Page 62 of Corporate Bondage

“We are his friends,” Tate answered.

The doctor shook his head. “I can’t give out confidential information on the patient without his consent.”

When he made an attempt to walk away, I planted myself firmly before the doctor and took him by the collar.

“Holy shit, there he goes again,” Bryan groaned. “Tate, do something.”

Tate shrugged. “His way might work.”

“That man in there is my partner,” I told the doctor. “The love of my life. If not for him, I’d be dead, minced to pieces, so try again, doc. What can you tell us about his condition?”

The doctor swallowed hard. “Mr. Arcuri is in stable condition,” he said. “He sustained only minor trauma to his abdomen. The surgery was just to clean the area and remove the bullet. The medication he is on will help to fight infection and keep him sedated for the pain. Keep your visit to a short period of time until he grows stronger.”

I replaced the doctor to his feet and smoothed his lapels that I had crushed. “Now that wasn’t so hard, was it? Thank you…Dr. Madden.” His name was on the identification pin he wore.

“Ah, you’re welcome. I’ll be back to check on him when I walk the wing again.” The doctor scampered away.

“We’ll let you go see him alone,” Tate said. “We’ll just wait out here if you need anything.”

I nodded and opened the door. Tate's animosity for me seemed to have waned as we bore the same concern for Gio. I paused over the threshold before I entered and closed the door behind me. The first things I noticed were the beeping machines and monitors that were around Gio. He lay on his back, eyes closed, and a nasogastric tube inserted in his nostrils.

As I approached the bed, I noticed how pale he was. His lips were chapped and his curly hair a mess. He looked beautiful. Alive.

“Gio,” I whispered his name as I drew closer to the bed and reached for his hand. “Gio, honey, will you open your eyes for me?”

His eyes moved beneath his eyelids and his lashes fluttered before raising. He blinked several times as though trying to make me out.

“Keith?”

“Yes, I’m here.” I leaned forward to press a small kiss to his lips. “I’m here with you.”

“You’re okay?”

I nodded and smiled. “Yes, yes I’m fine.”

He closed his eyes and gave a long sigh. “So sorry,” he murmured. “Pa and what he did to you.”

“It’s alright.”

“How-how did we get away?”

“Your brother came in and shot him, but he tried to shoot you again and missed. The bullet ricocheted and struck him, killing him on the spot. The police arrived quickly. They said you called them about the incident.”

“Good.” His throat worked hard from the emotions he was holding back. “Nic-Nic warned me he would shoot. I didn’t believe him.”

I brushed his hair away from his forehead. “All that matters is that we’re both fine. This time I’m going to make it count, Gio. If I ever tell you it’s over again I give you permission to sock me in the mouth. If you’ll have me, I’m yours.”

He cracked an eye open and smiled at me. “I think I can find one or two uses for you.”

I chuckled. “Good. You’re not getting rid of me so easily.”

He sighed again. “I’m counting on it. So sleepy.”

“Then go to sleep.”

“Will you stay with me?”

I nodded. “Sure, I will.”

He fell asleep, his lips upturned in a smile. I released his hand and walked to the door to find Tate and Bryan. They were waiting like they said they would.

“Is he okay?” Tate asked.

“Yes, but I’m moving in for the rest of my stay here. Get an extra bed in here.”

“What? How am I supposed to do that?”

“I don’t fucking care. You’re the billionaire. I’m sure you can get one of the staff members to ask ‘how high’?”

Not waiting for a response from him, I pulled the door shut and took the seat next to Gio’s bedside. He had asked me to stay with him and that promise was the first of many more that I would keep.

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