143. Bruised
Rockford was worried about Rocco, he could see that Dee hadn’t left his side since the panic room fiasco. He had heard and learned about PTSD, but when he watches someone they love go through with it, it really strikes him in the gut. The cruel realization and his inability to help their boyfriend were making his heartache.
He looked through the rearview mirror, his eyes met with Dee’s and she gave him a tired smile while keeping her side pressed close to their boyfriend. Rockford was tired too, his body was bruised and he needed an ice pack for his abdomen. It was pure luck that Demyan had thrown him a Kevlar and Rockford had put it on moments before he got shot just under his ribs. Still, he was glad that he was not shot in his chest and risked a cracked rib. He really didn’t want to relive that experience.
When he saw the man who was coming to kill him, Rockford recognized his sergeant at arms and his road captain leading a couple of new men whom Rockford couldn’t identify. But their biker vest gave them away. They’re new members of his old biker crew. Rockford had been away for far too long that he didn’t even know most of the new guys. There were at least ten of them. Luckily Rockford knew how they ambushed, there was no stealth in their movements. They were all rushed with adrenaline and Rockford was glad because it was making them easy to spot and shoot at.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
But his road captain, the man whom he laughed and once intimate with, had shot him in his abdomen. The man surprised him with his sneaky smile, Rockford thought he was going to tell him something, maybe regrets, or even a confession, because they did hookup several times. But then the man shot him, his betrayal didn’t last long when Rockford instinctively raised his gun and put a bullet between his eyes. Rockford didn’t want to waste his time, the traitor didn’t deserve a second more of his time.
There, no regrets. He said to himself before groaning then back into hiding and shot two more guys before Demyan’s crew finally arrived. Then everything ended within minutes. Silence surrounded the house as if there weren’t almost a dozen bikers storming into the Villa.
Max had called and texted Rockford about the new location for their so-called safe houses. They wouldn’t need it for long. Just a couple of days. Making sure that they were seen by the CCTV for their alibis if needed.
It was almost dawn when they arrived at the Markov Hotel downtown. He went straight to the basement and parked their car where Ivan was to meet them and get them to their suite.
In the end, he was just glad they made it out alive and thanked Ivan for providing them with the change of items of clothing.
“It’ll only be for three days. I’ll get you guys more clothes sometime after lunch. The hotel staff will take care of everything. Room service is included but you are expected to have a couple of meals at the hotel restaurants for your alibis. We’ll have our tech hack and modify the time stamp should the authorities need them.”
“Thanks, Ivan,” Rockford added.
“You’re all good, man. The boss wants you all to be safe and me and my guys are making sure of it.” The man nodded and walked towards the door of the spacious suite but not before explaining to Rockford that the hallway is monitored twenty-four-seven. He also showed him where they stashed the guns should things go bad again.
“It’s always good to be prepared. Dee, Rocco, take care of your man, make sure he puts ice on that bruise. It’s a bitch to get shot at.” As quick as he said it the man was out the door and it only took seconds for the realization to settle in when his two lovers were at his side asking if he was indeed shot.
“I wore a Kevlar, but yes I was shot,” Rockford explained, motioning his hand to his abdomen, inches below his ribs.
Dee was the first one to lift the hem of Rockford’s shirt, but both Dee and Rocco gasped when they saw the nasty bruise as big as their palm.
“I’ll ice it later. You should shower, get changed, and rest. I feel like the adrenaline is crashing down on me.” Rockford kissed her cheek then to Rocco’s neck, before heading towards the minibar to get some ice from the fridge.
“No, you and Rocco strip and get under the shower. I’ll get the ice and some towels.” Dee pushed both of them into the large beautiful ensuite and waited until both men finally relented and got naked before continuing to get under the shower.
“Why didn’t you say something? This looks like hell,” Rocco’s voice was soothing him. He liked knowing that the man cared for him and Rockford liked his gentle touch.
“Not my first time,” he shrugged and turned on the shower pulling Rocco under it and kissing his lips under the warm water. The kiss didn’t last long, he’s never been a fan of kissing under the shower. As romantic as the idea is, you still need to breathe, and with water pouring is too much of a hassle to find the best angle to make it last.
“Rocco, I’m fine, baby. I got hit once on the chest and it cracked a rib, that one took time to heal even when the bullet didn’t get through the Kevlar. Believe me, I’m okay.” Rockford curled his fingers, tilting Rocco’s stubbled jaw and pressing a kiss on his lips.
They finished the rest of the shower quickly since Rockford needed that ice and Dee was babbling, telling them to stop making out and get dry.
“Rocco, baby, please get Rockford a bottle of water and some ibuprofen from the first aid kit left by Ivan in the living area. I’m going to settle our man on the bed to ice him.”
“Okay. That should sound sexy, but you’re not making it sound like it.” Rockford grumbled and hissed when he moved to put on his new boxer briefs. He should’ve known not to contract his abdominal muscle, but sometimes he forgets and when he did Dee was surely there to scold him.
“Here’s the water and the pills. And um… I think this is for the bruise.” Rocco walked towards them and handed the items to their girlfriend. She passed Rockford the pills and the bottled water, then she told him to lay back and gently apply the ointment on his bruised area.
“Okay, now you both can kiss. I’m going to take my well-needed shower then join you both.” Rockford heard Dee telling them as she walked towards the bathroom, taking a new sleep shirt from the pile of their new clothing previously left by Ivan.
“I hate that you got shot.” Rockford felt Rocco resting his head on the crock of his neck, joining him on his pillow and he was loving it.
“I know, Rocco, but I’m okay and both of you are safe that’s all that matters to me.” He moved to face his boyfriend and smiled when he leaned closer for a kiss.
They were busy making out until Dee joined them on Rockford’s other side. This… Rockford thought this was what he wanted in life. To have someone, or in this case, two someone caring for him, tending to his bruise, and loving him.
Now all he needs is to help Rocco with his trauma. It would be a longer road, but Rockford was ready to help him as he was sure that Dee had always been there for their man since the beginning of their relationship.