Chapter 6

Alberts Hospital was one of the best hospitals in the state. It was a half hour drive from Cardigan. I hadn't been introduced to his brothers yet, as we were the first to arrive at the hospital and now, well, now I just felt out of place.

Chase's brothers were here and, apart from giving me a once over, they all asked Chase the same question, how's mom, and the answer was, we don't know.

We knew the ambulance had gotten here. We knew she was in the hospital. Chase was pacing, and the other five brothers were walking around the waiting room. I, however, was sitting on a cold plastic seat, wishing I could do something other than say that she is in the best hands.

"That's it, I'm fucking demanding answers." Chase stopped pacing. "It's been two hours!"

"Sometimes it takes that long." I said. "They know we are here and I'm sure they will come with news soon." I kept my voice calm and reassuring.

"Fuck that, we want answers now." One of the brothers walked over to us. "Where are Sammie and Jess?"

"Canteen." I answered for him.

"Of course they could eat at a time like this," said another brother.

I was overwhelmed by how good-looking Chase's brothers were. Each had individual looks that set them apart from the rest, but they all had those green eyes.

"How about I go?" I said. Every face in the waiting room was on me.

"And how are you going to get answers?" This came from Marc.

"I'm not as worked up as you lot. They might…" I shut my mouth as I stared out of the waiting room, seeing one of the last people I expected to see.

I could take this as an opportunity.

"I'll be right back," I said and moved around the lot of them and out the waiting room to the nurses’ desk, where I had seen Max.

"Keeping everyone in line, Doctor Kingly?" I asked behind him.

He turned around with a confused look before he spotted me, and immediate delight spread across his face.

"Chloe!" He engulfed me in a hug, leaving his clipboard on the bench.

"Don't break any ribs," I muttered as we broke apart.

"What are you doing here? So far away from home? Are your parents here?"

Awkward questions came first, it seemed.

"I'm here with some friends. I was actually hoping you could help them." I pointed to the waiting room.

Max nodded his head and followed me back into the waiting room.

My eyes landed on Chase's as soon as I entered, and fury was covering his face. He was angry? With who? And why? But, by the look in his eyes, it was all directed at me.

"Um…everyone, this Doctor Kingly, he is an attending doctor." The silence in the room was deadly. "We were hoping that you could check on their mother for us. Her name is Alice, last name..." I looked back at Chase. I didn't know his last name.

"McKenzie." Chase answered.

"She came by ambulance about two hours ago and we haven't heard anything," I added.

Max looked at me, then back at Chase. Chase had his sweater rolled up to his elbows, showing off his arm tattoos and looking like a big scary monster. His brothers were just as threatening.

"I'll look into it. Chloe, if you would come with me for a minute." Max smiled at them, but I knew he had a million questions and they were all directed at me.

"I'll be back," I said to Chase and followed Max out.

"Okay, what's going on?" Max stopped just outside the waiting room, and I knew Chase would be able to hear.

The clear glass windows weren't helping the situation. Not only would he be able to hear me, he could see me too. Maybe that's why he was so mad? He saw me hug Max and I didn't push him away.

"I'm here with friends, like I said."

"Do your parents know you are hanging out with those types of friends?" Max crossed his arms.

Max and I were meant to get married. Our parents had planned it. He was five years older than me, and we never wanted that but, once I turned eighteen, it was all they could talk about.

"I left." I admitted. "Stole his car and drove to Cardigan, which is where I met Chase."

"So, these people are strangers!"

"No. I know Chase." I crossed my arms. "And you don't get a say on who I hang out with; you just have to accept that."

"I asked you to come with me but you wouldn't. Now I find you months later with a bunch of tattooed-looking bikers!" Max's hand reached out and cupped my cheek. "Did your Chase do this to you?"

The bruise.

"No." I swiped his hand off my face. "Could you just do your job and find out about his mother?"

"I will, but not for them, for you." Max crossed his arms. "Are you safe with them?"

"Safer with them than at home." I tilted my head up to stare Max in the eyes. "You can't tell my parents that you saw me."

"Why?"

"Because I'm planning on them never knowing where I live."

"So, you are living with this Chase fellow?"

"No."

"So what then? You're his fling?"

"No."

"Then what is it?"

I groaned. Max always had a need to know every detail. "He's a friend, a good friend so if you could just please find out about his mom."

