Long Road Home Read Free Page A

me,” Tony said.
    “How are you at picking out women’s clothing?”
    Tony chuckled. “I haven’t had any complaints. You thinking of a wardrobe change?”
    “Not for me, bonehead. Jules. She wants some clothes, and I don’t feel comfortable leaving her alone.”
    “I’ll take care of it, but you owe me big-time, buddy. Buying women’s clothing isn’t my thing. Now if you wanted something from Victoria’s Secret, I’m your man, but somehow I don’t see you wanting a teddy for Jules.”
    Manuel rolled his eyes. “Just get her the basics. I’ll make it up to you.”
    “Damn right you will.”
    As Tony hung up, Manuel grinned. He could protest all he wanted, but Tony would do just about anything for him. A sentiment Manuel returned.
    Feeling better, he strode back into the hospital. He stopped briefly by the cafeteria and bought a cup of coffee. He hadn’t had any in over twenty-four hours, and he was feeling it. He took a cautious sip as he stepped into the elevator. It was terrible. Had the consistency of motor oil. But it was caffeine and it smelled like coffee, so he didn’t complain.
    When he arrived at Jules’s door, he nodded to the guards and quietly walked inside. He stopped short, nearly dropping the Styrofoam cup, when he saw her standing by her bed. Worse, she had pulled off her nasal cannula and was working on her IV. She was so intent on her task that she hadn’t heard him.
    He set his coffee down on a chair by the door and strode over to her. “What the hell are you doing?”
    She whirled around and then swayed. He caught her against him when she would have fallen. She winced when she made contact with his body.
    “I have to get out of here,” she said desperately.
    He held her to his chest, feeling the erratic beat of her heart. It had been so long since he had held her. He picked her up, mindful of her injuries, and placed her back on the bed. She was light in his arms. Too light. She had gotten way too damn thin.
    He held up her arm to inspect the IV. Satisfied that it was secure, he looped the plastic tubes over her ears and slipped the cannula back in place. “You aren’t going anywhere.”
    Her lips formed a tight line, but he could see the panic, the fear in her eyes, and it pissed him off. What was she so afraid of? Who had done this to her? To Mom and Pop?
    He sat down beside the bed and leveled a hard stare at her. “Now, suppose you tell me where it is you’re in such a hurry to go.”
    “I’m not safe here… You’re not safe here.”
    His brow wrinkled as he looked curiously at her. He hadn’t wanted to bombard her with questions so quickly, but if he didn’t now, he might not get another chance.
    “Where have you been, baby?” he asked softly. “What happened three years ago?”

Chapter Four
     
    Jules stared at Manny, the concern in his eyes nearly her undoing. It was all there in his face. Worry. Anguish. She’d caused it all.
    She closed her eyes and turned away. She’d never considered herself a coward. Hell, she’d faced death down more times than she could count, but she couldn’t bear to look him in the eye any longer.
    “Was it that bad?” he asked, a catch in his voice.
    “I don’t want to talk about it.”
    He blew out his breath in frustration, something he’d always done when aggravated.
    “I’m sorry, Manny,” she offered, trying desperately to keep a tight rein on her emotions. Seeing him, being able to touch him was all she had dreamed of for the last three years. And now that she could, his possible recrimination kept her at a distance. “Please don’t hate me. I couldn’t bear it if you hated me.” Her voice cracked, and she fell silent.
    “Jesus, Jules. What on earth are you thinking?” He pulled her almost roughly into his arms. He held her against his chest, her face buried in the warmth of his shirt. She breathed in, content to remain still for just a moment.
    Too soon he eased her away and forced her to look at him. “I