Page 37 of Solace

I fell into a deep sleep as I listened to his heart.

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“Layla, Layla,” I lightly heard. I was certain someone was calling my name, only I wished to stay where I was getting warmth from Antonio. “Layla,” I heard, as I was nudged, gently.

Startled I woke and shot up into a sitting position to see a man.

“Sorry, I never meant to startle you. I am the doctor. I need to check his dressing, and make sure he’s comfortable.” He smiled as he was an older man, grey shirt hair in his sixties, wearing a grey suit.

“Sorry,” I respond dazed.

I gazed down to Antonio and his bandages and notice signs of blood.

Lifting my head to look at the doctor. I rubbed my eyes to wipe away the sleep, not being sure what time of the day, it was.

“Is he going to be, okay?” I asked to move my body slightly away.

“He will be fine. He lost quite a lot of blood, and I got the bullets out. He just needs plenty of rest which I doubt he will do once he wakens,” he said as he moved closer and I moved away, it broke my heart I had to leave his side. I argued to stay in the room, but I didn’t wish to kick up a fuss, this was about Antonio, not me.

I left the room to see Carlo approaching. His face never faltered, and I guessed he knew where I had been. I glanced down the corridor seeing the sun shining through, guessing it was sometime during the day.

“How is he?” Carlo’s enquired.

“Fast asleep, the doctor is in with him.” He lifts a corner of his mouth, no doubt as concerned as I am.

I arrived at my bedroom and grabbed a quick shower, before putting on his slouch pants and T-shirt and made my way back to the room.

I knocked and re-entered to find Monica nursing his hand. She lifted her head to glare profoundly at me. I gulped and debated whether to leave the room, only I wanted to be here for Antonio when he woke enough to know it was me who kept him company all night and not her.

I made my way over as Monica scowled.

“You don’t need to be in here,” she told me.

“And neither do you.” I licked my lips determined that this woman wouldn’t get to me. I sat in the chair behind her not a word passed our lips.

It felt like hours had passed without a murmur or a sight that he’s awaking. Antonio started moving and released a grunt. I stood in joy, to move closer, but only Monica took hold of his hand, and started rubbing it gently.

“You're a silly man for getting shot, not once but twice! You could’ve been killed. How many times do I need to tell you to have eyes in the back of your head? And what happened to your men watching your back? Personally, I would sack the fools, they almost cost you your life. You really should be more careful after all, I don’t wish to attend your funeral if of course, we get your body back,” she said as she stroked his hair and placed a kiss on his forehead.

I swallowed my heart to the anguish that she’s beside him and me. The thought of him never coming back sent my heart-shattering. I tried to keep it together, with her sitting holding his hand made me feel nausea.

My tummy somersaulted, I had to leave before I vomited. I couldn’t stand by and watch Monica stroking his head like and talking utter shit if she meant something to him.

Antonio grunted more unsure if I needed to call the doctor. I froze on the spot for a few seconds. He went silent as Monica stood over him like a dog on heat. I carried on to the door.

“It’s okay belle, I’m here.”

My tummy was seriously flipping out. I took hold of the door handle not wishing to leave his side but having her here just made things uncomfortable.

“Layla,” his voice sounded foggy. I stopped and faced him as his head was turned in my direction. I smiled. His hand reached out to me, suggesting he wanted me. I glanced at Monica as her face full of horror and disgust.

Chapter 20

ANTONIO

There was no pain, no pain at all. If anything, when I was shot by the two-faced bastard,

Ricco, he typically had to do it the cowardly way, from behind. Pathetic. All I could think about was Layla, she was the only thing that kept me going.