Chasing His Muse

Brenton’s POV

“Wow, that’s deep man! But, seriously Brent, you got it bad. Looks like you really care about her. I just need you to take care of yourself man. You know, underneath those bad boys tats and piercings I know you’re still you.” Shane lectured me.

“Now, I don’t do hugs. So how about we go out to my club, and clear the air a bit?” He got up and threw the empty beer cans and pizza boxes in the bin.

“I guess I can do club, let me shower and get change, give me ten minutes. Meanwhile, you can call Trisha and tell her that I’m good.” I shouted from inside my bedroom.

We arrived at his club half an hour later. “Damn Shane, business is doing good for you. This place is packed. I never knew you’re such a good businessman.” I told him as we headed to the bar.

Soon as we were at the bar, women started closing in on us. I tried to be polite, but I was just not feeling it. Shane saw me and knew right away.

“Excuse us ladies, we have other business to attend to. Please have another round on the house.” He signaled the bartender to assist their order. Shane, showed me to his office as I sit my ass on the couch.

“Sorry man, I’m just not in the mood to flirt.”

“Damn man! I never thought I see the day.” He blurted out laughing at me.

“Shit! Trish is coming up. Damn, she is hot, isn’t she? Those legs.” He warned me as the door burst open, revealing Trish in her clubbing attire and Shane was shamelessly gawking at her, making me laughed hard at him.

“Hey, Trisha. I’m good as you can see and thank you for dragging Shane along the way. He’s delightful as you can see.” I slapped his head to the current situation.

“Seriously dude, you can close your jaw now,” I told Shane who was still looking at Trisha’s delectable body. She looked amused by his reaction tough.

“Damn! Should I just leave you to lovebirds alone? I’m feeling like a third wheel now.” I gulped down the whiskey.

“You’re good then Brenton?” Trisha finally looked my way, waiting for my answer.

“I’m good mom. Got a couple of paintings done for you today.” I grinned at her.

“Brenton, you worry me. Not that I wouldn’t mind the commission. Your paintings are hot stuff now. But you need to manage your time seriously, or you’ll burnout. I’m assuming you already did?” She glanced at Shane and he nodded his head.

Traitor!

“Damn it, Brent! You’re an asset, I can’t afford to lose you.” She exclaimed.

“Jeez, thanks Trisha for your concerns. But I’m good, I have you and Shane looking out for me. But I think you’re right. I need to rest. I’m going to head back, you both can continue discussing me.” I waved goodbye to Shane and gave Trisha a friendly hug.

I was light on my feet from the liquor. Damn! I should’ve brought my own car. Well not really cause I think I’m a bit tipsy.

So now I was standing ten minutes in, still waiting for a taxi. I decided to walked a bit further down the lane, to find a taxi. That was when I feel someone, was standing behind me with a knife.

“Give me your wallet! Don’t look back, just give me the damn wallet and I’ll let you go.” I decided not to fight him back. It was just not worth it. I was getting my wallet, when a couple passed us and the woman shrieked, looking at the man behind me holding a knife to me.

Shit! Never good to spook a man with a knife.

It happened so fast, one moment he was behind me. The next he was running away from me, after stabbing my back and my sides. I didn’t even realize that his knife, was a large hunting knife.

Fuck! I’m bleeding everywhere. Shit!

I slumped to the ground. Fuck! Nicolette. She couldn’t know about this. I tried to get up, but the blood started dripping out of me. People started crowding me, then I was drowsy as it all went dark.

I woke up, feeling like people were shouting above me.

Where am I?

Lights, too bright! Maybe I should just sleep it off again.

I woke up again, in a quiet room.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Hey son, how are you feeling?”

“Mum? What are you doing here? Where am I? Water. Drink.” She touched my cheek and helped me with the glass. I tried to sit up, but then I felt the pain in my stomach. She looked at me worried.

“Honey, try to lay back first okay. You’re just out of surgery, you’re in a hospital. God Brenton, you really had us worried.” She hugged me. She looked older, I hadn’t seen my parents in ten years since Gwen. We just drifted apart.

“Brenton, son… you need to take care of yourself. You need to stop blaming yourself for Gwyneth. We’re more to blame than you son. We’re her parents. We should’ve seen the signs.” My father, the great Patrick Adams, financial advisor to the wealthy, he also looked devastated. Like he cared about me. He rubbed my tattooed arm, with Gwen’s face on it. His eyes were red. I put my hand above his and nodded. I was too caught up to say something.

I was very weak. My eyes started to closed itself. I could feel mum’s hand on my head caressing my hair gently, like when I was a kid. She kissed my temple telling me to rest.

I could hear mum and dad talking about me. I could hear her sobbing to my dad’s, I wanted to comfort her telling her I would be okay. But I just couldn’t open my eyes. I was too weak, too tired.

“Nicolette… Nicolette…”

I missed her, I hoped she didn’t hear about this. I didn’t want to worry her. I hope Shane kept quiet about this from her. I needed her not to worry about me. I needed her away from me until I was back to my old self. I needed to be strong for her. I needed to get better for her.