"Okay. Do you want to come with me, or do you want to wait with this Chase guy?"

"I'll wait. I don't want to get in the way." I uncrossed my arms. "Thanks Max."

"Anything for you, Chloe. You know that." He began to walk away when I found myself with my own question.

"Max?"

"Yep." He turned back.

"How did you end up at Alberts Hospital? I thought you were going to the States."

That was the plan at Christmas, which was the last time I saw him. He was moving overseas and asked for me to come. I said no and then history was history.

"Plans change." A smile graced his lips.

"So, what's her name?" I added, knowing him well enough.

"Andy."

I nodded my head. "I'm happy for you."

"Yeah, well, we will see how it goes. I'll go check on Alice McKenzie."

"Thank you!" I waved at him, and then walked back into the waiting room. Well, if I thought eyes were on me before, I was wrong - now they were on me.

I stood frozen in the doorway as Chase and his threatening-looking brothers stared at me.

"Max has gone to find out about your mother." I stuttered out and then looked from pair of eyes to eyes until I reached Chase's. "He's a good doctor. I'm sure if he wasn't caring for your mom, he will be now."

"What's your name?" One of the brothers stepped out from the rest. He looked younger than the others.

"Everyone, this is Chloe." Chase introduced me. "Chloe, these are my brothers, Oliver, Dan, Declan, Archie and Marc."

"Hi." I stood awkwardly in front of them.

"Thanks for helping, Chloe." Oliver smiled at me.

I nodded my head and then took a plastic seat. Sitting was better than standing because my legs felt like they were going to fold under.

"So, how do you know him?" A brother I believed to be Dan asked. He stood in front of me, crossed arms and an unwelcoming look on his face.

"Family friend," I muttered.

"I thought you said she was on the run from her family." Dan cocked his neck in Chase's direction. So they did know about me. Great. I wondered how much Chase had told them.

I looked up from my shoes to look at Chase. He was staring at me. His green eyes were still holding anger, and I knew it had to do with me hugging Max.

So I decided the best decision to do was to open up more.

"Doctor Kingly and I grew up together. His mother was friends with mine. He is older than me though. Last time I saw him, he was heading overseas until he met a girl and decided to stay." I kept eye contact with Chase. "We have only ever been good friends."

Sammie and Jess walked in, talking, taking the eye contact off me. Chase, however, was still staring at me, this time with a lot less anger.

"Any news?" Sammie asked with a can of Coke in her hand.

"No, but Chloe's friend has gone to find out." Marc answered. "Where have you two been? Mom could be dying and you two are stuffing your faces."

"Mom won't die, Marc." Sammie narrowed her eyes at him.

I shivered in the seat and wished now I had brought my own sweater.

I tuned out the conversation Sammie and Jess were having with their brothers and stared out the window onto the streets.

So many cars. So many people. All heading somewhere. Where was I heading? Hitching a ride with Chase seemed like a good idea, but what if he got angry enough to hit me?

"Here."

I looked up at Chase. What did he want? Then I noticed the sweater he was handing me.

"It's okay." I said.

"Just take it, Chloe. Seeing you shiver is making me cold." Chase put the sweater on my lap.

"Thanks." I picked it up and threaded my arms through it. It smelled like him; it smelled delicious, like men's body spray mixed with fresh shampoo.

"So, you and that guy were only friends?" Chase took the seat next to me.

The first time since we got here, he actually sat. I turned to face him.

Nodding my head. "Yep, although our parents wanted us to get married."

"And why didn't you?" Chase's question was hinted with wonder. Why would I turn down a doctor kind of wonder.

"I don't love Max," I answered him honestly. "I've always seen him as more of a big brother and I'll only ever be in a relationship if I love that person."

"So, you haven't been in a relationship?" Chase looked at me, stunned.

"No, I haven't." I looked over my shoulder at the busy streets. "I guess it just never happened."

"How old are you?"

"Nineteen. Why?"

I looked back at him. Something covered his face, and he turned so I couldn't see it. It wasn't a happy look. Maybe he thought I was too young for him. He was right, I was. He would have to be in his thirties and he would be looking for someone more stable, prettier, more like his age. Not a kid.

Just before I could say anything, Max walked back in.

"Mrs. McKenzie is stable in Room 20. It looks like she had hypoglycemia, which means low blood sugar. We’re keeping her overnight, but she should be able to be released tomorrow. You are all welcome to go and see her." Max looked around Oliver. "Chloe, could you come with me?"

