Chapter 57 Feelings
The shooting never stopped, it only got worse when Carlos and I were taken to a safe room in Grandpa’s cabin. I sat him down while I dressed his wound.
Blood had soaked through his clothes, around his arm, but he didn’t even flinch. He watched me more than he watched what I was doing.
I knew it hurt. It was a bullet, for God’s sake. But Carlos seemed almost…unbothered.
"Why aren’t you in pain?" I asked, wrapping the bandage around his arm as carefully as I could.
"Because you’re safe."
I let out a sigh. He’s just unbelievable "You were shot. You’re supposed to be in pain. You’re supposed to be hurt, not…this."
"Do you want me to feel hurt?" He asked, confused.
"Obviously not, but you’re acting like you’re not affected at all."
"I am affected," He said quietly. "As a matter of fact, it hurts so badly. But none of that really matters, because you’re not the one who got hurt. If it were you, it would be a different situation. I would have been fucking in pain… I can’t even imagine it."
My heart melts as his words nest in my head. I know he means what he said because I’ve seen the way he acts around me. He really cares about me. And now he’s hurt and it’s my fault.
"I’m sorry," I whispered.
His brows furrowed. "Why are you sorry?"
"Because it’s my fault that you got shot."
"What? What makes you think that?" He asked reaching closer to me.
"My parents are the ones who shot you. They hurt you and now you’re bleeding and it’s my fault."
"It’s not your fault. It’s nobody’s fault. And when I think about it, it wasn’t your parents that shot me. It was someone who works for them."
"It’s literally the same thing," I argued. "They shot you, and now you’re hurt, and it’s all my fault."
"It doesn’t matter. I’m fine," He said, reaching for my hand and holding it gently.
"No." My voice cracked. "I’ve been scared of this happening, and now it did, and I’m even more worried because they can do anything. I don’t want them hurting you because of me."
"Again, it’s fine. I won’t let them hurt me again. And even if they did, it’s alright, as long as you’re safe."
"You don’t have to risk your life to protect mine."
"I do." His eyes locked onto mine, "I don’t have a life without you. I have to protect you for as long as I can,"
"But why?"
"Because you’re my wife and I love you."
The words hit me harder than the gunshot.
My eyes widened. "You what?"
He froze, realizing what he’d said, but he didn’t look away. After a moment, he said, more calmly, "I love you, Nala. I do."
His words filled my stomach with butterflies, and a small smile tried to break through, but I held it back. I wanted to hear everything he had to say.
He quickly added, "I know this is probably not the perfect time or right time to say it but I really do love you."
Carlos kept his gaze on me, waiting for me to respond. I wanted to tell him I loved him too, that I wanted him, that I’d wanted him for a while now. But I was too busy savoring the way he said he loved me, that I didn’t realize my silence was making him anxious.
"It’s okay if you don’t love me back," He said softly. "I’ll understand. Just…please don’t let this change the way we are. And please don’t ask me not to love you, because that’s the one thing I can’t do for you."
"Really?" I finally managed.
He nodded. "Yes. I’m sorry, I—"
Before he could finish, I leaned in and pressed my lips against his.
Carlos pulled back quickly, eyes wide with shock. "Wait…. You do?"
I nodded, this time letting the smile spread across my face. "Yeah, I do. I love you, Carlos."
A smile danced on his lips as he pulled me in again, kissing me longer, deeper. I wrapped my arms around him and held him close. I was happy. Really, truly happy. I couldn’t believe I was in love with the same man I’d once sworn I’d never forgive. A few months ago, Carlos was the worst thing that had ever happened to me. I hated him. Now, I couldn’t imagine my life without him by my side.
When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine. "I never thought you’d ever fall in love with me."
"Why would you think that?" I asked, confused.
"Everything," He said with a humorless laugh. "I was never good to you. I basically kidnapped you and forced you to marry me. I was rude, cruel, and very horrible to you."
"That was in the past," I said softly. "I’ve forgiven you for that. Besides, you’ve done way more good things than horrible ones."
"Are you sure?"
I nodded. "Yes, I’m sure."
He looked like he was about to say something else, but the words died in his throat when a sharp knock sounded at the door.
It opened before either of us could move, and one of the guards stepped inside. "Sir Carlos, we found the map and the key."
"Where is it?" Carlos asked standing up.
The guard stepped forward and placed them in his hand. Carlos unfolded the map, checking quickly. For a second, a smile danced on his face, but it vanished when he looked at me.
"We have to leave here immediately before the Menendezes come." He said.
He grabbed my hand and led me out. We hurried from the cabin, the cool air rushing against my face as we climbed into the car.
The car instantly drove off and just like that, we were on the road again, heading into what felt like the longest drive of our lives. Deep down it was scary again but I can’t wait to get it done. I’m tired of running and fighting, it’s finally time we get this finished once and for all.