Page 125 of King Of Order

I rubbed slow circles on her back, trying to ground myself and keep the fear at bay. ‘Chiara, please,’ I whispered, though I wasn’t sure what I was asking for.

For her to wake up? For her to forgive me? For the nightmare to end?

For it all.

My throat tightened, guilt choking me as the hours dragged on. I had done this and pushed her into this state with my confession.

I’d ripped open old wounds, and now she lay locked in her head, unreachable.

Finally, her eyes closed, not in peace, but like she shut down completely.

I couldn’t take it. My breath came faster, panic creeping in despite myself. This wasn’t right.

This wasn’t something she’d sleep off.

Something was wrong—so very wrong. I leaned over her, pressing my forehead against hers, feeling the coolness of her skin.

‘Leonessa, baby, come back to me,’ I whispered, my voice rough and raw, but she didn’t stir.

It felt like someone had stolen her from me, left behind this empty shell, and I had no way of reaching her.

I checked on her through the night.

When she stirred, so did I.

When morning came, I took care of her needs—bathing her, moving her limp body with a gentleness I summoned from the depths of my aching soul.

I’d made the water warm enough to relax her muscles.

I rinsed the soap out of her hair, the strands slipping through my fingers, but she didn’t react.

Fuck, it didn’t feel right. Hell, none of this did.

Chiara had always been so damn alive, so full of energy, and now here I was, treating her like she was fragile, like she might break under my hands.

She didn’t flinch, didn’t move. Nothing.

The silence was unbearable, so I spoke to her, even though I knew she couldn’t hear me. My voice was a whisper, more for me than for her.

‘You’re gonna be OK,’ I murmured, wrapping her in a towel and lifting her like she weighed nothing.

But she felt too light like life had been drained out of her, leaving only this empty form behind.

I helped her to the bidet, then dressed her with care, keeping her clothes soft and loose, making her comfortable, and carrying her to bed.

She didn’t resist, didn’t stir.

I fumbled for my phone, dialing Mauri with shaking hands.

‘We need a doctor,’ I growled through gritted teeth. I couldn’t let him hear how close I was to snapping.

After a pause, Mauri continued. ‘Any improvement?’

‘Nothing’s changed. I’ve tried everything, but it’s not working, Mauri.’

My voice cracked, and I loathed it. I hated that I couldn’t bring her back to me. ‘I don’t know what to do.’

‘Stay with her. I’ll get someone over. Hang tight.’

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