I glanced at Chase, who didn’t say anything but stood up when Max entered the room. I wanted to say something, but I didn't know what. His brothers and sisters were already heading for Room 20. Chase glanced back at me when he got to the door.

"I'll see you soon," he said.

I forced a smile and stood up. His sweater went down to my knees, and I looked as if I was only wearing that. Chase was gone.

My eyes landed back on Max. "What do you want now?"

"Was wondering if you were free for dinner? I know it’s late, but I'm on a break now."

I couldn't go to Chase's mother’s bedside. That would be awkward and unwanted. I should let them have their private time.

"Sure, why not, Kingly." I walked towards him. "You lead the way."

***

It was after midnight and I was back in the waiting room, staring down at the streets. I hadn't gone to Chase's mother’s room. I had hoped when he was done he would come and tell me, so I didn't stay that long with Max.

I was half asleep when he did come.

"Chloe?"

My head snapped sideways, and Chase was standing in the doorway.

"We're all heading home. You ready to come?" Chase was looking at me, but not with passion, desire or want. It was more the way you would look at a stranger.

"Yeah, sure." I got up and rolled his sweater sleeves up.

We didn't talk as we walked to the elevators. We didn't talk as we walked to the car park, and I noticed how he was either walking ahead of me or walking beside me but with distance.

He unlocked the car and I slid onto the white leather seats. I didn't know what this car was, but it was expensive. It looked and felt it.

Chase started the car up and put it in reverse.

I should say something, but I didn't know what. Why had it become so awkward between us? What had I said? My stomach turned. It must be my age.

We were on the highway when I decided it was enough silence.

"So, how is your mom?" I asked, turning to look at him.

"Good." His answer was clipped and short.

"Are Sammie and Jess heading home too or are they staying?"

"Staying."

"Oh."

Silence again.

Something buzzed in my pocket, and I remembered now I had a phone. I had only bought it with Sammie and Jess. No one had my number, except...

Do you need somewhere to stay? Max.

I glanced at Chase. Maybe I did need somewhere else to stay. If he wasn't happy with my age, maybe it was best we part ways. I couldn't change the fact that I was younger than him, but just because I was younger didn't mean I didn't have feelings, and it didn't mean I didn't have feelings for him.

"You got a phone?"

I looked up from the screen and saw Chase glance at me.

"Um yeah, I did."

"When?"

"When I was shopping with Sammie and Jess."

"Who has your number?"

I could hear a hint of anger in his voice and noticed he was gripping the stirring wheel tightly.

"Max."

I watched Chase inhale sharply. "Of course."

What should I say? The truth? "He is asking me if I have somewhere to stay and I don't know the answer."

Chase glanced at me with a fury in his eyes. "You don't know the answer?"

"No, I don't."

"Is my house not good enough for you?"

"Chase, you're being weird." I said it flat out. "I don't know if I'm welcome anymore."

His jaw clenched and he remained silent as the time ticked by.

"Have I said you're not welcome?" He turned his head to glance at me. "Or is it the fact I'm older than you bothering you?"

I scoffed "Please, you're the one with age problems. I told you my age and you shut down so I should really ask you that question. Am I too young for you, Chase?"

"You're everything I shouldn't want," he forced out, and it left me with questions. For one, what the hell did he mean by that!

I gritted my teeth and stared out the window. Maybe I was doing this all wrong. Maybe I should head back home and put up with the step monster. Maybe I should get on the next bus and not look back. I didn't know what to do, but I was getting a headache from thinking about it.

Chase's opinion of me changed tonight. Maybe it was because his brothers didn't approve of me, or the fact that I was young.

The rest of the car ride was silent and, when we got back to his house, he was still silent.

He unlocked the front door and let us in. He flicked on the lights and I reached for the hem of the sweater and pulled it off over my head, revealing my strapless dress.

"Thanks for the sweater." I handed it to him and then walked away. I was leaving in the morning. I could head to Max's then plan where to go from there.

I was nearly at the bedroom when a warm hand wrapped around my wrist, pulling me to turn around, and I did just that straight into Chase's hard body. I looked up to see him staring down at me. His hand let go of my wrist, ran up my arm, over my shoulder, and then cupped my cheek, tilting my head back to stare at him.

