Page 66 of Wicked King

I glance over my shoulder at Max stationed outside the hospital room door. At least someone was on guard.

“The same,” I mumble.

My brother and his girlfriend had come by last night with Mr. Guo to check on Jia once Nico had done damage control. The tabloids had already gotten wind of the fiasco, and rumors were flying.

I try to care, but at the moment I couldn’t give a shit. All I care about is seeing those dark eyes alive with light again. Even if they are filled with rage.

“When does the doctor expect her to wake?”

“She should have woken up by now…”

Nico’s chin dips and he inches closer, squeezing my shoulder. “Love sucks, huh, fratello?”

“Love?” I blurt, massaging the void in my chest.

He points to Jia then me. “Isn’t that what this is?”

I shake my head, a rueful smile curling the corners of my lips. It’s been so long since I felt it, I wasn’t sure I’d recognize the feeling even if it smacked me in the face. “I don’t know,” I finally mumble.

“It sure looks like it to me.”

“Because now that you have Maisy, you’re the love expert?”

He shrugs. “It does change your view on things.”

“Did you punish your girlfriend for disobeying you and calling the ambulance for me last night?”

His grin twists into a scowl. “No…”

“My, my, you really have changed, Nico.” I slap my brother on the shoulder as I pass him, resuming my pacing.

“Marco…” That voice sends me spinning on my heel, the delicate female timbre already possessing a straight line to my heart.

CHAPTER 32

TURBULENT SEAS

Jia

Fuck, everything hurts.

I blink quickly until the haze lifts, and I can make out the two men in my hospital room. “Marco…” I rasp. My voice sounds raw, like I’ve been gargling glass.

Marco darts across the room and appears at my bedside before I can blink. Something dark and unreadable flashes across those peculiar irises. Fear? Pity?

For a second, the depth of emotion steals the words from the tip of my tongue. Then my mind flies back in time to the chaos of the wedding. “Where’s my grandfather?” I blurt, trying and failing to sit up.

“He’s safe.” Marco sits on the edge of the bed, hovering at the very end by my feet. “He was here last night, but I sent him home with Rick to get some rest. I practically had to force him to leave your side. I’ll have Max call now to tell him you’re awake.”

“Poor Yéye. He must have been so worried…” I rub my arms and the soft terry cloth covering the scars provides immediate comfort. Had Marco seen them last night?

“He was.”

“We all were.” Nico appears behind his brother and offers a surprisingly pleasant smile. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one from the intimidating man. “I’m happy to see that you are awake. You had my brother sweating.” A smirk lights up his deep blue eyes.

My gaze pivots to my new husband. Now that I’ve had a minute, I take in his disheveled state. His hair is a wild mess, sticking up in crazy points, dark circles mar the soft skin beneath his eyes, and he still wears the bloodied tuxedo shirt from yesterday, though it hangs open and it seems like a few buttons have come loose.

“I should leave you two to catch up,” Nico whispers as he begins to back out of the room.

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