul Jake Parker.” I scolded playfully.

  “You love me anyway.”

  “I love you with all my heart.” I feigned dramatically.

  “I love every bone in your body, especially mine.” He winked.

  “Yeah, well I want an Australian kiss. It’s like a French kiss, but down under.” I smirked.

  “Nice!” He hooted.

  “Someone woke up on the perverted side of the bed today.” I teased.

  “It’s just that we're engaged now and all that baby talk last night. Its got me excited. I’ve been up most of the morning doing research.”

  “Jake, I just said it was a possibility, not that we’re going to start actively trying.”

  “What if I want to start actively trying? Are you ready? ‘Cause baby I was born ready.” He smirked.

  “Oh great, I’ve created a monster! Let me just think about it, okay? I haven’t actually thought about anything other than the overall possibility.”

  He stood up and kissed my nose. He looked content and so fucking hot. I decided to go shower so we could go food shopping because if I stood there any longer we weren’t going to get anything done today. I dressed in jeans and a pink t-shirt that said, “Don’t cry, it’s only rock & roll.” Jake was standing at the island in the kitchen making a list. I loved his kitchen here and couldn’t wait to cook in it. He had all sleek, black cabinets with stainless steel appliances and pale, granite countertops. The walls were painted a bright green and he had these really neat vintage lights hanging from the ceiling. I looked at the list that he was compiling.

  Milk

  Bread

  Juice

  Prenatal Vitamins

  Heaven help me! I cocked an eyebrow, and he got all red. He grabbed my hand and led me to the garage. We headed to a black Range Rover. I noticed that there was a motorcycle next to it. He never mentioned a bike before. He told me it was a must living here, especially with the traffic. We got in the car and headed to the store. We called my parents on the way. My mom was ecstatic, and it turned out Jake had already asked my dad, so he knew it was coming.

  “Did you tell her what I said when you asked me?” My dad asked.

  “I haven’t had a chance yet.” He laughed.

  “Well princess when he came to me and asked for your hand I asked him what was wrong with the rest of you!”

  I started cracking up. That line was very much my dad.

  Next, we called Granny Jean. The first thing she asked is if I was knocked up. Jake said not yet, but hung up with the promise of making her a great-grandma sooner rather than later. We went into the store and loaded the cart with all sorts of stuff, including the damn vitamins. He protested on the way here that if I were indeed pregnant from last night it would be particularly beneficial for me to be getting folic acid. I argued that the chances were slim, but gave in to appease him. I found myself doing that a lot lately, which was very unlike my normal personality. We paid and headed to the car. The paparazzi were there snapping pictures. Jake wrapped his arm around me and threw them a bone.

  “I would like to introduce you to my fiancée, Aubrey.” He beamed proudly.

  He opened up the car door and helped me inside. It was going to be a media circus once word spread. He called his publicist and told her to put out a press release. I listened while he was on the phone.

  “No, I want you to say, ‘Imagine finding someone who understood even the dustiest corners in your fucked up soul. That’s Aubrey.’” He looked at me and smiled. “I don’t care, that’s what I want it to say.” He hung up the phone. “I just want to go somewhere really high, and scream I love you at the top of my lungs.” He grinned excitedly.

  I giggled like a stupid schoolgirl. What was happening to me? We got back to the house and started putting groceries away. I was reaching up to put something in the pantry. He came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me.

  “My magic watch tells me you’re not wearing any panties.” He ran his fingers across the hem of my pants. “Oh you are. I must be running fifteen minutes too fast.”

  He tossed me over his shoulder and carried me upstairs. He placed me down gently on the bed and leaned in to kiss me.

  “I wanna get lost in you.” He whispered.

  We spent the entire afternoon ‘getting lost’. When it was close to dinnertime, I decided to cook something. Chances are we’ll end up ravishing each other, and it will get burned, but it’s the thought that counts. I was sprinkling the mozzarella cheese over the ziti to put it in the oven when my phone rang. It was Piper.

  Shit, I forgot to call her!

  “Hey Pipsqueak.” I said putting dinner in the oven.

  “Don’t Pipsqueak me. Holy crap, you’re freaking engaged!”

  “I know. I’m sorry I didn’t call. We’ve been, um, busy… Yeah, busy.”

  “Busy my ass. The only thing you’ve been busy at is screwing each other’s brains out.”

  “Maybe.” I teased.

  “I’m happy for you Bean. After everything that fuckwad did to you, it’s about time that you found happiness. It doesn’t hurt that it’s with Jake Parker either. On an off subject did you hear Jeremy moved to LA?”

  “No.” I gasped.

  “Your dad didn’t say anything? I�
�m pretty sure even Jake knows.”

  I felt my heart rate start to speed up.

  “Let me call you back.” I clicked off without saying goodbye. I went to go find Jake. He was sitting out on the patio on his laptop. He was scrolling through all the news surrounding our engagement. He looked up, and I glared angrily at him.

  “What’s the matter baby?” He asked suspiciously.

  “Don’t baby me. You’ve been talking to my dad about Jeremy? He moved to LA!” I yelled.

  “Yeah? I’ve been trying to keep a closer eye on things with him. I know he’s in LA. He’s on the other side, and my address isn’t listed.” He defended.

  “And you didn’t think I was privy to this information?” I roared.

  “Baby, it brings up bad memories. So, to answer your question, no.” He said calmly.

  I was so angry he kept something like that from me. I stormed off. Obviously, they saw Jeremy as more of a threat than I originally thought. I grabbed his keys from the bowl on the counter and headed to the garage. I started the car and threw it into reverse and hit the button for the gate. I drove it like I stole it. I didn’t have a clue where I was going, and I didn’t care either. I drove around aimlessly until I came to an overlook. I pulled in and got out to sit on the hood of the car. I pulled my knees to my chest and watched as the sun was starting to set. The lights of the city illuminated the sky. I heard a loud noise off in the distance. It grew closer and closer. A black bike pulled next to the Range Rover. I knew it was Jake.

  “I have GPS tracking on all my vehicles.” He smirked.

  “That’s nice. I don’t want to see you right now.” I snapped.

  “Come on, don’t be like this.” He pleaded.

  “Like what? It should have been my choice to say whether or not I wanted to know.” I yelled.

  I looked at him and knew that I was going to have a hard time keeping my resolve. He had on a black motorcycle jacket, and his full-face helmet was resting on the top of his head. He looked hot as hell. I huffed and jumped off the hood so I could turn away from him. I was still seething. I hated being treated like a victim. I was a survivor and life goes on. He came up behind me and ran his tongue across my neck. I shivered.