Fallen Down Under (Down Under #2) Read Free

and fast. You’re acting like a spoilt fucking brat and it doesn't suit you one little bit."
    She's so sure that she knows what she's talking about, it's pointless trying to argue with her so I leave her to storm out of my house without saying a word. What the fuck is this? Everyone take a chunk out of Max week? Jeez, I preferred it when my life was more laid back.
     
    "Your dinner's in the oven dear." I hear Martha down the hall before she enters my office.
    "Thank you." At least someone's against giving me too much of a hard time. My stomach grumbles at the mention of food and I can't remember the last time I ate anything. "Why don't you give yourself the day off tomorrow? You’ve been here an aweful lot this past week. I don’t fancy getting sued for making you ill."
    "What and leave you wallowing here on your own? Don't be daft."
    "I'm just busy. You really don't need to worry." All I want is for people to stop fussing over me like I’m a kid that can’t fend for myself.
    "Max." She says softly as she sits down opposite me, a maternal look present in her eyes. "I've known you an awfully long time and I would like to think you had a little bit more respect for me than to actually lie to my face."
    "Honestly, I'm fine. I've just got a lot going on that’s all." In a sense I'm technically not lying to her. I can't remember the last time my head was filled with so much bullshit.
    "Have you spoken to her? Have you made sure that you have told her your version of events?"
    "Wow, seriously? Does everyone seem to know every fucking detail of my personal life now?" I snap unintentionally at her. When did I become so goddamn fucking interesting?
    "Stella called by looking for Jess. She said that there had been a misunderstanding of some sort and she wanted to talk to her. It doesn't take a genius to work out what actually happened dear. To be honest, I've never liked that Stella from the get go, but I normally like to keep my opinions to myself." The sudden pressure that fills my head causes my fingers to shoot straight to my temples. Fuck this bullshit. As if sensing my sudden unease, Martha continues "Don't worry, I didn't tell her where she was. That poor girl doesn't need any more drama and I personally will not be responsible for any further damage that whirlwind of a woman will cause."
    "She's leaving anyway so what does it matter?" I can't fucking believe that those words have just left my mouth. I can't think of anything worse that the thought of Jess being permanently out of my life, but I swore to myself I wouldn't be selfish with my needs when it comes to her and her safety. I’ve witnessed more than enough people get hurt because of me and if anything happened to Jess, I honestly don’t think I could live with myself.
    "Do you want her to go?" Martha asks the question as if it's the simplest thing to answer in the world.
    "What do you think?" I finally ask her after a pause. "It would be much easier for her to walk away now before any more damage can be done. But will it be easy for me to watch? Hell no."
    "If you want my advice, go and talk to her. Try and tell her how you feel, regardless of that male ego of yours. Just promise me something, don't turn your back on a good thing. Jess is your good thing Max. Whatever you do, don't lose it."

 
    Jess
     
    The hospital still makes me feel sick to my stomach. The smells, the association of death, pain, everything you don't want to be around is closed in all around you under one roof. I'm on edge every time I'm in a hospital and I can't wait to get out and jump in the shower to scrub the feel and smell away.
    "Hey you. How are you feeling?" I ask, leaning into Mal and placing a tender kiss on his cheek. He looks so much better, especially now that all of his wires have been removed. The last time I saw him his face was still grey, yet now he has a healthy glow and he's rocking some rosy cheeks and a sparkle in his eyes. "I take it that they've been treating you