TIFFIN 3

95

Okay. Perhaps pressing a kiss to Chad's forehead had been immature, but it had seemed reasonable at the time. 

I still felt guilt from his bruises and I wanted to set a point with Hero: 

No, I hadn't appreciated his childish outburst. 

Yes, I did mean every word I'd said. 

As per usual, he had stormed out the front door and past the paramedics like I instructed him to, but I still felt pain twist in my heart.

Did it mean that he didn't care because he hadn't fought me on this front? I knew this made me a flaming hypocrite, but I couldn't help it.

On one hand, I didn't want him to express his aggressive nature, but on the other, I needed him to force his hand with his alpha tendencies. 

Was I that dramatic? 

I didn't know what to do as Chad was carefully assessed and loaded into the ambulance. He moaned as they prodded his side's and had confirmed that he couldn't move. 

Much to my displeasure, the paramedics revealed that he- or Hero- had cracked several ribs and had a severed jaw that would need to be wired shut. 

Dear God. Hadn't Hero made that exact promise to someone before? He really had beat Chad to pulp. 

I held my breath as they lifted the stretcher, but let it out on a long exhale when the doors shut with an audible clang. 

After getting the necessary information, Josephine turned back towards me and Niall. 

"Well... They're shipping him to the nearest hospital. I suppose I should go and see if I can pay my respects." 

She then eyed me worriedly. 

"Do you want to come? You can stay over tonight if you need to." 

Immediately, I shook my head. 

"I better not. Last thing I need is another reason for my husband to get angry over. Can't ignore the issue forever." 

As she nodded, Niall handed Eleanor over without much argument, though he did seem disgruntled. 

I smiled. He was going to be a wonderful father. 

When I finally bid my farewells and gathered our bags, I hefted my daughter into her carrier. She was exhausted, resting her head on my shoulder as I made made the call for an Uber. 

It probably wasn't the best decision financially, but I didn't care at the moment. I just wanted to get us home in its safety and warmth. 

When our ride arrived, the young woman turned her head, pleasantly surprised to see a baby in her midst. It was like she was oblivious to their very existence. 

Geez. 

I'd grown annoyed by the millionth question about how motherhood suited me. I tried to insist that she kept quiet, for fear that it would disturb Eleanor's sleep, but it fell on deaf ears. 

Fortunately, my daughter was too busy counting sheep, the sweet girl. As I looked down at her soft face, I admired how ethereal she looked even in rest. 

She definitely inherited that from her father. Hopefully she didn't carry on my sassy genes. God help us all. 

When we finally reached the house, I politely thanked the woman, irritated  at her puzzled expression. 

I suppose it was a shock that someone like me owned this stone fortress but life had many surprises. 

I expected to be bombarded by Hero as soon as I stepped foot over the threshold, but was only met with silence. 

A mere sound could heard any other day yet there was nothing. 

Huh. 

He was probably out sulking and getting drunk. Wouldn't surprise me at this point. Had he taken to smoking cigarettes again?

Still, it was early yet. The sun had just begun to set and-

"AGHHHHHH!"

I jumped in my skin as Eleanor emitted a terrified cry. I did my best to coo in her ear and pat her back to sleep, but nothing worked. 

I ran to her room, carefully setting her in the crib, before shuffling towards the horrid sound. It only grew in volume as I neared closer. 

Was it a dying cat? A banshee? 

No. Worse. 

As I entered my bedroom, Hero was thrashing like some wild maniac, screaming in his sleep. 

I knew what was happening. He was having one of his nightmares. It hadn't occurred in such a long time so it took me aback. 

I thought he really had been rid of them. 

"Hero?" I began tentatively. 

He stretched out both his hands as if searching for me blindly. 

"Kristina! Please! No... LET ME GO!" 

Tears gathered in my eyes as I approached his mangled form. During our fight, I had forgotten about this man's journey through his lifelong torture. 

My poor, defenseless husband. 

I had just rested a hand on his arm when I realized my mistake; he didn't like to be touched during his night terrors. 

Before I could fix this decision, with his eyes still closed shut, he lunged for me.

Nightmares again?

Do you think Diedre has said something?

Who knows.

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