Intense (Dark Hearts)
“Take care. If I have any more questions, I’ll contact you.”
I pull out my wallet with my business card. “Please do.” He walks away, and I walk back into the room. Seeing the love of my life like this has a whole new meaning. I pull up a seat next to her bed and hold her hand because I need to feel her. Tears fall from my eyes, and I can’t stop them. I don’t care to either.
Every once in a while a doctor or nurse stops in to check on Amelia. “Sir, can I get you something to drink?”
“Water would be great. I don’t want to leave her.”
“I’ll be back in one minute.” The nurse is pleasant, and I don’t get bothered that she’s a woman at all. The sweetest woman in the world is lying in this bed, and I know now more than ever that not all women are out to ruin me. She’s the making of me, and I can’t let her go even if she tries to leave me.
“God, please don’t leave me, Amelia.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” she sighs.
“Ah. You’re awake, Ms. Reeves. Here’s your water, Mr. Edwards.”
“Thank you, Ms. Betty.” She smiles like I’ve made her day, but I’m just happy that my woman is awake and not demanding I leave.
“You’re welcome.” She then directs her attention to Amelia. “How are you feeling, dear?”
“Mostly my head hurts.” I grunt, knowing that she wouldn’t be hurt if it wasn’t for me.
“We’ll give you something for that. Does anything else bother you?”
“Nothing too painful, but I haven’t moved yet.”
“That’s good. Let me take your vitals, and I’ll call in the doctor to see you.” She attends to her job while Amelia and I stare at each other.
“Can I have a drink?”
“Yes. I can get you some water.”
“Here, sweetheart.” I stand and bring my glass to her lips.
“Only a little for now.”
“Okay.” I pull back after she takes a small sip.
“That’s so much better. My lips felt so dry. Thank you, Roman.”
“Don’t thank me.”
“What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong? Princess, you’re in here hurt and it’s all my fault.”
“No, it’s their fault. Oh my goodness. What happened to them? What if they come back for me?” Her heart rate jumps through the roof.
“Princess, calm down. They’re not coming after you. Please relax.”
“They…they…” she cries, shaking uncontrollably. The nurse pulls something out of her locked drawer on the cart and injects it into the IV attached to Amelia’s hand.
“You need to calm down, Amelia,” Ms. Betty says.
“Roman, please don’t leave me alone.”
“Never again.” I hold her hand tightly, and slowly she calms down, the medicine doing the trick.
“I was worried about that. I’ll inform the doctor.”
“What happened?” the doctor says.
“She had a panic attack. I sedated her, but I think it’s best to keep the police out until she’s ready.”
“Yes. I’ll inform the staff and the officer at the door.” My soul hurts for Amelia. She’s so fucking scared.
“Her mother and my father will be here soon. I’m not leaving, but they will want to see her as soon as they arrive from Wisconsin.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll let them up.”
“Thank you.” My phone rings in my pocket, and I pull it out. “Speak of the devil.”
“We’ve landed.” I give them the hospital information and an update, leaving out the outburst.
“See you soon.” I end the call and focus on my sweet girl.
“She’ll be out for a couple more hours at least.” The doctor pats my shoulder. “You look like you could use some rest.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine here.” I take off my suit jacket, though, because it’s uncomfortable. Slowly, I lower my head to her bed, breathing in her scent. How will I ever make it up to her?
Chapter Fourteen
Amelia
My head’s spinning, and I’m not all sure it’s from the injuries I’ve suffered. My mother and stepfather are sitting beside my bed, but I don’t see Roman. “Mom,” I croak out.
“Sweetie, you’re finally awake.” My mom’s eyes are filled with tears, face blotchy, and it hurts to see her like that, but all I can think about is where Roman is. He promised he wouldn’t leave me, but I don’t see him.
“Where’s Roman?” I shout louder than necessary, annoyed that no one has answered the question I’d only asked in my head.
“Here, Princess.” He comes out of the bathroom in my room and moves straight to the other side. God, he’s handsome even though he looks haggard.
“I’m sorry I freaked out.” He reaches me and cups my hand, bringing it to his lips.
“Don’t be sorry. You’re safe,” he promises, rubbing my forearm as he never breaks eye contact. “Now, say hi to your mother before she cries some more.”
“I’m sorry, Mom. I couldn’t make it a full day without staying out of trouble.”
“I’m so glad to have you with us,” she says with tears and dread lodged in her throat.