AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I instructed Doctor Romolo to get in touch with your doctor in Atlanta to check our tissue compatibility. We are a match.”
It’s the miracle I prayed for.
“I don’t understand,” she stutters.
“Ella, my love. You will live.”
She just stares at me, opening and closing her mouth like a fish. Long minutes tick by. I hold on to her hand, stroking the back with my thumb.
Finally, she finds her voice. “Tiero. No! I can’t…” She shakes her head rapidly. Tears prick at her eyes before spilling over; I wish I could lean over to wipe them away.
“How could I possibly take your heart, knowing I’d be responsible for your death? There’s still a chance you could make a full recovery. I refuse to believe anything else.”
“Our chances of finding the organs we need the legitimate way are non-existent.” I let this statement hang in the air. She’s as aware of this as I am. “I have thought about this, Ella, and it feels right.”
I fix my gaze on her, wanting her to see the truth in my eyes. “My heart has always belonged to you. From the moment you were born, it was yours.”
“You mean, from the moment you met me,” she corrects me.
“No,” I say firmly. “I meant what I said. My heart has been yours from the moment you were born. I knew the instant I met you… without a shadow of a doubt. I lived for that day. And the few short weeks we spent together were the happiest of my life… even with all the drama.
“Ella. Can’t you see? My purpose in life was to find you. And we can’t be together… at least not this lifetime. Without you, life lost its meaning. Now, I’ve found meaning again.
“I had resigned myself to merely exist, content knowing you were happy and cared for. I won’t let you die. Not if I can help it.”
She shakes her head furiously, wanting to reject what I’m saying.
“Angel, listen to me. I’m tired of a life without you. It’s bathed in darkness. I’m tired of doing the bidding of my forefathers to keep the family business alive; it’s tainted with cruelty, violence, and struggles for supremacy. You were right when you questioned all these weeks ago why I was doing this. You asked if I was living my own life or one that has been dictated to me. I don’t want this anymore.
“I have achieved nothing good in my life. Let me do this one good thing… let me save you. Nobody will miss me.”
“That’s not true. Mateo… you’re the only one he has left!”
“He’ll be all right. He’s in love, about to embark on his own adventure.”
“Mateo? He’s in love?” I say, somewhat in disbelief. Could the ultimate player really be tamed? “He hasn’t admitted it to himself yet. But he will. She’ll help him heal.”
“You and I were not meant to be in this lifetime. The future I wanted for us can never be… it would have extinguished your light, and I could have never lived with that. It’s why I let you go to be with Aiden. I want you to have a happy future.
“Take my heart, Ella. It beats only for you anyway.”
I swallow hard and tell her my deepest wish.
“I want to be with you forever. Let me live on in you. Let me be a part of you until your last breath.”
Chapter Forty-Nine
Aiden
Ipacetheroom,my phone gripped tightly in my hand, my eyes glued to the screen as I watch Ella’s heart rate. Doctor Simmons gave me access to Ella’s vitals for my peace of mind.
I’m a jumbled mess of nerves, every little spike, every little abnormality in the rhythm of her heart causing me to break out in a sweat.
Where has my cool gone? I need it… badly.
When Ella woke up after her nap, she asked to return to Tiero’s side. I didn’t want her to. Not because I dislike her spending time with him—from what I gather, his situation is dire and I would never begrudge a dying man the company of the people he loves—no, my reason was solely based on Ella’s welfare. Her heart rate must remain stable, and talking to him is bound to upset her again. She nearly passed out last time, scaring us all.
I briefly considered tying her to the bed, the thought bringing back delicious memories. Will we ever have that again?
