Chapter 74 Let keep it now
Ivan’s POV
Perhaps I was cursed to get injured tonight by two men who happened to be related. Unfortunately, I hated today, but it turns out that what I wished for came true. This man caused me so much pain that I could barely breathe. His words struck my heart, and fear gripped me. He was here to remind me of who he was. Certainly warning me away from _her_. Oddly enough, he’d be broken if she couldn’t recognize him. The evidence was eliminated, and that was what gladdened me.
I tried to threaten him, that he’d lose everything—and even Arianna—but he made me appear vulnerable and weak. The fact that he was a mafia baffles me because he seems to brag about it. His way of warning was terrifying, and I was paralyzed. Not a single word of what he said registered in my head. I felt I’d kissed death in the face and waited for her to consume me fully.
He left me, bruised and almost breathless. I lay on the ground, chuckling and staring at the door. I was feeble.
Elena wasn’t here to rescue me. She was gone on a business trip—that’s if she was telling the truth. I couldn’t believe her words anymore. She was cunning.
Right where I lay, I felt I’d bleed to death. I fluttered my eyes, nervous and drying up. No one to care for me. It left me stuck with my childhood memories. My lonely days and when I’d crave so much love.
There was always one person who came in the end. She was right there, staring at me, her face puffy and filled with shock. I let out a sad smile and shut my eyes.
When I opened them, I found myself on the bed. The first person I saw was her; she was panicking. Her feet paced to and fro as she bit her fingers. The smell of disinfectant hit my nose, and scrolling my eyes around, I realized I was in the hospital. Fixed on an intravenous fluid and stuck in the bed.
I didn’t know how long I was knocked out, but I knew it was a long trip through Slumber Land. I could see a doctor writing on a notepad. The nurse close by gasped. _Perhaps her way of expressing I’m awake._
I winced in pain, my hair covering my face as I inhaled softly. The doctor and she were discussing. I could see she looked worn out and stressed from panicking over me. _That’s someone who cares._
"Elena?" I muttered.
She threw her face at me. I could see tears streaming down her eyes. Elena heaved a sigh and drew closer to me, embracing me. I felt relaxed in her warm embrace. My arms flew around her waist, scooping her body closer to mine and pinning my head on hers. We exchanged soft breaths as I felt so alive with her around. _Just what I needed at that moment, someone who’d stick by me to the very end._ Her presence meant more.
I was still fatigued, but I didn’t mind my body’s reaction. My head throbbed as I winced softly. I felt her tears soaking my shoulder, and I tightened my grip on her. This embrace seemed unbreakable.
I terminated the hug, drew her face closer to mine, and began a wild kiss. I didn’t mind the pain her weight incurred on me. I just wanted to have a taste of her. She threw her hands around my neck as she growled in my mouth. I sucked her lips, tightening my grip on her. I took my lips to her neck, and my eyes met the doctor. The doctor only stared at us. I could tell he’d want us to stop, but he just had to excuse himself. He cleared his throat, and Elena terminated the kiss, intending to break out of my hold—but I wasn’t giving her a chance.
"I thought I’d lost you," she cried in my arms, and I buried my face in her neck. _I’d always be here for her._
"We’d…uhm…examine you, sir, if you don’t mind," the doctor cut in, and I exhaled softly, trying to stare at the nurse. I ceased holding her, and she sat beside me while the doctor examined me.
Luckily, I was out of danger and could go home—but not this day. He doesn’t have to control my movement. I wanted to leave with Elena.
"I want to be discharged now," I stated with a cold gaze at the nurse and doctor.
"I'm sorry, we can’t grant your wish—"
"You’d do as he says," Elena barked, and the nurse shuddered. I took a glimpse at my sunshine. She was always my supporter.
The doctor tried to explain why I still needed to remain in the hospital, but Elena handled it. She claimed I’d get treated at home, and this _fucking_ doctor shouldn’t bother because I’d be going home. The doctor resigned and adhered to my demand.
I was left with Elena as they prepared to get me discharged.
"Who did this to you?" She began, with so much rage in her eyes, as though she’d consume the predator. I kissed my teeth, hating to mention the name I’d never wish to speak of him. She placed her palms on my cheek, causing me to face her. Her gaze was fierce yet affectionate at the same time. She desired to know.
"Is it Piccolo?" Elena pressed on, with a frown.
"No," I said beneath my breath and adjusted myself on the bed.
"Then who?" She furthered, and I just didn’t like the interrogation.
"Let me guess—that witch Arianna’s second half," she wrapped up, and I shrugged my shoulders. I whimpers as doing that hurt me. It weakened me too.
"We’d let him pay for that," she vowed.
I scoffed at her, as that sounded ridiculous to me—because _he_ was powerful and unconquerable. Currently, he was fearless, and we were nothing compared to his rage.
"At this point, let’s keep it low," I suggested, as she folded her arms, tensed and turned her face away.
"We’d make them think we’ve given up on them, and just when it’s almost becoming a happy ever after…we’d strike again," I added, to cheer her up.
"But first, let’s take what’s precious to them," she said.
"Who?" I asked curiously, as we both stared at each other.
"Kylian."