“When we realized who you were and that this incident would be part of an ongoing investigation, we decided to keep her separate from the general population.”
We step inside, and I approach her slowly. She looks so small beneath the white sheet and pale blue blanket. Seeing her so still is terrifying. I sink down and hold her hand in mind. It’s slightly cool to the touch.
“Why is she so cold?” I whisper.
“The blood loss. We gave her a transfusion, but it’ll take time for her body to heal and function the way it normally does.”
I nod and bring her hand to my lips. I should’ve been there with her. If I hadn’t left, all this might be different.
“I’ll leave you here for now.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“Yoon?”
A raspy voice pulls me from sleep. I blink up and find myself peering into bloodshot, brown eyes.
“Hartley.” Instantly awake, I sit up and groan as my back protests the awkward position I fell asleep in.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m where I should be. Your sister and Ava are on their way.”
“How?”
“I arranged for everything. They’ll have a room at our hotel for as long as they need while you recover. I am so sorry this happened to you. I never should have walked away.” I shake my head, berating myself. “It's my job to keep you safe, not place you in danger.” I bend down to kiss her forehead. “I am falling in love with you, Hartley. You hold a special place in my heart that grows bigger every day, and I don’t want it to ever stop. I’ll set anyone straight who becomes confused about where my loyalty lies. I’m yours if you’ll still have me.”
Her eyes water. “Are you in pain? Should I get a nurse or a doctor?” I move to stand, and she giggles and moans.
“Oh, God, don’t make me laugh. It hurts too much. I’m not in pain. I’m equally in a state of falling.”
“You believe me?” I whisper.
“Yes. I won’t let Sang win.”
“Good, because I called you my girlfriend in public, and I’m sure it’s slathered all over the web by now.”
She smiles.
“What changed your mind?”
“Getting stabbed gives a girl a new perspective on what’s important and what’s not.”
“Don’t joke about that,” I scold her.
“I was serious.”
“I’m not going to let anyone hurt you again, Hart.”
“You can’t promise that,” she protests.
“I can, and I will. Starting with your dad. I’m paying off the debts, and we’re getting him help.” I rub her cool hand between my own, trying to warm it up.
Her lower lip trembles. “You can’t.”
“Everyone needs a little help at some point. Please let me do this for not only you but Fiona.”
She lowers her gaze. “Dirty move.”