Page 206 of Punishing His Runaway Bride
"When will he wake up?"
"Today, maybe tomorrow. His body needs time to heal." Carlo paused. "Miss Adrian, you're injured too. The wound on your neck needs treatment, and your wrists."
"I'm fine."
"You need to—"
"I said I'm fine."
My voice came out harder than I'd meant. Carlo went quiet for a moment, then I heard footsteps retreating, the door closing softly.
The room went quiet. Just the machines beeping, and his steady breathing.
I stared at his face. How many times had I looked at this face? Five years ago in the club, he'd sat in the corner, eyes full of contempt and amusement. Five years later in the study, he'd sat in his chair, eyes full of exhaustion and emptiness. Last night in the warehouse, he'd knelt on the ground, knees almost touching the floor—
For me.
He'd been willing to kneel for me.
My nose stung, eyes burning, but I didn't cry. I held his hand, buried my face in his palm. His hand was still cold, but his fingertips held a hint of warmth.
"You promised me," I said, voice muffled. "You said you wouldn't die. You promised."
He didn't answer. The machines kept beeping, sunlight inching across the floor.
I sat there, holding his hand. Don't know how long.
The door opened, soft, like someone afraid of waking the dead.
I looked up to see Juliet standing in the doorway, wearing a pink dress, hair in two braids, clutching a drawing. Leo peeked out from behind her, also holding a drawing. Elsa stood behind them, looking worried.
"Vivi," Juliet whispered. "Is Daddy still sleeping?"
"Yes," I said, voice hoarse. "He's resting."
The two children tiptoed in like they were afraid to disturb something. Juliet placed her drawing on the bedside table—four people holding hands in front of a big house. Leo's drawing sat beside it, a crooked attempt at Macy, but you could tell it was a dog.
"We made them," Leo whispered, climbing onto a chair to peer at Ezio's face. "When will Ezio wake up?"
"Soon," I said.
"Does it hurt?"
"No."
"You're lying," Juliet said suddenly, voice trembling. "Daddy must hurt. He never sleeps this long."
I looked at her. Her eyes were red, but she bit her lip and didn't cry.
I reached out and pulled her close, held her. Her body was small, warm, and when she pressed against my chest I could feel her heartbeat.
"He'll wake up," I said. "I promise."
"You promise?" She looked up at me, eyes dead serious.
"I promise."
She nodded, buried her face in my arms. Leo leaned in too, squeezed in beside me, three of us crammed in one chair.
