Shattered

Chapter 13

The intense ache in my stomach kept me in a dazed state, drifting from conscious, to knocked out. A constant shiver was produced from the cold packs on my torso, making me wish I could move them.

"Hey, Jess." Turning to the gentle voice, I watched Stella slowly approach, holding a glass of water. "I'm sorry, I truly am. I didn't think he would lash out as he did." Her gaze was flustered, staring anywhere except my eyes. "I should've just let you go. You don't deserve this." She was crying again, the steady stream leaving her emerald eyes.

"No, Stella. Your whole world is more important than me, I swear." Yes, I was willing to give up my freedom if it meant keeping three lives safe. So badly, I wanted to wipe her tears away, but I was left without any physical ability, only allowing me to coax her with my words.

"Stella, it's okay. Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself. Everything that has happened is my fault, I'm the one that made these decisions. I need you to understand that, okay?" Sniffling, she nodded her head, more tears making their way down. "Okay, okay, I trust you. I believe in you." She offered a small smile, but it quickly melted away into a frown.

"Oh god, I don't know what's gotten into me, I need to calm down." A delicate finger made its way under her eyes, wiping the tears from each, sniffling once more.

"I brought you some painkillers. Honestly, I don't if Chandler is okay with it, but I can't let you suffer and know there's something I could've done, even if it's just as simple as medicine." She continued to ramble on before finally collecting herself and apologizing profusely.

Since I was practically immobile, Stella was the one to set the pills in my mouth, bringing the glass to my lips afterward. Only a few more words were exchanged before she left me in silence.

I spent the evening stuck like that, left alone with my thoughts. Stella would come up and check on me a few times an hour, although there wasn't much to be worried about.
According to the clock, it was almost 9. Sleep was pulling me in, and I knew it wouldn't be long before I shut my eyes. My arms had gone numb a while ago, which left a guarantee of pain. Rest was all I wanted.

To my left, I saw Chandler enter the room through half-closed eyes. It appeared as if he was looking for something, rummaging through his nightstand. My eyelids fell, and I began slipping away, slowly succumbing to the pull of exhaustion.

It might've been a few seconds or minutes, but my eyes pulled open as the cold feeling left me. Chandler was above me, holding the ice pack. For a few seconds, he just stared down at me, an unreadable expression masking his face.

The rising shards of moonlight graced his face, creating contrasting shadows. His eyes were dark and hooded, yet sensual and calm. Lips pursed, it seemed as if he was about to speak. Arms relaxed at his sides and slumped shoulders gave the appearance that his guard was down. A perfect time to strike. I shouldn't even be thinking about hurting him after today's events. Acting too fast would simply result in more pain for me and a lessened chance of escape.

"Hey," He greeted casually, twirling a strand of my loose hair. Silence was all I gave. My mood wasn't a pleasant one, but I'm sure he had one just as bad. "Are you going to take these off?" With the little bit of energy I could sacrifice, I tugged on the handcuffs, slightly rattling the metal.

"I will, but you better fucking behave. I'm done with your little stunts." Squinting his eyes, he leaned in close. "Try it again, and you'll be stuck in that room for days, I promise." A dominant kiss took over my lips, catching me by surprise. When he was finished, the cuffs were removed from my wrists, allowing the movement I had been denied for hours. The pain in my shoulders and stomach was unimaginable.