Ethan had begged Kristina to stay home in bed with him all day, but she refused. And not wanting to alarm her in anyway, he had to let her go to work. It was probably a good thing though. He knew where she was and it gave him the opportunity to dig into this problem a little further and set up the proper security.
He heard arguing coming from Johnny's apartment as he approached. He raised his fist to start knocking, but the sound of a loud crash sent him grabbing the door knob instead and bolting in. "Hey…" Ethan walked in to see Johnny crouched over and surrounded by shattered pieces of what was once a ceramic vase. Carly was standing across the room from Johnny, clearly angry. "Is everything okay here?"
Carly grabbed her purse off of the couch. "No, it's not." She strutted to the already opened door, but stopped short of walking out. "I can't believe you lied to me, Johnny. I don't ever want to see you again." She stormed out.
"Carly, wait!" Johnny called after her, but he knew she wasn't coming back. "Dammit!"
"Trouble in paradise?" Ethan asked while stepping over several broken picture frames.
"What tipped you off?" Johnny flopped back on his couch and threw his head back looking exhausted.
"Well this definitely doesn't look like a little lover's quarrel."
Johnny sighed. "Carly found out about my recent dealings with the business again."
"I thought you said that you were just tying up some loose ends your grandfather left."
"Yeah well there are a lot of loose ends. I started to get too many phone calls that I couldn't explain to her and like you said, Carly doesn't do well with suspicion."
"She overheard a phone call?" Ethan asked as he swept broken glass off of the couch and sat next to his friend.
"No, worse. She followed me down to the pier and heard me give the order to intercept another family's shipment."
"Did you explain to her that it's not forever?"
"Yeah, but she doesn't care. And truth be told, I don't know when it's going to end. I still haven't heard from my grandfather and someone has to speak for the Zacchara family."
"Maybe she'll come around?"
Johnny sighed heavily. "I'm not counting on it. She made it clear that she didn't want me having anything to do with the mob life anymore. But it's a part of me, you know? No matter how hard I try to stay away from it, unless I change my name, it's always going to be around." Johnny got up and disappeared for a second, coming back with a broom and dust pan. "So, not that I mind a friendly visit, but is there something on your mind? Something I can do for you?"
Ethan stood up. "Right, yeah, I do need your help."
Johnny looked toward Ethan and his eyebrow's went up with curiosity. "Cash flow running dry?"
"No, nothing like that. First, you should know that Kristina and I are together."
"Together?"
"Yeah, together." Ethan smiled as soon as her name passed his lips.
Johnny walked over and patted Ethan on the shoulder. "Congratulations, man. What do you need me to do? Give you some advice on how to please a woman?" Johnny laughed.
"Funny, mate, but no. I believe I have that one under control myself."
"Then what is it?"
Ethan got real serious again. "I think someone is setting out to start some trouble with me and I want some security on Kristina."
"What kind of trouble are we talking about here?"
"Honestly I don't even know the extent of it yet. I just know that I was followed last night and got several weird phone calls last night."
"Really? Is Helena back?" Johnny asked.
"Well right away that's where I went, but according to Luke and Nicholas she's not even in town."
"If not her, you got any other ideas on who would be messing with you?"
"I don't know. I mean, I've pissed a few blokes off in the past with some con's, but I couldn't even begin to try and narrow it down." Ethan paused and thought for a second. "You sure Anthony's not around?"
"You think it could be Anthony?"
"Well, I'm just saying your gramps was never too fond of me. In fact I think the last time I seen him I pissed him off protecting Kristina on the docks."
"Point taken. I really don't think it's him, but I'll ask around, see what I can find out. And about the security, I'll be more than happy to appoint some men to look after Kristina, but is it really needed? Sonny's got plenty of guys that will look after Kristina."
Of course Ethan had thought about that a hundred times, but that would mean having to admit to Sonny that he needed help in protecting his daughter. "Sonny already doesn't think that I'm good enough for his daughter. He gave our relationship his blessing, but only because he was afraid he would lose his daughter. If I can get through this without him knowing, I'm going to do it. And who knows, maybe it's nothing. But I just need to make sure that Kristina is safe while I figure it all out."
"Done." Johnny pulled out his phone and began to dial.
"Just one more thing, mate. Kristina doesn't know anything about this. The security is going to have to be discreet."
Johnny nodded his head in acknowledgment and began to speak when someone on the other end of the phone answered. "Victor, listen, I need you to do something for me."
While Ethan was setting up precautions with Johnny, Kristina was busy working at Crimson. "Delivery for Kristina Davis." The man announced as he stepped off the elevator.
"For me?" Kristina sprung up from her chair.
"Are you Kristina Davis?" He asked her.
"Hell yeah she is." Maxie's heels clicked on the floor behind her.
"Just sign here." The man held out an electronic keypad for her to sign and then handed her the long, white box wrapped in red ribbon.
"They must be from Ethan." Kristina carried the box to her desk and pulled on the bow, releasing the ribbon.
