Chapter 102 Changes
Dakota's P.O.V.
I leave Xavier and head to the unit's waiting room to find my parents. My uncles are with them when I get there, and I internally groan. Okay, someone, tell me how to convince my family I can handle this. I doubt that giving them my best puppy-dog eyes will work. I'd better make it good and fast because I want to get back to Ari. As I get ready to speak, my dad steps forward with his hands up as if he’s reading my mind.
"We're not going to argue with you. We learned a long time ago that you were going to be the head of this family. We just want you to be careful and let us help in any way we can." Dad kisses my head. Damn right, I'm the head of this family, and it's time to kick some ass.
I talk to my parents and uncles for a few minutes and promise to tell them what I need once I know. I'm glad I have their support, but I don't want them to be targets either. My uncles leave, but Mom and Dad hang back for a minute.
"How are you holding up?" Mom asks, pulling me over to a seat in the corner of the waiting room.
"I'm better now that I know how everyone else is doing. Ari is the worst. His burns are so bad." I want to see him.
"You're in love with him, aren't you?" Tears fill my eyes as I look at my mom.
"Yes. It happened so fast. We met at the benefit, and I tried to fight it, but he wiggled his way into my heart. I have to find out who did this." Dad puts his hand on my shoulder.
"Just like it did with your mom and me. Anushka, you were so intent on not letting me get close to you, but I won you over with my charms and good looks." Mom shakes her head and winks at me.
"No, I think it was when we were kidnapped. I hit my head and had all my senses knocked out of me." Dad's face falls, and I try not to laugh.
"How could you say something so hurtful?" Mom and I laugh, and Dad joins in.
"Dakota, just follow your heart. If you love Ari and he loves you, don't let anything stand in your way. Grandpa would be so proud of you if he were here. Your dad and I run some pretty powerful businesses, so if you need to use any of our resources, do it. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You're the strongest person I know, but there's only so much one person can take. Not being able to do something alone doesn’t make you weak." My mom always knows exactly the right thing to say. I love both of them so much.
"I'm sorry to interrupt." We turn to see Galdino standing near the door.
"Is everything okay?" I ask him. He smiles and nods.
"Ari is awake and will not stop harassing me until I find you." I smile and stand.
"Yep, she's got him whipped." I lightly hit my dad on the arm.
"I'd better go. I'll call you guys later." I kiss both of my parents and head to Ari's room. I look through the window in the door, and he looks tense. As soon as I walk in, he relaxes.
"How are you feeling?" I ask, pulling a chair near his head. He has to lie on his stomach because of the burns.
"Better now that you're here. I'm glad you weren't hurt. I will endure any pain I have to in order to keep you safe." I position myself so I can lean over and lay my head on his pillow next to him.
"I love you." I kiss his cheek and lightly kiss his lips.
"Do you love me even though I don't look very manly lying here in a gown with a catheter coming out of me?" I smile and gently run my fingers through his hair.
"Yes. I wouldn't care if you were disabled, and I had to take care of you for the rest of my life. My heart is tied to you, Ari." I kiss him again. He chuckles and then winces.
"I love you," he says against my lips. I can't wait until he's healed. We've only been together for a couple of days, and already, so many people are trying to tear us apart.