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Almost instantly, the pain recedes into a dull throb. My eyelids grow heavy, and I struggle to focus as the doctor works on my injury.
Philippe strokes my hair, his voice a soothing rumble. "Rest,amore mio. I'm here."
His touch is an anchor, keeping me grounded even as everything blurs and goes hazy. My eyes drift shut, only to snap open again when the needle pricks my skin.
"Just a few more stitches," Dr. Rossini says. I nod, sinking into the warmth of Philippe's hand resting on mine, letting his presence envelop me.
The tugging on my arm eventually stops. I open my eyes to find the doctor bandaging my stitched wound. "You'll need to keep it clean and dry. I'll see you again tomorrow to check on the healing."
"Grazie, Dottore." Philippe shakes the doctor's hand. "For everything."
"You're welcome. Just take good care of her." Dr. Rossini nods at me before leaving us alone.
Philippe gathers me close, one hand on my bandaged arm. "How do you feel,amore?"
"Better." I nestle into his embrace, exhaustion weighing down my limbs. "Tired."
"Then sleep." He presses a kiss on my forehead. "I'll be here when you wake."
His words echo in my mind as I finally surrender to the abyss.
I wake slowly, blinking at the sterile white ceiling above. For a moment, I panic, confused by my unfamiliar surroundings.
Then I remember—my parent, the funeral, and the shooting. Philippe rushed me to his compound, to the secret hospital hidden within his basement.
There's an IV in my arm, dulling the ache that would otherwise consume me. I turn my head to find Philippe slumped in a chair beside my bed. Dark smudges mar the skin beneath his closed eyes, evidence of a sleepless night.
My heart swells at the sight of him. However dangerous his world may be, I know I can trust Philippe to keep me safe. He's proven that today.
I reach out to brush the hair back from his forehead. His eyes snap open, meeting mine. "Tatiana..."
A smile breaks across his face, warm and radiant as the sunrise. He takes my hand, pressing his lips to my palm. "How are you feeling,cara mia?"
"Better, thanks to you and your very capable doctor." I glance around the room, taking in the advanced medical equipment. "This is quite the setup you have here."
Philippe shrugs, a wry twist to his mouth. "A necessity in my line of work. We Accardos like to be prepared for any contingency." His gaze turns solemn. "I'm just grateful it was ready for you and sad that you had to use it."
"As am I." I give his hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for everything. For saving my life."
"I will always save you," he says fiercely. "You are mine to protect now, Tatiana. No one will ever hurt you again. I swear it."
A shiver runs through me at his possessive words. I know with immediate certainty that I now belong to Philippe, in body and soul, as irrevocably as if he'd branded me.
Strangely, the thought does not frighten me.
Philippe's eyes soften as he studies my face. "You should rest now. You've been through a trauma, and your body needs time to heal."
"Will you stay with me?" The words slip out before I can stop them. I blush, dropping my gaze. "I’m sorry, it’s selfish. I just...I don't want to be alone right now."
"Of course." He slides onto the narrow bed beside me, gathering me close. I pillow my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
"I was so scared," I whisper. "When I saw all that blood, I thought I might die."
Philippe's arms tighten around me. “Oh,cara mia.”
I close my eyes, soaking in his warmth and the comfort of his embrace. The events of the day wash over me, fragmented images and sensations. The cold bite of the bullet. The explosion of pain as it tore through my arm.
Philippe's voice was urgent and commanding as he barked orders to his men. His strong arms lifted me, carrying me to the car. The rumble of the engine and Philippe's voice, soft and soothing, kept me tethered to consciousness.
