Page 108 of The Perfect Stranger

“Are you looking into it?”

“As a matter of fact, Chief Hanson is being interviewed as we speak.”

“Finally.” Nina sounded relieved, and I wanted to take her in my arms. “So when Antonio wakes, he is a free man?”

There was a pause. “If he wakes.”

“Please, Antonio.” Nina sobbed. “Please, if you can hear me, give me a sign. Anything. Let me know you’re still…”

“They say I should turn off life support.” Her hand tightened around mine. I could smell her berry fragrance, and it was heaven. “It’s been a full week, my love.”

I listened, helpless as she cried, her tears soaking my arm.

My heart ached for the woman who had defended me through everything. The woman who had been by my side through this battle was still here, barracking for me.

A tear slid through my closed eyelid and moments later Nina’s breath hitched, her thumb wiping my cheek.

“You’re crying!” she announced hopeful, cupping my face. “You can hear me. Antonio, please… just wake up. Wake up! Nurse!”

“Two dogs. Oscar and Bruce. Although that could change when we see them. A wine cellar! That is a must. One of those old porch swings that we can sit on every afternoon and watch the sunset. Oscar and Bruce chasing each other in our big backyard. We can get a goat to keep the lawn low, but then again seeing you with your shirt off mowing would certainly be more appreciated then watching a goat chew for days. Not hearing the sirens at night would be…”

“You told me not so long ago that you’d be my ruin. Well… you’ve ruined me in the best way possible. You’ve stolen my heart and I want you to keep it. It’s yours forever.”

She gripped my hand and stroked my cheek.

“If you don’t wake up Antonio, you’ll ruin me in the worst way imaginable. You need to wake up. You need to breathe.

Nina cupped my face, her forehead against mine.

“Just. Breathe.”

The beeping sounded louder than usual. The hospital smell assaulting my sense.

My eyes opened wide, and I was greeted by fluorescent light.

I felt stiff and sore everywhere.

But I was awake.

Nina.

I couldn’t hear her. I couldn’t feel her.

Using the little strength I could muster, I rolled onto my side and immediately winced in pain. My shoulder blade and abdomen hurt like a bitch. I was still bandaged, and tubes were connected to everything.

My legs fell over the side of the hospital gurney allowing me to sit slightly.

“Antonio!” I heard the voice I loved listening to. “You’re awake! Baby, you’re awake. Nurse!”

She appeared by my side in an instant, crying and trembling. I smiled, and she returned it.

“You’re awake,” she sobbed.

“I am. I had to stop you from naming our dogs, Oscar and Bruce.”

She laughed, and it was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.

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