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Chapter 3

Annette

B eing stuck at the hospital for almost a week really sucked. It didn’t help that I’d been having blood clot issues, so I couldn’t go home. Not that I really had a home to go back to.

There was no way I could go back to Luke. Not after he’d almost beaten me within an inch of my life.

Well, my friends with the Legacy had offered me a place to stay, but it didn’t feel right to accept anything more from the hockey players. They were already doing so much by paying for my medical bills and taking care of Eric.

“Mom.” Eric leaped onto my bed and gave me a massive hug. “I’ve missed you.”

I hugged the little guy back. It was still weird how much he looked like his dad, especially when he smiled. But that’s genetics for you.

“How was your day?” I asked.

It was good to see how Eric was coming to life again while living with Spencer. He was becoming more like a little kid who was alive and excited about things.

“So awesome. Spence taught me how to do a slapshot.”

I shook my head and closed my eyes, only to instantly regret it. As the world spun, I took in the fact that Eric was just like his biological dad. Even down to his insane love of hockey.

I looked at Spencer. I didn’t know if I should thank him or hate him. Encouraging Eric to play hockey was so damn dangerous, but since I wasn’t going back to Luke, there probably wasn’t any harm.

The headache was settling in. “Hey, I hate to say this, but I’m not feeling so good.”

“Aw. Mom, it’s okay. Just feel better.” Then Eric kissed my forehead as if I just had a simple boo-boo. If only it were just that. Instead, I had blood clots, broken ribs, a bunch of fractures to my face, and so many other injuries.

“Thanks, pumpkin. Be good for Mr. Spencer and Miss Natalie.”

“I will, Mom,” Eric said as he got off the bed. “Feel better soon.”

Eric hugged me, and with a wave, the two guys walked out of the room.

I closed my eyes, trying to ward off yet another headache, but I was surprised by a knock on the door frame. The nurses never knocked. They just came in and did their tests or looked at the readings as necessary.

Then, I heard a familiar voice. “Annie, is that you?”