Page 15 of Ma Belle Marguerite (Hidden Secrets #1)

Isabella

O nce I make it to my desk, I pull out my phone only to see that Rex not only saved his number under the name “Future Husband,” but he texted himself, saying, “Cannot wait to see you again xoxo.” That is presumptuous of him.

I quickly change his name to Rex and delete the message, just in case the twins use my phone.

I do not want to explain this to them just yet.

He’s still as dorky as ever. That gets me thinking, though. He said he hadn’t been with anyone in years. Was he just saying that because he felt that was what I wanted to hear? I don’t want to think about him with anyone else. I will end up overthinking it if I don’t stop myself.

I know it isn’t fair since I was with someone else, but I don’t care. We were each other's firsts and supposed to be each other's last. If Rex can be a possessive asshole, why can’t I? I never said that I’m not selfish when it comes to love.

Wait , he said years, not since I left. That means he has been with at least one other woman. What was she like? Did she look like me? Or even worse, did she look nothing like me? How long was he with her? I wonder if Camille or Giselle know who this bitch was? Fuck, here I go overthinking again.

I hear sirens approaching. It’s time to get my mind back on task: work now, Rex later.

I hear banging in the main room. I look out to see the paramedics bringing in someone on a stretcher. It’s like deja vu.

There’s so much blood, and someone is sitting on the patient doing CPR.

I can’t look. I need to sit down. My chest tightens, and I can’t catch my breath.

My heart feels like it is going to pound right out of my chest and my hands feel sweaty and hot.

Why is this happening again? The walls around me feel like they are closing in.

I barely make it to a chair as I feel light-headed. I can’t do this. My breaths feel more like a gasp and cause my chest to hurt.

“Bella!” I hear my name, but it sounds like I’m underwater. Everything is a blur as I feel myself floating. Why am I floating?

The next thing I know, I feel like I’m lying on a hard, lumpy surface. As I try to move, I feel something—no, someone—behind me. Opening my eyes, I see I’m lying on a stretcher in the emergency department, and Rex is behind me. Where did he come from?

Rex just holds me for a moment before speaking. “ Ma Belle , how are you feeling?” he asks quietly.

Looking around, I see that nobody is paying us too much attention. “I’m okay. What happened?” Trying to make myself small in his arms.

“I came to see you before I left, like I said I would. I was discharged, as you thought I would be. When I walked in, I saw you having what looked like a panic attack.” He seems to be watching my face for a reaction as he talks.

“I tried to get your attention, but you were just staring at the person on the stretcher who was being brought in. You looked pale, so I picked you up, and you passed out.” Concern written across his face.

Well, isn’t this a great impression for all my new colleagues? So fucking embarassing. I can’t believe I did that. “Thank you, Rex. I should be good now. You don’t need to stay here,” I say, secretly hoping that he’ll stay just a bit longer.

Looking at me, confused, he asks, “Why would I leave you? I told you earlier that you are what is important. I’m not leaving you until I know you are 100% okay.” He sounds exasperated with me but doesn’t let me go.

I shake my head and say, “You don’t need to deal with this. Seeing all the blood reminded me of Adrien. I’m sure you don’t want to hear me talk about him.” Fuck, that’ll definitely push him away.

I see what looks like a flash of anger on his face, but he quickly schools his emotions and looks at me with soft eyes that he’s only ever had for me.

“You underestimate me, Bella. I don’t want to hear about the man who had what should have been mine, but he was a huge part of your life.

I know he’ll come up. I can put my feelings aside temporarily for you.

But I just may beat the shit out of someone if you tell me about your sex life with him,” Rex growls.

Laughing, I give Rex a small kiss on the lips. “Thank you, I needed that.” I sit up, still feeling slightly off.

“I’m just always worried that it will be someone else I care about being wheeled through those doors.

My heart can’t handle anymore loss.” Taking a deep breath, I try to calm myself.

“Well, I’m not getting paid to lie here and talk to you about my feelings.