"They're gorgeous!" Maxie shrieked when Kristina lifted the lid and exposed the dozen long stem red roses. "Oh look there's a card."
Kristina ran her fingers over the velvet petals and down to the card, thinking of the last couple of days with Ethan. She smiled up at Maxie before opening the small envelope.
"What does it say?" Maxie asked.
"Forever on my mind and forever in my heart." Kristina read the first line and smiled, but it quickly faded away. She threw the card down on her desk.
"What's wrong?" Maxie asked.
"The flowers… they're not from Ethan.
Maxie picked up the card and read the rest. "I will always love you. Love Trey."
"Why would he do this? He knows that I don't want to be with him."
Maxie covered the roses back up. "Don't worry about Trey. He had his chance and blew it. I mean, you don't have feelings for him, do you?"
"Of course not. I love Ethan so much and I am so happy, Maxie."
"Then forget about Trey. Hey, Kate is out for the day and I can handle all the phone calls here today. Why don't you take the day off and surprise Ethan?"
"I can't leave you."
"The hell you can't. You just snagged the man of your dreams. Go home and enjoy him. Sorry, but if it was me, I wouldn't even have come in."
Spending the day with Ethan sounded so much better than dealing with work today. "You're sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Now hurry up and go before the phones start ringing like crazy and I change my mind."
Kristina grabbed her purse and coat. "Thanks, Maxie. I owe you… again."
"No problem. Hey what are you going to do with the flowers?"
Kristina looked back at the white box. "Take them home with you or throw them in the trash. I just don't want to see them again."
Kristina pulled out of the parking structure, unaware that New York's crazy winter weather had brought forth a small snow storm. She took to the roads slowly, careful to allow enough stopping room at every approaching light. Her body was tense as her hands clinched tightly to the steering wheel. Just a couple more minutes and she would be home and in Ethan's arms. She was set to take the last turn on her way home when the car wasn't slowing down when she applied pressure to the brakes. Panic set in when she sped past her turn. The only thing in her sight now was a bright yellow dead end sign and the snow covered guard rail behind it.
Ethan stepped off the elevator and frantically rushed to the nurse's station where Epiphany was documenting on the computer. "Where is she?" He placed one hand on the counter, but his legs were prepared to jet off in either direction.
"Where is who, Mr. Lovett?"
"Kristina… where's Kristina?" He slapped twice on the counter. He didn't have time for this. Lucky had called him as soon as he heard the call come over. Unfortunately he didn't have any details on her condition to give him. Ethan rushed right over to the hospital.
"Miss Davis is in cubicle three."
Ethan bolted over and pulled open the curtain. "Epiphany!" He hollered. "Where is she? She's not in here!"
Epiphany walked over. "Calm down, Mr. Lovett. She can't be far." She lifted the chart off the end of the bed.
"Ethan."
Hearing his name being called by the most beautiful voice sent Ethan spinning back around to see Kristina being rolled toward him in a wheel chair. "Oh my god, love, are you alright?"
The orderly pushed past him and lifted Kristina out of the chair and back onto the bed.
"Krissy, what happened? Is anything broken? Epiphany, is she going to be okay?" Ethan's adrenaline was rushing through him.
"Ethan," Kristina grabbed is hand. "I'm fine. No broken bones. The x-rays just confirmed it. Please sit down and breathe."
Ethan took a deep breath and released it slowly while closing his eyes. She was okay. He pulled up the stool and sat along side her bed.
"You shouldn't have to be here much longer, Miss Davis. Should I call your mother for a ride?" Epiphany asked.
"I'll be taking her home." Ethan answered for her.
Epiphany briefly stared down Ethan. "Okay, Miss Davis, I will talk with the doctor and get those release papers ready for you."
"Thank you Epiphany." Kristina smiled and waited for her to leave. "Ethan can you grab my clothes and help me get dressed. They gave me something for pain, but I'm still feeling a bit sore."
Ethan jumped up. "Of course, but do you want to tell me what happened? What were you doing on the roads and not at work?" He started to undo the tie on the back of her gown.
"I was coming home to spend the day with you." She began.
"Not that I'm complaining, but this morning when I tried to get you to stay home, you insisted that you needed to be at work." The gown fell forward exposing the bruising left by her seatbelt. "Krissy…"
"It looks terrible, doesn't it?"
"You're hurt more than you're letting on."
"Epiphany said I will probably feel worse in a couple of hours."
"Well when we get home, you're going to lay down and rest and let me take care of you, understand?"
Her constant savior. She smiled and nodded in agreement.
Kristina was dressed and ready to go when Epiphany came back in. "All right, Miss Davis. The doctor has cleared you to go home. Here are your discharge papers and prescriptions. Mr. Lovett, make sure she gets plenty of rest over the next few days."
"Will do." Ethan took the papers from her.
The snow had stopped falling by the time Ethan was taking Kristina home. Ethan had one hand rested on her knee as he drove. Kristina was quiet, debating in her head whether she should tell Ethan about the roses that Trey had sent her. She didn't want to start their relationship on any lies or omissions.