"You're killing me, Chloe." His words were forced out and the pain on his face was clear. He was keeping his control over his emotions, and it was causing him pain. What did he want to do? What was keeping him from doing it?

I inhaled sharply and knew it was the best if nothing happened. "Night, Chase." I pulled back out of his hand, but I was stupid if I thought that would stop him.

His hands landed on my hips and pulled me back. "I'm sorry."

I frowned. "For what?"

He dipped his head until his mouth was against my ear and whispered. "For making you feel unwelcome."

He pulled back with a sorry smile on his face. Without thinking, I reached out and ran my hand over his cheek, feeling his warm soft skin and facial hair; he needed a shave. I curved into him as his hand ran down my spine.

I wanted to be touched by him. I wanted to feel the warmth from his skin and I wanted to feel every inch of his body.

His intense eyes were on me, staring holes through my soul.

"You know I'm older than you, right?"

I nodded my head.

"You know I'm a dangerous man. You know I don't keep to the law."

I nodded my head. My hand ran down his toned chest.

He took a sharp breath in. "I'm bad for you, Chloe."

I tilted my head to the side and stared right back up at him. I chewed on my bottom lip and then reached up, putting my hand on his shoulder. I went up to my tippy toes and kissed his cheek.

"Night, Chase." I stepped out of his embrace. "See you in the morning." I turned and walked up the reach of the hallway until I was in the bedroom.

I closed the door and when I did, I noticed Chase still standing in the hallway. He watched me walk away from him. I sighed and flopped down on the bed. It was only now I remembered something. I hadn't given Chase my number! I gripped my phone and got back up.

I opened the door and saw the light on in his room, the door still open.

"Chase?"

He poked his head out. "Yeah?"

I half ran down the hall to him. I held my phone up. "I wanted to give you my number."

He leaned against the door frame and pulled his phone out of his jeans pocket.

I typed my number in and saved it, then handed the phone back.

"Now you can always get in contact with me," I said with half a grin.

"Good to know." He smiled at me.

I went to walk backwards, but Chase's arms flung out and he grabbed me. His arms wrapped around my body, pulling me in. His eyes flashed to my lips, and I gasped as his lips connected with mine.

My hand went through his hair and I curved into him as he kissed me like he would never see me again. His lips were inviting and my bottom lip opened up and his tongue slid in; then our tongues were exploring each other.

He pulled me in closer, with one hand on my ass and the other in my hair. He undid my hair from my ponytail, and it fell down around my face and down my back. His hand went through it.

I was losing breath, so I stopped kissing him, leaning my forehead against his. My arms were around his neck. Just because I was out of breath, it didn't mean he was. He nibbled on my jaw before kissing down my neck and over my bare shoulder. His hand went to my back and slowly unzipped my dress.

I knew I could stop him. He was doing it so slowly that I could stop it if I wanted to. The dress fell down and I stepped out of it, holding onto Chase's hand as I did.

Sammie had dragged me into a Victoria's Secret store, so I was in lingerie that was sexy – matching black and lace.

Chase's eyes ran up and down me twice then, when they connected with my eyes, all I could see was lust. He pulled me in tight, his hands exploring my bare back, across the lace at the bottom of my underwear.

He started to kiss my neck again and I groaned.

"We need to stop." I said, putting a firm hand on his chest, "Because you will regret this in the morning."

I knew he would. Look how upset he got with me about my age.

He let out a heavy sigh and nodded his head. "Okay."

I let go of him and he let go of me. As soon as his hands left, I wanted them back. I picked up my dress and turned and walked away.

It was the smart thing to do.

I was still thinking that when I threw my dress and phone on the bed. I had gone to give him my number, not give him my virginity.

He most likely thought I wasn't a virgin, but I was, and he was the first man I had ever kissed with passion. He was the first man that I had ever thought of having sex with.

Lying down on the bed staring at the ceiling, all this was reeling around in my mind when my phone buzzed.

Better save my number x

Chase. A smile spread across my face.

Thanks for the tip.

I put the phone down and went back to staring at the ceiling. It buzzed again.

Thanks for tonight.

I hadn't done much but wait in the waiting room and sent Chase into a freak out which had me asking one question.

R we okay?

I watched the screen, noticing he was typing.

I'm bad for you.

Because I was such a saint. I locked the phone and put it back down. Chase was a criminal but he had a good heart, and I saw that. He might not be 'good' for me, but I had a feeling we were past that.

I wanted him.