Page 70 of Heaven Help Me

The eye that’s not swollen shut opens. The pupil is dilated, a fact the nurse observes as she pushes her way between us to check her vitals.

“You’re in the hospital, honey,” the nurse drawls, hitting a button to move the head of the bed upward. “You’ve taken a few knocks, but you’re gonna be just fine. Plus you have a handsome man here waiting for you to wake up, so I suggest you muster up the energy.” She leans in and whispers just loud enough for me to hear, “Whoo-eee. He’s worth it, I promise ya.”

I smile gratefully at her as she leaves Valentina’s bedside but quickly turn my focus to the only woman who matters to me any longer. She’s staring right at me, a smile tugging on those pretty lips. I miss her bright red lipstick, though I’m sure that’s the least of her worries right now.

“Hey,” I whisper, leaning closer to kiss in the center of her forehead, the only square inch on her head that’s not covered in bumps and bandages.

“Hi,” she says back, voice even rougher than normal. “Marcel.”

I lift my hand to quiet her. “He’s fine. At home eating dinner, no worse for wear.” I can’t tell you how much it warms my heart to know she thought of my father the second she opened her eyes, but I need her focused on getting well herself.

Valentina squeezes her eyes shut in relief. Then she shifts in the bed and winces. “I feel like I got my ass kicked. I must look hideous.”

I take her in, thinking I’ve never seen a more courageous, fierce woman. She could be wearing a burlap sack over her head and I’d still find her wildly attractive.

“You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” I say sincerely.

She purses her lips. “You blind, ciuccio?”

My mouth hitches to the side. I’m too relieved to see her fighting spirit alive and well to worry that she’s still calling me a dumbass.

“Nah, I ain’t blind. I saw my woman use some fine pickax skills last night.” I shake my head in amazement. “I’ve never seen teeth go flying like that.”

Valentina snort-laughs, then pulls one hand away from mine to hold her skull. “Oh God, don’t make me laugh!”

I pick up her other hand and kiss the back of it. “I’m sorry. I just want to make you feel better. I can’t believe that asshole hit you.”

Valentina drops the hand from her head and smiles softly. “You’re already making me feel better by being here. I don’t like hospitals.”

“Then I won’t leave your side until it’s time to go home.”

Valentina opens her mouth but gets distracted by her cell phone vibrating on the little table with wheels next to the bed. The screen says Bettina. We both groan. She lets it go to voicemail. Then my phone starts buzzing in my pocket. Our gazes lock and the tension in the room rises exponentially.

When the buzzing stops, she asks, “Have you talked to her?

I shake my head. “I keep pushing her to voicemail.”

“Why?”

“I wanted to wait until I knew you were okay and I didn’t need to go scorched earth. I want to talk to her as a united front. You and I need to agree about how we’re going to handle her.”

Valentina is quiet, the sounds of the hospital outside her door the only noise. Then her index finger begins to stroke the back of my hand. “We?”

“Yes, we. You and me. If there’s a team to be on, I’m on yours. And you’re on mine.”

“That’s how it is?” she asks quietly.

I nod once. “That’s how it is.”

She’s quiet for a moment, then her face starts to quiver. I shift closer, thinking maybe she’s having a medical event, but then her eyes get shiny and one single solitary tear slides down her cheek.

Valentina is crying.

The bed rocks as I jump to my feet. I lean in and cup her face, careful to keep my touch light as a feather. “Baby, what’s wrong? Are you in pain? Should I get the nurse?”

She shakes her head and then groans at the movement. More tears slide down her cheeks. “I’m fine!”

I can’t even see her eyes now. They’re squeezed shut as she sobs. My heart physically lurches in my chest. My girl is in pain. I won’t stand for this when stronger pain meds are readily available. I release her face and straighten. “I’ll be back with better pain meds.”