Chapter 22: Where Is The Scar Part II

••~~CORIAN~~••

“Fine. Bad joke.” Avi chuckled, trying to smooth over the absolute worst joke ever.

There is just no room for another child in my life.

“You’re lucky I still need you,” I bit out.

But Avi didn’t quit. He never quits.

“Seriously, Corian. You can’t expect me to ignore the fact you’ve been off the grid, that you’re due for a new prescription but never ask, that you’re dodging every appointment I set like it’s jury duty...”

I let him rant. My eyes were already back on her.

Maddison.

Where the fuck did that bottle hit?

It’s not on her forehead or that pretty face. Back of her skull maybe?. I can’t let it go. I keep replaying it like some busted record…. glass, impact, her little body jerking. I slid my palm under her nape, thumb grazing, hunting for the crack.

“You really need to be more responsible, Corian.”

“Avi.”

“I mean, your pulse history alone is enough to keep me up at night and now you’ve got a new girl in your bed and I’m supposed to just….”

“Avi.”

“…. ignore the fact that your stress levels are through the roof, your symptoms are probably flaring, and you haven’t returned my last seven messages?”

I dragged a hand through my hair, half because I was still coming up empty on that scar, half because Avi’s voice was drilling straight into my temple.

“You done?”

“No,” he said. “But I can be if you let me say one last thing.”

I gritted my teeth. “Say it.”

“You know I’m not just your doctor, right? I’m the one who’s gonna get the call if you drop dead in a hallway. So maybe stop treating me like a glorified pill dispenser and let me help.”

“I don’t need help.”

“You do, Corian. And even you know it.”

I ran a hand down my face. Of course he wasn’t gonna let it go. He never lets it go.

“I didn’t call you for me,” I said finally, my tone sharpening. “I didn’t hire a babysitter. I’ll tell you when I’m due for pills. Not a second before.”

“Just doing the job you pay me so damn well for…”

“Do it quieter,”

“Got it. Message received. You’re still king of the mountain.” I didn’t miss the sarcasm in his voice but I am still the fucking king.

“Damn right I am.”

He sighed. That long, worn-out, been-doing-this-for-too-many-years sigh. “Fine. I’ll bring my bag. Check on your girl. Keep my mouth shut. Pretend I’m not having a medical heart attack watching you spiral.”

“That’s all I ask.” I tossed back a sarcastic response.

“And Corian?”

“What now?”

“I’m bringing a new bottle anyway. I’m not letting you go out like some arrogant idiot who couldn’t admit his body was failing.”

I clenched my jaw. Didn’t say a word. Just stared down at Maddison’s face, peaceful in a way that made everything else go quiet.

“Just get over here with your bag. You check her. Don’t poke around. Don’t ask her questions. Don’t look at her twice. If you so much as ask her name, I’ll replace you with a vending machine and a stethoscope. We clear?”

“Woah, she must be something if I am getting the laid down rules.” He jokes but I fucking meant every word.

“Avi…”

“Got it. Doctor mode only. I’ll be there in an hour.”

“Make it thirty minutes,”

I hung up just as Harvey’s name lit up my phone.

Fucking perfect.

The only thing I wanna do right now is stare at this little and maybe chain her to the headboard. But no… now I get to hear from my divorce lawyer.

“Harvey,” I answered, eyes still on her. “I told you not to call.”

I’d told him I was off for the month.

“Well when you choose to disappear, calling is the only option and good day to you too, Corian,” he said, sarcasm rich. The man enjoys risking his job.

“Get to the point.”

“It’s signing day. Victoria insists you show up.”

Of course she fucking does.

My jaw locked. My fingers still tracing Maddison’s cheek. Still hunting that damn scar.

“Do I have to be there?”

“She wants to look you in the eyes and say it to your face.”

That sounded exactly like Victoria.

We were nineteen. One drunk night. One accident. One kid. So we end up in a marriage built on guilt and legacy.

I never wanted her. Not in the marry her kind of way.

I never wanted to marry anyone. She knew that.

But I had a son. He needed protection.

Family first.

It’s the only code I ever gave a damn about.

“It’s one more day, Corian. Then it’s over,” Harvey said, trying to soften it.

We have seperated for two years now, and it's been one ugly stunt to the next. If I’m finally getting rid of her, one last round of her bullshit is worth it.

“You’ll get a raise,” I muttered.

“Is that a thank you?”

“Don’t make me change my mind.”

He laughed. “See you soon.”

I hung up.

The scar was still hiding. But I’d find it.

It was a mission now.

I pulled the covers over her. Brushed her hair once more before I hit the shower. Got dressed. Black pants. Jacket. Glasses tucked into my shirt. One last look at her.

Like I was burning the image into my brain, so she’d still be here when I got back.

Then I hit the stairs. “Ausley.”

He appeared like a damn genie. “Mr Van Halen?”

“I’m going out. If Ms. Summers wakes up and tries to leave…. don’t let her.”

I mean she signed the contract but that was a KINK level training too next level for her.

His brow twitched. “Is there a problem, Mr. Van Halen?”

Why did he sound concerned?

Too concerned.

Was he worried? For her?

My hands flexed.

“Don’t ask, Ausley.”

He nodded fast. “Of course, sir.”

I like Ausley. He’s efficient. Loyal. If I were caught red handed in a murder and needed an alibi, he’d offer himself. No questions asked.

But if he so much as thinks about caring too much for my Tiger again… he’s done.

“Forgive me, sir,” he added, reading all the heat in my eyes.

He had the same look he had when I nearly ripped his head off for wrapping his hands around her butt.

The fuck should he be worried about her for?

I’ll worry about her.

Letting it slide…. for now.

“Avi’s coming. After the checkup, she gets anything she wants. Clothes. Food. A damn pony if she wants it. But she doesn’t leave.” Atleast not until I am home. “Lock all exit access.” I added.

“Yes, sir.”

“Oh… and try not to leave my funeral papers hanging in the backseat again.”

He blinked hard. “I’m sorry Ms. Summers saw that, sir. I know how much you like your privacy.”

“Damn right. Ms. Summers already learned her lesson.”

And I’ve got more to teach her.

I grabbed my keys, stepped into the garage, and fired up the matte-black beast. The engine roared.

Time to get legally single.

Then come back and hunt down that damn scar.

Just hope to hell Victoria doesn’t pull one of her dirty games today.