Page 39 of Fierce Protector

While I haven’t admitted it to Stefano yet, moving in with him has its perks. The hot tub is an excellent example. Plus, his coffee machine is vastly superior to mine, and don’t get me started on his home gym. Who has a fully air-conditioned basement gym?

Over the last few days, Stefano’s gone out of his way to make me feel at home, not just having his people bring my clothes and personal effects, but also my furniture. Going so far as to turn one of his guest rooms into a library and den for me. Ever since we saw my dad, it’s like Stefano is doing anything he can to put me at ease and give me my own space.

My father has been checking in with me every day for updates, not that I have any for him. It’s been quiet since the gala. No threatening messages, nothing left at my house, which leaves us discussing everything but theelephant in the room. He refuses to speak Stefano’s name, which only reminds me that it’s me driving a wedge between him and his closest friend. I hate it.

It was a relief to be back on shift this morning. Even if people are acting strangely. I look up from my chart to see a welcome face heading my way. “Doctor Hendrix,” I say with a smile.

“Doctor Mancini,” he says warmly. “I hear congratulations are in order.” I stare back at him, baffled for a moment. “On your engagement?”

“I’m sorry, my what now?”

“Your engagement. The whole hospital is talking about it,” he says, reaching over the counter to grab his next chart. “Anyway, I’ve got a consult on three. I’ll come find you later. My wife has told me in no uncertain terms that you and Stefano are our new ‘couple friends’, whatever that means, and I need to arrange a dinner to celebrate.”

He’s gone before I have a chance to correct him, heading off down the hallway, oblivious to the bombshell he’s just dropped. Although it’s beginning to make a lot more sense why the interns have been smiling at me so much this morning. They normally cower in my presence, and I was beginning to think I was losing my touch.

“Hey, Doctor Mancini,” I can’t help but startle a little when a familiar voice calls out from behind me. “Nurse Costello.”

“I really wish you’d call me Danny. I know it’s weird because of that date, but I think we can both agree it was the most awkward evening in history.” My relief at his words is almost palpable and I feel like an idiot forassuming the notes were coming from him. As I look at his broad smile, it’s so fucking obvious that he was only ever trying to be friendly. That and the multi-page report Marcus submitted summarising the last few weeks' surveillance on him. He really is just a nice guy, and I’m pleased that he’s found someone.

“Agreed,” I say, holding out my hand. “Friends?”

He shakes my hand eagerly before adding. “Oh, and congratulations, Doctor Mancini.”

“If I’m calling you Danny, then I think you’d better call me Katerina, but first you need to tell me why everyone thinks I’m engaged?”

“Shit, sorry, was it meant to be a secret? My dad overheard your fiancé talking about your wedding at the gala.” There’s a brief moment of confusion until I remember Stefano’s promise on the dance floor. “Wait a minute. Please don’t tell me he misunderstood?” He pulls me to the side and lowers his voice to a near-comical, dramatic whisper. “Because he’s literally told the entire board and all the department heads. The nurses have arranged a collection for your engagement present.”

I can’t help but laugh. I try to muffle my outburst, but I still get several odd looks from the nurse’s station and a glare from a passing patient. I don’t know what to say and before I’m forced to deny it, alarms sound from a monitor in recovery, and Danny’s pulled in to assist.

I can’t resist retrieving my phone from my pocket and sending a message to myfiancé.

Apparently, you’ve been upgraded to fake fiancé according to the hospital gossips.

Stefano:

???

A member of the board overheard you talking about our wedding at the gala.

Stefano:

Well, we are already living together.

WORST. PROPOSAL. EVER

Stefano:

Could’ve been worse.

I don’t see how. Just so you know, this fiancée likes her diamonds cushion cut and big enough to see where the Titanic hit.

Stefano: Noted.

This playful banter is new, and I have to admit I revel in it. Since the gala, it’s like I’ve unlocked this new side of Stefano that he only shows me. It’s relaxed and fun and entirely mine to enjoy.

I’m heading into surgery, but I should be home before midnight.

Stefano:

---