2. Stella #2
Still not saying anything, I do close my eyes and feel him pulling on some Velcro that must be holding the mask in place.
Once he removes it, I slowly try to open my eyes and am shocked that my eyelids slowly move, so then I try and adjust my vision.
He gently moves my head this way and that way, inspecting both eyes.
When I hear him grunt, I take that as a good sign.
His eyes latch on to mine and before I can say a single word, he leans down closer to me so he can whisper.
“Stella, I’ve heard things since I got here.
I know both Cobalt and Incubus, so when I leave I’ll put a call out to them.
If you want me to do that, need you to blink once to call or blink twice not to call.
I’ll do whatever you want, but just sayin’, this is not something I approve of ever.
No man should put his hands on a woman, even if she’s a warrior.
I’m assuming you are by the way you fought me the last day and a half. ”
My eyes hurt when I open them wide at his words.
He first rubs his jaw then his stomach. Oh shit, well, what can I say?
I was passed out. We hear the door opening so Doc Jones moves to an upright position, turning to see who’s coming in.
By the tightness in his body, I can only assume it’s Gino, which when I hear his voice confirms it.
“Doc, what was so important that you had to whisper to Stella? You should know nothing gets past me. Now either tell me right this fuckin’ minute or you can take it to the grave with you. Remember who pays you that outrageous rate of yours for house calls.”
I hear the gasp from Doc Jones and know I better do something ’cause I don’t want his death on my hands.
“Gino, he was checking my eyes out and trying to calm me down when he had to pry them open. That’s all, I swear.”
It’s a tense couple of seconds before Gino motions for the doctor to move and he makes his way to my bedside.
He looks rough, not his usual groomed self, and I’m hoping what his goons had done to me has given him some restless times.
He bends over, getting closer to my face, and I have to force myself not to squirm away from him.
He’s always put me on edge, and now is no different.
He’s staring into my eyes, and I know he’s trying to tell if I’m being truthful.
Well, dumb asshole, I’ve been trained by the best in our government and have been tortured numerous times, so you’ll never know when I’m lying, that much I know.
Something must convince him when he tells the doctor to finish up and leave.
Doc Jones comes back into view, explaining that he’s had me on intravenous antibiotics and pain meds.
He is going to take the IV out and transfer me to oral medications because now he thinks I’m out of the woods.
Also, he’s leaving a brand-new tube of the cream for my feet.
His instructions are to soak them daily in epsom salts, keep them clean, and apply the cream liberally.
I nod as his eyes watch me while he mouths, “Thank you, Stella, for my life.” I slowly blink once so he knows I saw his words.
When he’s done, he grabs my hand, telling me I should heal one-hundred-percent but not to rush it.
He then turns, gives Gino a small chin lift, and walks out of the room.
I watch as the Mob boss watches him leave then turns and comes to sit on the edge of the bed by my hip.
When he goes to touch my hand, I can’t help my reaction of pulling it under the covers so he can’t touch me.
He gives me one of his snarky grins but doesn’t pursue it.
“Stella, Tesoro, I’ve been thinking, and maybe you should stay with me for a while, until you are fully recovered. We could get to know each other better, and you never know what could come of our time together. I can and will protect you for as long as you are here.”
Knowing Gino loves to play games, it dawns on me what his intentions are and there is no way in hell that I’m going along with it.
“Thanks, Gino, but nope, I’m good. Need to get back to my life and especially my work. I’m sure they are very concerned that I dropped off the face of the earth with no calls, warning, or updates. Surprised no one has come looking for me since they all knew you were who I was watching.”
His eyes show some surprise before he stands and turns to the windows.
“Well, now that you mention it, we’ve had two visitors since we brought you here.
Both from a government agency. My housekeeper and then one of the guards insisted that they haven’t seen you and the men left.
I don’t need the United States government breathing down my neck on top of that pain in my ass motorcycle club your man is involved with.
I mean, now that all of the chapters are uniting against me, even Big Daddy is refusing to do any business with us until you are returned back to Incubus.
Maybe this will work out in the long run in my favor, who knows?
Give me some time to think on it, Stella, especially if you think your employer will continue to send others to look for you.
I’ll be back shortly with my decision. You get some rest, as Doc Jones mentioned that’s the best thing for you.
I’ll have the housekeeper bring up some tea, along with some homemade Biscotti. We will talk soon, Tesoro.”
Once he’s gone, I let out the breath I’d been holding on to.
God, I can only pray he lets me go because, otherwise, there will be holy hell to pay from Incubus and his club.
It sounds like the entire Kings of Anarchy motorcycle club has backed up my ol’ man.
I’m shocked Big Daddy is refusing to do business with the Mob, as I thought all he cared about was the God Almighty dollar.
Though he’s always been really cool with me, even if Incubus wasn’t with me.
Guess that old saying might be wrong…old dogs sometimes can change their ways.
We will see for how long. Gino is right on one thing; I do need lots of rest. Need to get better to make sure my daughter is safe.
Incubus too, not only because he’s Isabella’s papa, but also because he’s the man who holds my heart in his hands.