Page 6 of His Dark Desire

"I'm tired," she whimpers.

"I know," I reply. "You've done an amazing job so far, I'm proud of you, Gabby. Now let the doctor's do their jobs."

She nods and the moment she does chaos ensues. The doctor starts to bark orders, it's utter fucking chaos and I feel utterly fucking helpless.

"She's going to be okay," Raylee assures me. "It'll be fine, the doctors are great at what they do."

It takes over an hour before the doors to the operating theaters open and the doctor exits. "Gabby and baby are doing well. Both of their sats are improving and you'll be able to see them both soon."

Relief washes over me and for the first time in an hour I'm able to breathe properly. "Gabby was hemorrhaging, it took a while before we were able to stop the bleeding. She's lost a lot of blood, thankfully, we were able to get it under control before we had to take drastic measures."

"Thank you, doc," I say thickly. "Where is my daughter?"

She grins. "You'll be able to see her in just a few minutes. She's going to be sore and exhausted, but she's recovering."

She's alive, they both are and that's all that I fucking care about. I thank the doctor once again and turn to Raylee who's sobbing softly. "She's alive, Ray."

She gives me a watery smile. "I know, these are relieved tears."

I get it, fuck, I fucking get it. "Shall we go and find them?" I'm not willing to wait around any longer.

Her laughter is soft, but she nods.

Christ, I'm a grandfather.

"Congratulations, Gabriella," I hear Christina say as I enter the house. I hadn't expected her to be here, Gabby's just been released from the hospital with Anthony. My grandson is fighting fit and my daughter is still tender and sore, but she's fucking amazing and so happy.

"Thanks, Christina," Gabby replies softly.

"Must be nice to have taken the lazy way out," Christina sneers. "Having a Cesarean section is just so lazy."

I start to move toward the sitting room, ready to drag that bitch from my daughter's house. How fucking dare she say that shit to Gabby? I'm going to kill her. Fuck her father, I'll gladly kill them both.

"My son is okay," Gabby responds, her voice tight. "And that’s all that mattered. Giving birth—no matter how you do it—is an amazing experience, and no one should be shamed for it."

I walk into the room and Christina plasters on a fake smile. God, she's a fucking bitch.

Soon, I won't have to deal with Christina, I know that with certainty. I can't put up with her bullshit any longer. I'm too fucking old for this shit.

CHAPTER 2

Hazel

PRESENT DAY

The butterflies in my stomach are doing somersaults. God, why the hell am I so nervous? I shouldn't be, I was chosen out of the numerous candidates that applied for this job, but I am. I've never been a personal assistant before. I've worked in office settings, but nothing to this degree.

"Ms. Absyth," Jayne smiles at me as she walks out of her office. She's the head of the human resources and the woman that hired me. She's very sweet and was extremely kind when I had my interview. "I'm sorry for keeping you."

She reminds me of my mom, sweet and motherly. I’ve received messages from my mom, dad, and sister, Becca this morning all wishing me the best of luck for my interview. I’m close to my family, I adore them. Every single one of them. Becca and I are only a few years apart and while we’re not close, I love her dearly.

I rise to my feet. "It's no problem at all," I reply, hoping that they haven't changed their minds about me.

She hands me a black folder. "Here is your access to the systems, along with your keycard to access the office. If you need anything, just call, I'll happily answer any questions you may have. Now, Mr. Raineri is due at any moment, so why don't you hurry along up to his office and introduce yourself to him. He's expecting you."

I take a steadying breath. "Thank you, Jayne," I say shakily.

She beams at me. "Welcome to Rain Holdings, Hazel, I have a feeling that you'll do great here."

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