An oxygen mask covered my face. The last thing I saw was him being held back by medical staff, eyes bloodshot, lips moving in words I couldn't hear.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Kholod
"Did you do this?"
Lorenzo's voice echoed from the end of the hallway, thick with barely restrained fury.
I leaned against the wall outside the emergency room, my gaze fixed on that sealed door. The red light above it blazed harsh and unforgiving.
Hearing his accusation, I didn't turn around.
"Kholod Morozov!" Footsteps approached rapidly. "Answer me! Did you hurt her again?"
I slowly turned. Lorenzo stood several steps away, his face ashen, fists clenched. The light fell across the scar on his face—my handiwork.
"No." My voice came out hoarse.
"Then how the hell were you in Niaube? And just 'happened' to be there when she collapsed? You think I'd believe such a coincidence?"
"Believe what you want." I turned back to stare at that door. "But I would never hurt her."
"Bullshit!" He lunged forward, grabbing my collar. "You imprisonedher, tortured her, drove her to flee across the country! Now you're stalking her again—"
"Let go." My voice turned ice-cold.
"Like hell!" His grip tightened. "Get out of here, Kholod Morozov! Stay away from Noelle!"
I seized his wrist and twisted hard, forcing him to release me.
"Listen, Lorenzo. I'm not in the mood to fight you right now."
"You think I am?" He rubbed his reddened wrist. "I just want you gone! Noelle finally started a new life. What gives you the right to destroy it again?"
"I'm not trying to destroy anything."
"Then what are you here for?"
I fell silent. Was I supposed to admit I just wanted to watch over her from afar? To ensure she was safe, to see that she was well? Those thoughts of forcing her back had long since died. Now I only wanted to protect her in silence.
"Well?" He pressed closer. "What's your real purpose?"
"I just wanted to know she was doing well."
"And then what? Drag her back?"
"No, I—"
"Your promises are worthless."
I had no response. He was right. Where Noelle was concerned, my credibility was destroyed.
"Kholod Morozov, I'm warning you. If you hurt her again, I'll make you pay with my life if necessary."
"You won't need to." I met his eyes. "If I hurt her again, even slightly, I'll end it myself."
Lorenzo froze, clearly not expecting those words.