I need to get back to work and leave this bed for someone who actually needs it. ”

Grabbing my arm, Rex pulls me back into him. “Bella, please, you need more time. I have an idea, if you’ll allow me to explain.” The look of concern on his face causes me to cave and relax back into his arms.

“Okay, you have two minutes,” I’m sure this will be interesting. His ideas have always been a bit outside of the box.

“You need a job to pay bills, right?” Rex looks at me with a serious face. “I have a job you can do, and I’ll match whatever you would have been making here. I also have a bit of sway with your boss. I can have him save your place here if you want to return.”

I cut into his rambling, “Why would I go to work for you when I have a job already?” I don’t know if I should be offended or happy. Who the fuck does he think he is?

“Well, your reaction to the man they brought in seems like you have PTSD or something. I’m no doctor, but I thought a change of environment for a while could help,” Rex tells me matter of factly.

Defensively, I ask, “So you think something is wrong with me?” I know he doesn’t deserve my anger, but he is so frustrating. I want to smack him and kiss him at the same time.

“No, Ma Belle ,” he sighs, “I just want whatever is best for you and your kids. If you’re stressed out like this at work, it will transfer to them at home. Taking care of you is my main priority.” His voice sounds sincere, and the look on his face is serious.

“I’ll think about it.” I can’t believe him. “I need to finish my shift right now. I will text you when I make a decision.” I’m a full grown woman, for fucks sake.

Laughing, Rex says, “Oh, Bella, I already talked to your boss, and he agreed you need the night off, so he already has someone covering for you. You’re coming home with me.”

“Like hell I am!” I yell. Remembering where we are, I lower my voice but don’t back down.

“You can’t just walk back into my life and take over.

I’m a full-grown woman who can make her own choices, thank you very fucking much!

” He is so lucky he has bruised ribs right now because I want to give him a swift elbow to the gut and get out of his arms. I also don’t want to hurt him more than he already is.

“I know you can, Bella. I’m just concerned. I already lost you once and don’t want to lose you again. Besides, what’s done is done,” Rex states like I am the crazy one here and he’s just spouting off facts. “I will take care of you whether you like it or not.”

Is he fucking serious right now? “I see not much has changed. Overbearing, possessive asshole Rex is still alive and well. That bang to your head didn’t help with that.” Normally overbearing, possessive asshole Rex is attractive in the bedroom, not at my place of work.

Laugh lines appear on his face, “I see my amazing, independent, bratty girl hasn’t changed much either.” He quips back. “Just the way I love you.”

Groaning, I turn away. “Wow, you definitely have not changed much at all. Since I now have the night off, I’ll go home and spend it with my kids. Goodnight, Rex.” I pull myself upright and sit on the edge of the bed as I get my bearings.

“I’ll bring you home. Darryl will follow in your vehicle.” Rex says this as if he is the boss here. He obviously hasn’t learned.

I turn to face him. “I’m capable of getting myself home, thank you very much. You may be the boss of your men, but you’re not my boss.” I’m sure he can hear the annoyance in my voice. I’m not doing this shit with him. I don’t have the time or patience.

“Bella, it’s not about what you’re capable of. This is about letting me help and make up for the years I missed. Think of it as you’re doing it for me, my peace of mind, if that makes you feel better about it.” Rex has the nerve to use his damn sad face that he knows I can’t resist.

Of course, I give in. “Fine, but I drive; you ride with me. That's the only way I’ll agree.” I can’t be a complete push over.

Smirking, Rex just nods his head, pulls out his phone, and starts texting. “Let’s go get your stuff.” He gets up and waits for me to lead the way.

Rolling my eyes I just walk away towards my locker for my bag. I can hear him following. This is going to be quite the adjustment if he thinks he’s just going to walk back into my life and run everything. I’m not a naive eighteen year old anymore.

As we reach my locker, Rex tells me, “Darryl will follow us to your place in my vehicle.” He puts his phone in his pocket and waits for me to grab my things.

“Whatever you say, boss,” I say with an eye roll.

