Page 7 of The Stowaway

“Good. That's one less headache. What kind of an asshole brings knives to a gunfight?” I asked, shaking my head.

“I doubt they will be making that mistake again. We dropped them off at the hospital as a courtesy.”

I nodded.

“Dima, the Oxford Street shop is holding some jewellery for me. Pick it up and drop it off at me as soon as you are able. Was there anything else I need to be aware of?” I asked them.

They both shook their heads.

“Get something to eat before you leave. I’m going to check in on my patient,” I said, standing up.

I paused in the doorway and glanced back at them.

“Make sure everyone knows if I see anyone looking at Amelia. They will need a guide dog and a walking stick for the remainder of their lifespan.”

I ignored their smirks and went to find Lena. She wasn't in the kitchen, so I wandered through the house and found her in the library.

“How is she?” I asked as she reached out for a book.

“She is a little shy, but she needs time. I don't like seeing her as she is. I couldn't bear it if this had happened to my Nina,” she said in dismay. “You made a good choice, Ivan. You need to breathe a little life back into her.”

I sighed heavily. It was difficult to see her fearful and in pain. In a way, I was grateful she hadn't told me her full name and who did this to her because I wouldn't have been able to control my actions.

“Her clothes will be coming this afternoon. Maksim is going back with Dima, and Pavel will remain here for security. Are these books for Amelia?”

She grinned and handed them to me.

“Eager to see her?”

I chuckled as I took the books from her.

Damn right, I was.

I whistled for Misha, who came running down the hallway and followed me upstairs. Amelia needed to know she had nothing to fear from Misha or me. I was a simple man, as were my needs, and I couldn't wait to initiate Amelia to the intimacy between a man and woman. When I reached the bedroom door, I was about to knock but remembered it was my bedroom.

When I opened the door, I saw her lying down, staring up at the ceiling before she turned her head towards me.

“Lena said you wanted some books. She gathered a few for you,” I said, holding them up as I walked into the room.

“Thank you,” she said as her cheeks turned pink.

Her swollen eye was partially open now, but it was bloodshot. I placed the books on the bed beside her so she could see the titles. Misha followed me into the room, but Amelia didn't seem as afraid of either of us this time.

“I need to take the bandages off your feet and air them out so they can heal. The doctor cleaned them up. Once the cuts heal a little, you can have a bath,” I said, walking towards the bottom of the bed.

“I can take them off,” she said insistently.

I arched an eyebrow up.

“You can't bend over with your ribs. Sit back and enjoy being pampered for now. This isn't something I would do for many people,” I said with a wink.

She hesitated before pulling the covers up to bare her feet. I sat on the bed and began to unwrap the bandages. She never mentioned her family or called anyone to let them know that she was safe. It felt cathartic to be able to care for her. I glanced up at her, but she was fidgeting with the bed covers again.

Misha jumped on the bed, and Amelia looked at him with wide eyes. She lifted her hand up towards him and let him sniff her. It wasn't long before he was nuzzling her hand, looking to be petted. By the time I had removed both bandages, Misha was lying beside her, and she had an arm around him. He wasn't permitted on my bed, but these were extenuating circumstances.

I stroked the tops of her feet before checking the soles, and I was pleased to see that they looked much better than they did last night. I placed my hand on her ankle and left it there.

“I've ordered a few things to ensure you are comfortable. If I've missed anything or if you need to exchange anything, let Lena or me know. In the bedside drawer are some paracetamol if you are in any pain,” I said.

---