Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

“I think we get the picture. It seems she had some issues with Lizbeth and openly admits approaching her this morning in your parking garage. According to her, their argument became heated, and she started showing signs of early labor. Lizbeth was trying to help her, get her to the hospital,” the officer explains. “Miss Crane went on to explain what she remembers and asked us to share with you. Would you like to hear?”

I nod numbly, knowing this is going to be a mistake.

He plays the recording, and Mathis comes closer, both my brothers taking the same stance as me: blank faces, arms crossed, and anger steaming from us.

I listen to every word Sasha says, her explanation of what transpired this morning to put the two people I love most in the hospital. Surprisingly, she sounds mellow and remorseful. She tells of their argument, her jealousy, and her resentment over my relationship. When she recalls the cramping and the way Bizzy tried to help her, only to be backhanded to the ground, I growl and feel my control slipping. The rest of the recording sets me further and further on edge. She holds nothing back, taking full responsibility for losing her temper and lashing out at Bizzy, while Bizzy drove.

I lose focus as red fury clouds my vision, especially when Sasha admits to having pains the last few days and ignoring them as Braxton Hicks. She was so set on her mission to destroy my relationship, she didn’t take the baby’s health into consideration. During the last few minutes, her voice cracks, and she openly cries, telling the officers how sorry she is and how scared she became.

There isn’t one ounce of sympathy in the room when one of the men cuts off the recording.

“Jesus, this is a clusterfuck. It could be on one of those daytime TV shows,” Nick clips, his disgust escalating.

“I want to press charges. What are the next steps?” My lawyer brain kicks into gear, and I stand straighter, thinking of exactly how Sasha is going to pay for this.

Revenge is what I want… sweet, sweet revenge.

The men look at each other, one of them scuffling his feet a little before speaking. “We need to speak with Lizbeth when she’s awake and coherent. Hear her recollection of the details. She will be the one who will have to make that call.”

“Sasha lost her mind and tried to kill my fiancée and possibly my child. Isn’t that attempted manslaughter?” I bark at them.

Nick lets out a low whistle, and Mathis steps in front of me. “Officers, Lizbeth Hastings is going to be under heavy sedation and groggy for a few days. While her injuries were not life-threatening, she still underwent major surgery. I will personally contact you when her doctor feels she is well enough to give you a statement. Until then, you can understand how on edge all of us are. This has been one hell of a day. My brother was faced with the possibility of losing his son and his fiancée. Even knowing they are both okay, tensions are high.”

“We understand. We’ll also be speaking with her doctor.” One of them tries to hand me a card, but Mathis snatches it, still shielding me.

They walk out, and my knees finally go weak. I sink into a chair and drop my head to my hands. The details of the day race through my head at high speed.

“Shaw, what can we do?” Mathis lays a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm.

“I need a minute,” I tell him in a ragged breath.

We stay silent as I will my heart to stop racing and press the emotions deep, knowing I need to get back to Bizzy.

Mathis’ phone beeps, and he slaps me on the back with a little too much force.

“Come on, boys. The message is from Claire. She’s got great news on the baby and says we need to come up to NICU.”

Hearing that is probably the only thing in this world that could lift my spirits right now. I leap to my feet and start toward the door, knowing they are close behind.

The entire way to the NICU, I formulate a plan to deal with Sasha.

Chapter 34

Bizzy

“Wake up, baby. Let me see your beautiful blue eyes. Even if it’s just for a minute, open them for me.” Shaw’s voice sounds miles away as I fight the haziness.

I blink a few times, knowing he needs this, opening my eyes to find him leaning over me with a satisfied grin. His own eyes shine as he moves my hand to his mouth and kisses it repeatedly.

It’s been like this for two days. If I’m asleep when Shaw leaves to see the baby, he gently wakes me up to kiss me and tell me he loves me. His explanation is simple.

“I need to see your eyes, Bizzy. It helps calm me.”

Since the minute I first woke up, he’s been by my side, unless he’s with the baby. Even then, someone is near. Our moms, dads, Nick, Claire, Mathis, Nurse Evie… all of them sit around my room. Since my entire left side is practically useless right now, they have all babied me to death. I’m ready to go home, try to acclimate to my injuries, and for people to stop shadowing my every move.

I lift my non-injured hand and run it along his jawline, giving him a sleepy smile. “Is it time to see him?”

“Yes, and then I have a surprise. He’s been cleared to go to the step-down unit today. His lungs and heart rate are strong. He’s also gained almost four ounces in the last two days.”