I haven’t rolled my eyes this much in years.

They’re going to be sore tomorrow. “Don’t expect to be invited in.

I’m not ready to explain who you are to the kids yet.

” That’s going to be a whole thing. Especially with Remi, he won’t take Rex’s overbearing shit very well.

“I understand, but I will get to meet them, right?” Rex looks hopeful and has those damn puppy dog eyes again.

“One day. Let’s go.” I walk away without looking back. I know he’ll follow. Maybe the puppy dog eyes are fitting after all.

We walk in silence to my SUV. Surprisingly, Rex doesn’t fight me and gets into the passenger seat. I’m not surprised to see a blacked-out Chevy truck parked close by. Predictable.

“Still into Chevys, I see,” I say to Rex as I pull out of my spot and start to head home. I cannot wait to have a hot shower and rinse this day off me.

Without looking at me, he says, “I still have my truck from high school. You know, the one we’d take for drives in the bush and to the bluff with.

” I can hear the amusement in his voice.

“Speaking of still loving things, I see you still have the heart pendant I gave you on our three-year anniversary.

It was my grandmother's, and you kept it.”

“The bluff? Don’t remember,” I tease, then turn the music up so I can’t hear his reply.

I know pretending not to remember will drive him crazy. I just couldn’t part with it, even if it hurt to look at. It reminded me of all the good times we had. It was also our version of a promise ring. It was supposed to signify forever.

Next thing I know, the music is off, and Rex is turning the wheel to make us pull into an abandoned lot. “What the fuck, Rex?” I yell. “You could have made us crash!”

“Put it in park, now!” Rex sounds angry with my tone. Serves him right for being a bossy asshole. “You want to play games? We can play games, Ma Belle .”

“What are you doing? Are you trying to kill us? One accident this week isn’t enough for you?” God, this man is infuriating. “I’m not playing games either. I’m just dealing with things the best I can.”

Reaching across the console, Rex grabs my face and makes me look at him. “You will learn not to play games with me, Ma Belle. Do you remember punishments with the old me?” I slightly nod my head. “Well, I have new punishments for you now.”

My core clenches. I can’t breathe. Why did that instantly turn me on? At this rate, I’m going to need an uninterrupted shower when I get home. Or a therapist. Maybe both. I might end up committed to the psych ward if I go that last route though.

Looking into my eyes he whispers, “Does that excite you?” Rex gives me a knowing smile.

I nod my head yes as best I can while he holds my face. “Bring it on, Rexy. I’m not the same scared little girl I used to be, either.” I can’t help but push it. I want to see this new side of him.

Growling, Rex unlocks my seatbelt and pulls me over the console enough to kiss me. I feel his tongue lick along the length of my lips. Without thinking, I open my lips for him, allowing him to kiss me more passionately. I feel myself melt into his touch.

Almost as fast as he started kissing me, he stops. Sitting back in his seat, he looks out the window, smirking, “Let’s go. You said you wanted to get home to your kids.”

Yep, asshole may be his new pet name, “I won’t forget this, Rex, you may have won for now, but I will win next time.” Shifting back into drive, I head towards home.

We drive in awkward silence until we pull up to my house. Without a word, Rex jumps out of the SUV and rushes around to open my door before I can even turn it off. He has always been a gentleman and never let me open my own door.

Extending his hand to me, he pulls me to him and whispers in my ear, “Think of me tonight when you’re touching yourself. If you’re feeling brave, video chat with me. Maybe I’ll join you.”

FUCK! I’m at a loss for words. Rex was always confident, but this is a whole new level for him. I don’t know if I will survive this side of him.

He kisses my cheek. “ Bonne nuit, Ma Belle Marguerite . Sleep tight.”

Before I can form words to say good night back, he turns on his heel and walks to his truck and Darryl at the end of the driveway. I love it when he talks French to me.

I stand there in shock for a moment before snapping out of it, grabbing my bag, and heading inside. I definitely need that shower now! This man is going to owe me some batteries if he keeps this up.