Chapter 44

Chapter 44 Liam's POV **Few hours ago I woke up, my mind felt so alive, like I slept for a decade. I was staring blankly at the ceiling for a few seconds before I realized that it was not familiar. When did I change the color? I don't like that it's too white. I feel like I'm always in the hospital. My gaze went down and immediately I saw the plastic oxygen mask on my face. What the hell is going on? Why do I have an oxygen mask on? I removed the oxygen mask on my face and sat up. Oh shit! I winced at the sharp pain below my chest. I palpated the pain, it was coming from my ribs. I have broken ribs. My eyes caught the IV line on my knuckles and the hospital gown I was wearing. I was horrified at the sudden realization that I was in the ICU room. What exactly happened to me? Why I was in a critical condition? I touched my head. A large bandage wrapped around my forehead. I examined my other injuries. A big adhesive bandage on my arm. I touched it, it was a bit painful, but tolerable. It was healing. I moved my feet, hoping to get up, but my left leg was enclosed in a solid cast. Dammit! The thought that I could not walk because of an injured leg really upset me. The severity of the injury was my concern. I pressed the call bell and instantly, I heard the rushing footsteps of the nurses. Two nurses arrived, a male and a female. Both looked shocked the moment they saw me. "You're awake!" The female nurse's jaw dropped, staring at me. Then she said, "I'll call Dr. Cruz to inform him now." "Yeah, do that." The male nurse said, then walked towards me. "Why am I here? What happened?" I asked. "You were in a hit-and-run accident, Dr. Brooks." "A hit and run? When?" "Five days ago." "You mean... I was in a coma for five days?" "Yes. A speeding car hit you at the parking lot." "Oh shit!" I cursed. Then I remembered the incident. I was in a hurry walking to my car. I had to see Crystal before she went out on a date with the pineapple guy—to tell her again how I felt towards her, and to convince her that we were meant to be. I was crossing a lane when a black car suddenly appeared out of nowhere, driving so fast towards me. I remembered some men who rescued me. They carried me inside the Emergency Room. The last thing I remember, I was looking for Crystal. "Show me my medical record." I ordered the nurse. He opened the EMR system and gave me the tablet. I scanned my medical file. Deep laceration in left arm. Tibia shaft fracture. Scalp wound. Concussion. Head swelling, bruising, etc. Damn! A hit and run. Whoever did this to me should start hiding now. I'll make sure that the driver will take responsibility for his/her actions. JM arrived and told me the things I needed to know. I was so furious when I found out it was Billy. "The fuck! I should have thrown him in the middle of the ocean." I bursted angrily. "You wouldn't do that. You're a good man. Your many supporters are proof of that. They're outside, praying for your recovery. Not only them but the whole America. I'm sure if you'll run for president someday, you'll definitely win." JM chuckled. "You should start thinking about it." "Stop putting ideas in my head and remove these bandages off me." I snapped at him, then in one fluid motion, I removed the adhesive bandage from my arm. "What the hell!" His eyes widened. "Why did you do that?" "It's healing, it doesn't need to be covered anymore." I touched the bandage on my head, then asked him. "Should I remove this myself? Or will you do it?" "Oh fuck, man. Take it slowly. Let me do it." He said, removing the bandage gently off of my head. "Don't tell me you want the cast of your leg out, too. It's in bad shape. You need to wait for six to eight weeks." I looked at my leg briefly, then said. "I need crutches." "Shit, man, don't make me wish that you woke up eight weeks later. Don't do it, for your safety." "Okay, fine. Have me transferred to the suite room now. I also need my overnight bag, it's in my car." "Yes, sir!" He made a salute, then asked. "Any other instructions?" "When I'm settled, call Crystal." Crystal's POV I was breathless. I was bursting with intense pleasure. My heart grew so big, I was afraid it would explode. I could not form words, my lips were quivering. All I could do was nod. Joy bubbled in his laugh and shone in his eyes. He soothed my lips with a gentle kiss that deepened slowly into heated passion. "Liam..." I said between kisses, I needed to tell him what I truly felt. He stopped, and cupped my face gently. "I love you so much, Liam. I want to be yours, forever." I said to him. He smiled. His eyes gleamed with love and admiration. "I never stopped loving you, Crystal. No matter how much I want to hate you... I always end up loving you more. We wasted thirteen years of our lives, by ruining a beautiful relationship, and I deeply regretted that. But it already happened, and we cannot turn back the clock. Now that we found each other again, I promise, that we will create more beautiful and happy memories together." I put my hand on his neck and kissed him. I was unable to control the outpouring of my emotions and passion for him. He groaned, then averted his head. His breathing became ragged as his hand on my waist went up and cupped my breast. I sighed, and his tongue dipped inside my mouth, tasting me in delicious licks. My hand slid under his chest and he immediately flinched. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I totally forgot." I put a distance between us, but he pulled me back beside him. He exhaled heavily, then looked at me wickedly. "I think I need a higher dose of painkiller right now." Later, we talked about a lot of things, mostly our future together. "We're going to be equals. Partners in our marriage. I want you to continue doing what you love. I know how you work hard for your company, and I don't want you to give up on that. It's your passion. I will always support you, Crystal, and help you achieve your goals. BUT, if I see something that could harm you, our family, and the life we'd build together, then I would be very honest to you and guide you to the right decision." "I will do the same for you, Liam. I will tell you first, before anyone else, if I have a problem or anything bothering me. I'll be very open to you..." I said, then stopped when his eyes looked at my thighs. "I like that." He smiled wickedly. My eyes grew big. "I'm referring to open communication." "Exactly." He frowned, then teased me. "You have a dirty mind."