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Andrew laughs, a cold, hollow sound. “I can and I will. You belong to me now, and you’ll do as I say. Get with it or I’ll make your life a living hell.”
“It already is!”
His face contorts with anger, his hand crashing across my face, the sting spreading through my cheek like wildfire. I gasp, my vision blurring for a moment as pain explodes in my head.
His expression is cold as he watches me struggle to keep my eyes open.
I raise a trembling hand to my cheek, the warmth of his strike radiating through my skin.
Andrew stares at me for a moment longer, then turns and walks out.
The door closes behind him, and I let out a choked sob.
42
DION
Iwalk through the hospital doors, Angelica and Evander by my side.
My heart pounds in my chest.
Angelica’s steps are hesitant, her eyes darting around as if she’s expecting danger at any moment. Evander brushes his hand against hers, and I visibly see her tense shoulders loosen a bit.
We reach the door to Aria’s room, and I let Angelica go in with Evan to have a moment with her best friend. This is a reunion that’s been a long time coming, and I want to give them space. Angelica hasn’t seen Aria in the two long months she’s been recovering. Between Angelica’s own injuries and the ordeal of being kidnapped by Aria’s father, this occasion will surely be monumental for both women.
I pace the hallway, bouquet of sunflowers in hand. This will be the first time I see her conscious and awake.
A few minutes later, Evan emerges from the room.
“How is she?” I ask.
“From first impressions, she looks pretty good. And the little shit is still feisty as ever,” he says, shaking his head.
I laugh, the sound rough. Evander smirks when he finally notices the flowers in my hand. “So, you’re responsible for the botanical garden in there?”
“Yes. Don’t act like you wouldn’t have showered Angelica with peonies if it had been you.”
He chuckles. “Just get in there already.”
I push open the door, and Aria looks up from her bed, eyes widening in surprise.
Once Angelica has left, after giving me a soft, reassuring smile, I step closer.
“Dion,” Aria says, her voice still weak. “Hey.”
“Hey,” I reply with a smile, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “It’s good to see you, astéri mou. It has felt like an eternity.”
She squeezes my hand back. “I’m sorry I put you through this.”
“Aria, no. You have nothing to apologize for. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you,” I insist, shaking my head. “The only thing that matters is that you’re here now. You’re going to be okay.”
She nods. “I missed you.” Tears stream down her cheeks. I wipe them away with my thumb.
“I missed you too,” I choke out. “So much.”
We sit in silence for a few moments, just holding hands.
“Thank you, by the way,” she says, pointing to the garden of flowers around us. “I love them. You didn’t have to come here every day.”
