Chapter 54 Chapter 53

Chapter 54 Chapter 53

He tried to lift his hand, but the movement was weak.
"Amore mio..." he murmured, his voice hoarse, tired. "It’s all right. You’re safe now... I did this for you. To protect you. I promised, remember? And I always keep my word. No matter how."
I stepped closer to the bed, my eyes burning.
"You could have died, Dominic!"
He let out a faint, painful laugh.
"That would’ve been just a detail..."
"Don’t say that..." I took a step forward, feeling the tears run down my face. "You can’t do that again, do you hear me?"
His gaze was tired, yet he still studied me.
"You don’t understand, Chloe. For you... I’d do anything. Any damn thing."
I took a deep breath, trying to hold back a sob.
"The next time you think about doing something that stupid, remember your son."
Dominic closed his eyes for a moment, a heavy sigh escaping.
"It was thinking of him. And you... that made me do what I did." His voice faltered, and a groan of pain slipped out. "But look at me..." he gave a brief, crooked smile. "I’m alive, aren’t I?"
I stared at him, unable to respond, my heart shattered and relieved all at once.
"I couldn’t bear to lose you..." my voice came out almost as a whisper, trembling.
Dominic blinked slowly, his gaze fixed on me.
"Repete... amore mio."
I swallowed hard, my chest tightening.
I touched his hand, cold, wrapped in hospital tape and wires.
"I couldn’t bear to lose you, Dominic. So if you ever want to play the hero again, don’t. Not when I know you could die at any moment." My voice shook, but I didn’t look away. "Not when I know what’s at stake."
He took a deep breath, looking away for a second before meeting my eyes again.
"There was no other way and... next time..."
"There won’t be a next time, Dominic," I cut him off, squeezing his hand tightly.
He looked at me for a few seconds, his eyes darkening, then let out a weary sigh.
"All right..." he murmured, his voice rough, defeated.
The tips of his fingers moved, brushing against mine in a weak gesture — but enough to break me completely inside.
It had been two weeks in the hospital, and she had been with me the entire time.
This time, I wasn’t the man who wanted to be feared — just a man beside the woman he loved.
Our conversations revolved around the baby. There was still some time before he (or she) would arrive, but every day felt like an eternity. We talked about names, laughed at ridiculous combinations… and it was impossible not to be infected by her excitement.

Today was the day I was being discharged. The nurse walked into the room, checked the monitors, and stopped her gaze on the tray of untouched food on the nightstand.
"You’re not leaving until you eat," she said before walking out.
Chloe got up from the chair, tucking her hair behind her face.
"Just eat a little," she said, crossing her arms.
"No."
"Dominic…"
"I’m not eating that… thing. It’s not even edible. I’d rather have another dose of poison in my veins."
She arched an eyebrow, picked up the spoon, and dipped it into the plate.
"Such drama. It’s not that bad." She brought the spoon to her mouth, and I watched her with pure suspicion.
But she didn’t swallow right away — just stared at me — and I gave her a half-sarcastic smile.
"I told you…"
She finally swallowed, and the face she made pulled a low laugh from me.
"It’s not bad. Eat."
"No, Chloe. I already said, there’s nothing in this world that could make me put that thing—"
Before I could finish, she shoved the spoon into my mouth and covered my lips with her hand.
The taste hit me — awful, a nightmare for my taste buds. I closed my eyes and forced my throat, swallowing as fast as I could while she watched, laughing with that damn sparkle in her eyes.
"Swallow, Dominic," she said, amused.
I opened my eyes slowly, narrowing them at her. I swallowed, feeling the bitter taste rise. When she removed her hand, I wiped my lips with the back of my hand.
"See? Good boy," she teased, biting the corner of her lip to hold back laughter.
"Quiet," I muttered, my voice low and rough. "No one dares do that to me, especially—"
She didn’t let me finish. Another spoonful came straight to my mouth, and again her hand covered my lips.
I felt my jaw tighten, but I gave in, swallowing once more.
She stepped back, laughing softly, and I could only stare at her.
I swear I’d kill her right now… if I hadn’t already surrendered completely to her.
And that’s how I ended up finishing that disgusting thing — her shoving spoonfuls into my mouth and treating me like a child.
When the plate was finally empty, Chloe looked at me with that triumphant smile on her face.
"Look at that, you ate everything. I’m so proud of you," she said mockingly.
I rolled my eyes, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.
"Hm… you’re lucky I love you. Otherwise…"
"Then I’ll use that to my advantage," she replied, crossing her arms and tilting her head, that teasing look on her face.
I gave a half-smile, unable to hide my exhaustion, and slid my legs off the bed.
The thin fabric of the hospital clothes was an affront to my dignity.
"This is ridiculous…" I muttered.
Chloe giggled softly and grabbed the folded suit from the chair.
"Then put this on, Mr. ‘Don’," she said, handing me the outfit.
I walked to the bathroom and closed the door behind me.
The white light hit my face. I took a deep breath and stared at my reflection in the mirror.
Still… a slight smile tugged at the corner of my mouth.
I started dressing slowly.
The white shirt slid over my shoulders. I buttoned each button carefully, adjusting the collar. Then came the pants — the tailored fabric fitting my body as if it had never stopped belonging to me.
I picked up the tie, chuckled lightly, and adjusted it with meticulous precision. One, two firm movements, and the knot formed perfectly.
Finally, I put on the jacket — the familiar weight settling over my shoulders. I ran my hands down the sleeves, adjusting the fit.
I looked into the mirror once more.
"Now that’s better…" I murmured, adjusting the cuff of my shirt. "Don Moretti is back."