She did.
Not only for a stranger but for someone she doesn’t even like. I’m, again, stunned to admit that for the first time in my life, a woman has earned my respect.
I turn off the water and wrap a towel around my waist. Going back to the room, I pull a chair next to the bed and sit down.
As I watch her form, valiantly struggling between life and death, I’m suddenly struck by a thought.
She’s exactly what I need by my side. She’s incredibly brave, she sticks to her principles even in the face of death, and she’s smart and selfless.
My eyes go back to her face. She’s definitely not bad to look at.
And most importantly, she’s someone Icouldtrust.
It doesn’t take me long to become fully convinced that she’sgot all the attributes to be the perfect wife—my perfect wife specifically.
Because there’s no way I’m letting her go. Not after everything we’ve been through.
She’s got my blood pumping through her veins now, so I’m keeping her.
Now, convincing her of that will not go as smoothly, a fact that I’m painfully aware of. Not when she clearly hates me. I’ll just have to make it so she has no other choicebutme.
Deep in her slumber, she makes a tiny noise, her mouth opening slightly.
Yes, she’s mine. Only ever mine.
“You meanthey were trying to stop the wedding by any means,” I add dryly. One of my men in New York had just informed me that the moment rumors had started that Agosti and Guerra would unite their families through marriage, DeVille, Guerra’s sworn enemy, hadn’t taken the news well. Not that anyone thought they would, since they’ve always sought to isolate the Guerras. But for them to attempt to kill me just to ensure the union would not take place? Quite drastic, even for them.
While I certainly don’t appreciate people trying to kill me, they crossed a line when they injured my property.
Well, my property as of now.
“Get a decoy to pretend I’m leaving for New York. Commercial. And keep me updated.” I hang up just in time to see a maid bring in a tray of food.
“I’ve got it.” I motion for her to leave.
It's been almost two days since the attack, and Allegra has only woken up a few times. Each time, she'd mumble somethingand then promptly go back to sleep. She hasn't gotten a fever yet, which is the only good thing.
Going around the bed, I pick up the bowl of soup and take a small spoonful to make sure it's not too hot. When I'm satisfied with the temperature, I help Allegra into a sitting position and try to pry her lips open to get some liquid into her.
The doctor had commented on her weight, saying that if she doesn't receive enough nutrients, it might be hard on her body and would slow down her recovery. I'd started with some water, and she'd held that down, so soup seemed like a reasonable next step.
The spoon barely makes it past her lips, and some liquid trickles down her chin. Using a napkin, I wipe it away carefully, and her eyes open slightly. A small groan escapes her, but she doesn't move.
I feed her another spoonful, and the same thing happens. It's like she's purposefully trying to make a mess. I decide to play her game, especially when I see the slight fluttering of her eyes under her lids.
I wipe her chin and give her more soup. This time, I'm not surprised when it ends up more on her face than in her mouth. I don't stop. Another spoonful, and even more soup is dribbling down her chin.
Drawing back a little, I watch as she tries very hard to pretend she's asleep. So I call her bluff. I put the bowl back on the tray and, leaning in, capture the droplets of soup dripping down her chin with my tongue. I close my lips over the skin right under hers, sucking in the liquid.
She gasps and tries to get away, wincing when her shoulder pains her.
I move back just a little to find her staring at me, her eyes holding the same fire as before.
I should have known that no gunshot wound would take that spark from her. My lips stretch into a languid smile.
"What do you think you're doing?" she asks through gritted teeth, and even sapped of strength, she plans on fighting me.
"What does it look like?" I lift my hand to caress her cheek. She tries to push me away, but her condition doesn't allow her much movement.
