Fractured Hearts (Shattered Lives, Book Three) by Rissa Blakeley Read Free Book Online Page A

“What the fuck?!” I grabbed my head and groaned as he laughed. “Totally not funny, you fucking prat. I was just catnapping for a moment,” I growled.
    “Yeah, it was funny.” He laughed again, waving the vials in front of my face. “Here. Your bird has a present for you.”
    I snatched them and dumped them back with much appreciation. “Thanks, love.” My head listed back and a moan pushed out of my throat. I lay back down, reveling in the static buzz running through my entire body.
    “Got everything handled here?” Gunther asked Elaina.
    “Yes, umm… Thank you. It was very kind of you to help me.”
    “Never a problem. Anytime you need me. I’m going to be in our room.”
    “I’m sorry?”
    “My and Quinn’s room. I’m going there…if you need anything.” He paused and I heard him take a few steps. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’re acting a bit like a nutter here. You just seem a little out of it.”
    “Yes, sorry. Just a lot on my mind, I suppose. I’m exhausted.”
    “Right. Well, maybe you should get some rest. You’re looking ill. You’re missing that Elaina glow.”
    “Yeah. Yeah, I think I will.”
    Finally, the bloody door opened and closed. Relief swept over me. Elaina blew out a breath and cleared her throat. Her behavior with him made me want to put my fist through a wall. Never once have I even looked at another woman since we’ve been together.
    Never.
    Even when women threw themselves at me, I pushed them away without a second thought or a single glance. There was only one reason she was slipping from my grip. Me. I did this to us.
    “Glad he’s gone?” I moaned as I spoke. I prayed she was.
    “Yeah,” she yawned.
    “Overbearing prick,” I said with a grumble.
    Elaina went silent, making me wonder what she was thinking about.
    “I’m sorry. What?”
    “Gunther. He’s an overbearing prick.”
    “Henry, don’t be ungrateful,” she said. “He just helped you.”
    “Yeah, and he lingered. Damn sex addict,” I mumbled. “He’d fuck a tree if there was a hole in the right spot.”
    “Henry! What is wrong with you?!” Elaina’s fists clenched at her sides, and I wasn’t sure as to why she was offended.
    Or maybe I was.
    I narrowed my eyes at her. “You know nothing about him, Elaina! Don’t think I didn’t hear all of your off breathing and nervous behavior.”
    Her face reddened. I couldn’t tell if it was from embarrassment or anger. “What the hell are you talking about?” she growled.
    Incensed she was caught? How will she explain herself out of this one? Good fucking luck. “I get it, Elaina. He’s got a little up on me. He’s easy on the eyes, great body, and he could make an entire room of women drop their panties and orgasm just from a wink. I look sullen, soft in the belly, and I’m certain you aren’t swooning for me anymore.” Then I paused. “But mostly, he’s not an alcoholic like me.” I actually said the words again. I rubbed my chest as the pain settled in. Truth really did hurt.
    “Add paranoid to that list,” she mumbled.
    “That’s not helping me.”
    “Henry, listen… I think you’re pretty damn sexy.”
    I laughed. My confidence had dwindled to nothing. I sighed. “I’m sorry, Elaina. I know I’ve been a chore lately, especially since you have been trying to keep my issues under wraps.”
    She kneeled next to me. Her fingers fumbled through my hair. “You’re sick.”
    The guilt was overwhelming. “In more ways than one,” I grumbled. I couldn’t tell her all the ways. I was humiliated enough. If I told her about the voices, it would push me over the edge.
    “Well, we can get you through one at a time.”
    “Yeah, whatever,” I muttered.
    “I love you so much.”
    How could she love me? I’m a joke. “Are you sure? I’m pretty sure I haven’t been lovable lately.” I wouldn’t even look at her.
    She grabbed my face and turned it toward her. “Yes. I’m sure.”
    A gradual smile graced her beautiful