Chapter 41 IN THE WILDS
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ADELINE
I leaned against a rough bark of a tree, my chest heaving as I struggled to catch my breath. We had been running for sometime but I did not know what to do anymore. There was no exit, nothing and We were lost.
I wiped sweat from my brow and turned to Luciano, who had stopped a few paces ahead of me.
He stood rigid, his back partially turned to me, one hand pressed tightly against his forearm. His jaw was clenched, the muscles in his face taut as though he was biting back a scream.
I quickly straightened, my breath catching for a different reason now.
“Luciano?”
I called, my voice wavering as I stepped closer. His head snapped toward me, but he quickly averted his gaze, shaking his head as though to dismiss my concern.
“It’s nothing,” he muttered, his voice strained, but the slight quiver in it betrayed him.
My brows furrowed and my heart pounded, a mixture of residual adrenaline and a growing sense of dread. I took another step forward, my eyes narrowing as I studied him.
“Let me see,” I said firmly.
“I said I’m fine.”
He turned away, but I was quicker, darting forward and grabbing his arm before he could stop me.
The moment my fingers wrapped around his forearm, I froze. Something warm and wet seeped through the fabric of his sleeve, sticking it to his skin. My stomach lurched. Slowly, she pulled her hand back, realizing what it was and why he was hiding it from me.
My breath hitched.
“Oh my God,”
I whispered, my voice barely audible. My wide eyes darted to his face, searching for answers, but all I found was a mixture of pain and resignation.
“Adeline, don’t—”
But it was too late. Tears welled in my eyes, spilling over as I shook my head in disbelief. It was all because of me. He was hurt, because of me.
“You’re hurt. You’re—”
My voice broke, and I clutched his arm again, this time more gently, as though afraid to cause him further pain.
“Luciano, you’re bleeding. Why didn’t you say anything?”
He exhaled sharply, his composure faltering for a moment before he reached for my shoulders, steadying me.
“Adeline, listen to me. It’s not as bad as it looks.”
“Not as bad as it looks?!”
I nearly shouted, my voice high with panic. How could he say just like that?
“You’re shot! I—I didn’t even notice! Oh my God, this is my fault!”
“Stop it,” Luciano said firmly, shaking me slightly to snap me out of my spiraling thoughts. “It’s not your fault. This happened because of them, not you. I’ll be fine.”
“Adeline,” Luciano interrupted, softer this time. His voice pulled me back to him, his dark eyes locking onto mine.
“You’re going to help me through this, okay? We’re going to get out of here. But I need you to stay calm. Can you do that for me?”
“I’m so sorry, Luciano.”
His lips curved into a small, reassuring smile despite the pain etched across his face. “You don’t have to apologize. Just stay with me, Adeline. I need you.”
I nodded again, swallowing hard as I blinked away my tears. I had to be strong and I reminded myself that.
“I’m with you,” I said, my voice steadier this time.
“I won’t leave you.”
“Good,” he said, his hand briefly squeezing mine before letting go. “Now, let’s move before they catch up.”
“ no. You’re injured and we’re lost. It’s not a good idea to roam in woods “
He looked at me for a brief second before nodding his head.
“ lets find a shelter for the night “
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“This’ll do,” Luciano muttered, his voice low and hoarse as he stepped inside and collapsed against the cool stone wall of a small cave like built which was hidden with bushes and could be used as a hide out.
He exhaled sharply and I nervously glanced at him knowing he was in pain.
“You need to rest,” I said softly, my voice tinged with worry.
“I just need a minute,” he murmured, his head leaning back against the wall.
But I wasn’t convinced. He had to stop the bleeding and cover the wound or it could cause septic and much worse.
I knelt beside him, my gaze drifting to his arm. Blood had seeped through the fabric of his sleeve, dark and ominous. My heart clenched at the sight. I bit my lip, my mind racing.
Without saying a word, I reached for the buttons of his shirt, my fingers moving quickly but carefully.
Luciano’s eyes snapped open at the sensation, and his gaze immediately locked onto me. “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice low but sharp.
“You need to get that wound bandaged,” I said firmly, not pausing my movements.
“You’re bleeding too much.”
“Adeline, I’m fine—”
“You’re not fine!”
I cut him off, my tone firmer now.
“This will help stop the bleeding,”
I said, more to myself than to him. Without hesitation, I grabbed the hem of my own shirt and tore off a strip of fabric.
I quickly tied it around his bleeding wound hoping it’d stop the bleeding.
Before I could step back, Luciano’s hand shot out, wrapping gently but firmly around my wrist. I froze, my wide eyes darting back to him.
“Luciano?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. My heart raced as I felt my breathing coming in quick motion.
In one swift motion, he tugged me toward him, and I stumbled, my hands landing on his chest as I fell against him.
“What are you doing?” I managed to say, my voice shaky as I looked up at him.
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached up, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from my face, his touch lingering on my cheek. His dark eyes searched hers, his expression raw and vulnerable.
“I need you,” he said finally, his voice a low, rough whisper.
My heart skipped a beat, and before I could respond, his hand cupped the back of my head, pulling me closer. His lips captured mine in a kiss.
“I mean it, Adeline. I need you,” he said softly, his voice filled with a sincerity that left no room for doubt.