Choosing Jada [Book 2]

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My body jolted awake, and I felt this dull ache in my shoulder. My brain felt clouded, and I couldn't put my finger on why I was there or what was going on. I scanned my surroundings, finding myself hooked up to an IV in a hospital bed. I wasn't in the hospital. And with that thought, my brain kicked in, and snippets of the fights and trying to protect Jada and Matteo came rushing in.

I must have gotten shot, but I didn't know where they were. I quickly unscrewed my IV from my forearm. Thankfully, it was on the opposite side of my injured left shoulder. I was wearing a clean t-shirt and sweatpants, along with a shoulder sling. I quickly sat up and sat on the edge of the bed. Where did they take me? I felt this surge of unknowing fear. My breath was shallow, and I felt this looming feeling, causing me to shoot back and turn around. They could have died. I could have died. It was just a wall, but I hated that I passed out. I needed to get out of here fast. I quickly stood up and made my way to the door, swinging it open.

"Move!" I said I was pushing past the guard, blocking my way in front of the door.

The man stumbled and began to talk before seeing me and shutting his lips with my glare. I had no time to sit on this. I needed to see Jada and Matteo. I would not be lulled into a false sense of security; they are my family, and I don't even remember if they got hurt. I didn't know exactly where I was, but it had to be with someone who knew me. I could hear the buzzing of people. I had a sling to help aid my shoulder, but the pain was still felt as I moved. I followed the hallway before finding myself in a large living room of sorts. Two men immediately stood up. I watched their lips move, but they only mumbled. I pushed past the unsteady feeling and went around the idiots. I found my way into the kitchen and saw a man standing in front of Jada, who was cornered. She was reaching around, sweating along her forehead, and making her cheeks red.

I followed her line of vision, seeing my grandma holding a sleeping Matteo as she sat at the table. She had this smug look on her face as my grandfather stood behind her. My mind sighed in relief at seeing my family alive before switching to anger. I didn't bother to say anything, as I could hear Jada cursing in an angry whisper in English. My grandma shook her head disapprovingly. I made it to Matteo, swiping my boy in my free arm and using my shoulder to steady him. I moved my sling, using my left hand to steady him. The pain stung, but not enough to stop me. I wasn't able to stop him from rousing.

"Let her go," I said as I looked at my son.

His face began to wrinkle, so I swayed my body, hoping not to wake him. Everything seemed to be okay; the sweaty, slightly musty smell of Jada filled my nose. She rested her hand on his back, rubbing it. My body relaxed, and my family was okay. This familiar feeling of being soft came rushing back. Having my family felt like having the world.

"How are you feeling, son?" Grandpa Bucceri asked.

"Fine."

My words were short as Matteo began to wine. I wanted to know what happened, but now wasn't the time.

"Come on, can you help me take him to your room?' I asked her.

She quickly brought him over to her chest, and he snuggled into her with one last sigh. She nodded without another word, exiting out. I took one final look at the man who dared to corner her, studying his face. I noticed the lab coat and bald head before leading her away. We made our way to my room as I noticed her limp. She was seemingly trying to put as little weight on her right leg as possible. I opened the door of the room next to me. I scanned it, looking for any personal items. I opened the door for Jada, closing it behind me.

"What happened out there?" I asked as I watched her sit down on the bed.

She was looking intently at Matteo for a moment before sighing. She fidgeted, running her fingers in a short 1-2 pattern down his back.