"Boss. She loves you." He tried to smile then his eyes closed.
I resisted slamming the cup on the nightstand and jerked to a full standing position just as two nurses bolted into the room.
"You shouldn't be here!" one of the nurses barked.
"Don't worry. I'm leaving." I took one last look at him, the gentle giant who'd protected me for so many years. The man would receive his dues soon enough.
I moved down the hallway, finding the nurse's station. "Caroline Hargrove."
The nurse glared at me in obvious recognition, taking a full minute before she reacted. The same wretched fear crossed her face as she typed on the keyboard. Everyone was terrified of my wrath. "She's just out of surgery and in recovery."
"Her prognosis?"
The nurse gave me a comforting smile. "She should be fine. The doctors were able to stop the bleeding, but she had her spleen removed. She did well in surgery."
"Where the hell is recovery?" Relief flooded me, but the adrenaline remained high.
"Are you family?"
The news seemed shocking, her face sagging. "You can see her through the glass. Through those doors and down the hall."
"Thank you." I wasted no time, half jogging through the double doors, bolting into the recovery area. I could see her through the glass window, her lovely face bruised. She was so frail in comparison to the last time I'd seen her. I was furious, vowing to find the asshole. There was no one close to stop me.
I walked in, enraged hearing the beeps and clicks of the various monitors. Every step I took closer yanked my heart into a cesspool of loathing. There were no chairs, no acknowledgment of possible visitors. I crouched down, taking her frigid hand. Leaning over, I pressed a series of kisses, surprised when a tear slipped past my lashes.
"I promise you I will find the fucker who did this to you. There is no place the asshole can hide."
She didn't react in any manner, but at least her breathing was calm.
"I know you were trying to protect me in some crazy manner. Whatever is in this box, we'll discover together. I'll find it and keep it safe until you're better. And I promise you I'll protect you for the rest of your life." I pressed my lips against her skin, wanting more than anything to be able to tell her just how much the painting had meant to me. The beauty and serenity of the piece would forever remain in my mind.
"I know you won't believe me, Caroline. There's no reason you should, but I love you. You've broken through the steel surrounding my heart." I laughed and the sound was so hollow, just like the majority of the man hiding inside. "You are my life."
I wanted her to laugh, cry, or berate me in her usual manner. The silence was deafening. If she didn't recover, there was no one partially responsible who would withstand my fury. I kissed her hand again, shoving my sadness away. I had work to do. As I stood, squeezing her hand one last time, an odd sensation swept through my body. Lifting my gaze, I was shocked that her eyes were fully open, her pupils locked on me. "Hi."
She blinked once, at least acknowledging I was here.
"Everything is going to be all right. You just need to rest."
Caroline slid her gaze down from my face and back up. I could easily tell she was questioning where I'd been.
"It's a long story, baby. I have some things to do but I'll be back. Okay?"
Blinking again, this time there was significant sadness in her eyes.
I lifted her arm enough to place her hand over my heart. The single tear sliding down her cheek forced a slight growl from my lips. I backed away, trying to give her a reassuring smile. I turned around, the rage overtaking me once again.
"I... love... you."
The three words cut through everything. Through my anger. Through my heartache. Through my need for revenge. She was innocent and pure, and I refused to drag her into the horror of my world any further.
I walked out, slamming my hand on the wall before sliding against it and closing my eyes.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Drummand's voice was full of fury.
The fucker. What surprised me were his scattered mannerisms, the unbuttoned collar and skewed tie, the way his hands were shaking. If I didn't know better, I'd believe he not only was terrified for his daughter but hadn't been the one issuing the order to run them down.
"That's bullshit, Dominick. You should be behind bars."
"You and I both knew the evidence wouldn't stand. And what I share with your daughter will never include you. I suggest you allow her to rest. I'm certain she has no desire to see you. You are responsible for this. You might have hidden behind hired goons to do your dirty work, but I assure you, your crimes will be exposed."
Drummand shook his head before running his fingers through his usually perfect hair. I could smell liquor on his breath, the stench of his sweat assaulting my nostrils. He disgusted me in several ways. "I would never intentionally hurt her. She's still my daughter and no matter what you believe, I love her."
What fucking lies.
"Then show your love by getting and staying out of her life," I hissed, glaring him in the eyes. "You made a deal with the devil and no matter what you believe, that will stand. You will be hearing from my family's attorney and trust me, if you wanted a fight, you have one in spades, Senator Hargrove. Now, get the hell out of here."
I heard the string of cuss words as he walked away, and I was happy that the man was rattled. I planned on doing a hell of a lot more, including ruining every aspect of his life.
As I walked out of the hospital, I dialed Jo-Jo. Finding out about the contents of the box was paramount. When the call went to voicemail, a cold wave skittered down my spine, my instinct working overtime. Then I called Angelo.
"Find Jo-Jo now. Bring him to me."
"What's wrong, Dom?" Angelo asked, anxiousness in his tone.