Page 48 of Virginity Sold

They turn their heads to me almost in unison. Kyrian’s eyes are bloodshot and he looks ragged, like he hasn’t slept in days.

“No, I’m staying with her. You and Killian can go.”

“It wasn’t a request, Kyrian. The both of you need to get out and eat. In fact, bring me back something. I’ll stay with her.”

Kyrian and Killian reluctantly stand, each taking a moment to lean down to kiss her on the top of her head and whisper something only they can hear.

“I’m bringing the food back here. I’m not staying away from her,” Kyrian states boldly as he leaves the room. Killian stops beside me, gripping my shoulder and squeezing, before following behind Kyrian.

I shut the door once they are gone and step over to the bed, taking a seat in the chair vacated by Kyrian.

There’s not a spot on her that’s not a shade of purple as far as I can see. The steady beep of the machine comforts me. She’s alive.

“Come on, Little Mouse. You’re a fighter. I need you to open those eyes. I’m so sorry. I was wrong about you and felt you deserved to pay for your father. You don’t know, but he took two very important people from me a year ago. Not just me, but my nephews. Your father killed them in a drunk driving accident. We wanted him to pay, and we didn’t care that we were using you.”

I feel the tear sliding down my cheek, but I don’t brush it away. I haven’t cried in years. Not even when Mary and Bo passed away.

I feel her hand move in mine, a slight twitch.

Did I imagine it?

“Little Mouse, come back to me, to us. Me and the boys need you. We want you in so many ways and I’m finally ready to admit it, not only to you, but to myself as well. You brought a light into my life I haven’t felt in a long time. You need to wake up, Little Mouse.”

There it is again.

A twitch.

I ring the bell for the nurse.

“That’s it, fight, Elena. Open those beautiful chocolate eyes so I can tell you how big of an idiot I am.”

A voice comes through the speaker. “Can I help you?”

“Yes, she’s moving her hand. I need the doctor in here now!” I bark.

“I’ll let her nurse know,” the voice responds.

“Come on, Elena, wake up. Let me see those eyes, Little Mouse.”

Her eyes start to flutter in response until they’re fully open and looking back at me. But there’s no life in them, just a blank stare.

She opens her mouth and starts to speak, but nothing comes out. I pick up the water jug off the cart and pour some water into a cup, putting a straw in it and placing it to her lips.

“Just sip, Little Mouse.”

She blinks her eyes, but does as I say, taking several small sips. When she’s done, she rests her head back on the pillow.

“Wh…Wh…Who are you? Where am I? What happened?” she finally manages to get out between coughs.

“Little Mouse, don’t be that way. I have things you need to hear,” I tell her, just as the nurse comes rushing through the door.

“Mr. Sartori, I need you to step to the side.” I move out of her way, stepping down to the end of the bed as Elena's eyes dart between the nurse and me. “Elena, do you know what happened to you? Who this man is?”

“No.” Her eyes widen and sweat peppers her forehead.

“What day is it?” the nurse asks.

“It’s Monday.”

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