Didn’t he realize I was pissed off at the world at that moment and he was making it worse? I didn’t want him here because it was bringing back all the emotions I tried to bury, but I did want him here because I had a bit of hope in the back of my mind that he still wanted to be with me and that he possibly forgave me. I looked down at my kindle and tried to read, but as I looked at the words, the only thing registering in my mind was Connor.

“How are you doing sweetie?” Nurse Bailey cheerfully asked as she checked my chemo drip.

“I’m doing fucking fantastic Nurse Bailey, because I know that probably by tonight, I’ll have my head down the toilet for a good hour or two.”

Connor looked at me and then at Nurse Bailey, “Ellery that’s enough.”

The nurse looked at him sympathetically, “It’s ok, she’s angry right now and needs to let it out, and I’m used to it. I just try to make my patients as comfortable as possible.”

Connor leaned closer to me and whispered, “Could you please stop being a smart ass? She is only trying to help you.”

I couldn’t look at him because if I did, I was going to slap him right across the face. I didn’t say a word. I was more than ready to rip that chemo line right out of me and run as fast and far away as I could. This is what I wanted to prevent, the hostility, the anger, the resentment. I just wanted to live my life with the time I had left, happy.

That was the longest 5 hours of my life. Nurse Bailey removed the chemo drip from my port and gave me a hug goodbye. Connor grabbed my blanket, and I tore it out of his hands, “I got it.” He heavily sighed and followed behind me as I exited the hospital. Connor opened the Limo door for me as I slid in the seat.

Denny turned and looked at me, “Hello Miss Lane.” He was the only one of the day that got a smile from me.

“Hi Denny.”

Connor climbed in next to me, “How are you feeling?”

I looked out the window, “I’m fine right now; it takes a few hours or even a few days for the chemo to hit you.” The ride to my apartment was silent.

Connor got out of the Limo and followed me inside, “I want you to start packing.”

I turned and looked at him, “For what?”

He took in a sharp breath, “You will be staying in the guest room at my penthouse.” I felt the blood drain from my face, and my heart started to beat faster.

“I’m not going anywhere; this is my home. This is where I’m staying.” But the idea of sleeping in the enormous comfy bed was appealing.

“Listen to me,” his voice was raised, “I don’t want you staying here alone.”

I walked over to him and put my finger to his chest, “I’m not your fucking charity case Connor Black, and I don’t need your help, besides you hate me anyway, why would you want to help me after what I did?” I slowly turned around and walked to the sink for a glass of water. I stood there with my hands on the edge.

He slowly walked up behind me, “Ellery, I don’t hate you, please don’t ever say that again. Yes, I will admit I’m still angry, and I will be for a very long time, but I need to put all that aside because you are my friend and you need help. Please put your stubbornness aside and let me help you.”

His voice was soft and his words sincere. I wanted to throw my arms around him and cry into his shoulder, but I couldn’t, he admitted he was still angry and that he was only my friend.

“You said you hired a nurse to come here and check on me.”

He sighed again, “Well, I changed my mind and I’m making other arrangements.”

“Fine, let me get my things.” I gave in because I didn’t have the strength to fight him, and I was scared of being alone.

He turned around and looked over at the wall that was missing a chunk of drywall, “What happened over there?”

I came from the bedroom as he walked over and grabbed my bags, “I threw a vase at Kyle.”

He let out a laugh, “Are you serious?”

“Yeah, he wouldn’t leave so I threw a vase at him; needless to say he left after that.” Connor shook his head and continued to laugh.

Chapter 27

I threw myself on the bed I’ve grown to love. Connor set my bags down in the corner.

“I’m going out tonight; if you need anything help yourself.”

I looked at him and gave half a smile, “Thanks.”

He walked out and shut the door. Did he just make it a point to tell me he was going out? I could feel the burning and the rage rev up in my body; jealousy was setting in. This was not a good idea, but if it got too unbearable staying with him, I would pack up and leave.

I didn’t have much of an appetite, and I was tired so I decided to turn in early. I was woken up by the sudden feeling of nausea that overtook my body. I looked at the clock. It was 2 am. I flew out of bed and to the bathroom that was directly across the hall. Thank god I made it as I started to vomit uncontrollably. Here we go I knew it wouldn’t take long; it didn’t the last time. As I was leaned over with my head in the toilet, I heard the door slowly open.

“Ellery,” I heard Connor say as he grabbed my hair and held it back.

I didn’t want him to see my like this. Moving here was not a good thing to do, and now I regretted it.

“Get out of here Connor, please just go.”

He knelt down beside me as he held my hair, “I’m not going anywhere until you are back in bed.”

I threw up a few more times, mostly dry heaving as he walked to the sink and wet a cloth with tepid water. He folded it up and put it on my head. I quickly grabbed it out of his hand. I managed to get up and take small steps towards the door. I was so weak that I wanted to collapse right on the marble floor. Connor lightly took a hold of my arm and helped me into bed. He pulled the covers over me and as he went to walk away, I grabbed his hand. He turned around and looked at me.

“This is nothing; you have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into Mr. Black.”

He stared at me without saying a word then walked out the door, leaving it open a crack. I was too exhausted to think of anything. I just wanted to sleep peacefully.

I opened one eye at the sunlight peeking through the curtains that hung on the windows. I stretched and rolled over on my side, taking in the view of the city that stood outside my window. So much for the anti-nausea meds Nurse Bailey fed me. I heard the door slightly open.

“Ellery, are you awake?” I heard his voice whisper.

I rolled over and looked at him standing there in his dark jeans and a black cotton button down shirt that he left untucked. His hair was messy and damp, but in that sexy way that made me ache for him.

“How are you feeling?” He asked from the doorway.

I sat up on the edge of the bed, “I’m feeling ok at the moment. I think I’ll take a shower.”

His eyes stared into me as if he wanted to reach out and touch me.

“When you’re done, come downstairs and Claire will make you some breakfast.”

I got out of bed and opened my bag to dig out my clothes for the day. “Who’s Claire?” I asked.

“She’s my housekeeper.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you had a housekeeper, you never mentioned her.”

He ran his hand through his hair, “The opportunity never came up I guess.”

I walked past without even looking at him. I walked in the bathroom as he followed me and stood in the doorway.

“I’m going to the office to do some work, I’ll be home later.”

I kept my back to him as I turned on the shower, “Ok, see ya later.”

My words were flat with no emotion. I climbed in the shower and sat on the floor. I curled myself into a ball and cried.

After my shower, I walked down to the kitchen. “You must be our new houseguest Ellery right?” She asked as she walked over and hugged me.

I greeted her warmly, “Yes, and you must be Claire.”

“I sure am honey, now sit down and tell me what you would like me to make you.”