"Ethan?"
"Yeah?"
"I have to tell you something and I don't want you to get mad."
"O-kay, what is it?"
"Trey sent me flowers at work this morning."
"What?"
"You said you wouldn't get mad."
"I'm not mad at you Kristina, I'm pissed at the arrogant son of a bitch who can't accept that you're never going back to him."
"I didn't want to keep this from you, but I don't want you to make a big deal out of it."
"So I'm supposed to just sit back and do nothing while this ass makes a play for my girl?"
"I get it, Ethan. I understand what you're feeling. I just don't want any trouble."
"Kristina," He took the back of his hand and gently touched her bruised cheek. "I promise you I will try not to make any trouble, but I am going to have a few words with him. He is going to back off from you or there will be some problems."
Kristina nodded her head and turned to look out the window. They were getting ready to pass the scene of the accident. "My car's been towed."
"Don't worry about it. I'll call and get the details on it later."
"I still don't know how it happened. I was going really slow. I must've hit an ice patch. My foot was all the way down on the breaks, but the car just kept going."
Ethan gripped tighter onto the wheel. Maybe it was what she said, maybe it was just ice, but he just couldn't shake the feeling that something else was going on here. "Well thank god you're safe. There is no way I could deal with losing you after just getting you."
Back at the loft, Ethan situated Kristina in bed and gave her some more pain pills. He laid with her until she fell asleep and then headed out to the living room. He had missed a call from Johnny and called him back. "Hey, Johnny, I'm assuming you heard what happened?"
"Yeah, sorry, my guys didn't get a chance to get to her in time."
"Thanks, but I don't think there was anything they could do anyway."
"Listen, the security went right over to the garage the car was towed too to check it out as a precaution and, Ethan, the reports not official yet, but it doesn't look good."
"What are you telling me, Johnny?"
"It seems that the brakes were tampered with."
"Damn it!" Ethan yelled, but then quickly lowered his voice as to not wake Kristina. "I'm going to kill the son of a bitch."
"You know who did it?"
"I might have a lead. Look, Johnny, Alexis is coming over to see her daughter. I'm going to be stepping out for a minute. Can you send the guys over to keep watch on this place?"
"Look out your window, pal."
Ethan pushed open the curtains and saw the black SUV sitting across the street. "Black Escalade? Can they be any more obvious, mate?"
"I know, I know. I sent them out immediately this morning. I'll send someone to switch out the vehicle."
"Thanks, mate."
"Be careful, man."
"I'll keep in touch."
Kristina was still sleeping when Alexis arrived, making it easy for Ethan to slip out. He had told Alexis he was going out to get some supplies to help keep Kristina occupied over the next few days. He entered the TV station and headed straight into Trey's office where Trey was standing in front of his desk, giving him no time to react.
Ethan gripped Trey by his jacket and slammed him up against the wall with so much force, a painting next to him fell to the floor. "Did you do it? Did you tampered with the breaks? What you can't have her so no one will? Is that it?"
Ethan's forearm was pressed up against Trey's neck, making it difficult for him to speak. "I don't, I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't play stupid, mate. You can't stand the fact that Kristina is with me. You're lucky she made it out of that accident okay, or believe me you would have lost your life five seconds ago."
"I didn't do anything to Kristina. I love her. Why would I try to hurt her?"
Ethan wanted answers from Trey. He released his grip on him. "I don't know, maybe because you realize how bad you screwed up and what you lost."
"Of course I know that I screwed up. I would love nothing more than for Kristina to come back to me, but I understand why she doesn't want to. And I hate the thought of her being with you, but I would never want to hurt her because of it. I want her to be happy, even if it is with you."
Ethan didn't know what to think anymore. Someone was trying to hurt him and Kristina and he still couldn't be sure who it was. "Stay away from Kristina, Trey. And don't let me find out that you had anything to do with her getting hurt."
"Is she okay?" Trey asked.
Ethan didn't believe that Trey deserved any information on Kristina. He simply swung a right hook and knocked Trey to the ground. "That's for the flowers. Leave Kristina alone! Or the next time we meet you won't be able to get back up. I can promise you that."
Careful not to be noticed, they stayed back as far as they could. Coat zipped up and hood pulled over their head. Watching every move Ethan made. He grabbed several magazines, snacks and juice. He walked up to the counter and the cashier started joking around with him.
"You like the gossip mags I see." She said.
"No, they're not for me. They're for my girlfriend." He laughed, paid and then walked back out to his Jeep.
They slammed the door hard getting back into their car and almost hit another vehicle trying to speed back up behind Ethan's. They stopped a block away and watched as Ethan got out of his Jeep and disappeared into his loft. Anger had set in again. The plan didn't work this time, but next time it surely would.
Author's note: Sorry for the long delay. This story will be ending in the next chapter or two. I will get them up as soon as I can! I realize this chapter could've been written better, but I have not had much time to write on this lately and really wanted to get it up. Thanks again for reading!