Page 84 of Whatever You Need

“Is Marco Rubintino still in recovery?” I asked, looking up at the screen. “They gave me a patient number to keep track of his progress, but I didn’t see any change in his status.”

“Let me check.” She started to type away on her computer and looked up. “They just moved him out of recovery. Intensive care is on the sixth floor, he’s in room 2B. He’s only allowed two visitors at a time. You can take the elevators on the left.”

“Thank you,” I said and rushed forward. My heart was pounding as I waited for the elevator to arrive. I sent Logan and Quinn a text, letting them know where I was headed. If anyone was getting to him first, it was going to be me. Once Marietta and Matteo got here, I would have to go back to the waiting room so they could go into ICU.

Sweat gathered on my forehead as I slowly pushed the curtain back. Marco was in a thin white gown; there was an IV pole next to his bed with a machine beeping in the background. Glancing at that monitor, I studied his heart rate and took comfort knowing that as long as it was beeping, he was alive.

I dropped down in the chair next to his bed and sobbed. My strong, solid man looked so weak under the blankets. I looked at his arm, noticing all the bruises from the different IVs they inserted during surgery to keep him alive. Everything that’s happened over the past couple of weeks flashed through my mind like a bad nightmare.

Carefully, I pressed my lips against his forehead. “Please, my beautiful man. I don’t know if you can hear me, but I need you to wake up so I can tell you how much I love you.” Tears clogged my vision, every emotion I’d been holding back spilled out of me. “I need you to wake up. I would give anything to go back and not let you walk away from me. I’m so sorry.”

My sobs were loud and ugly, but I was so overcome with despair I couldn’t stop. The thought of losing him forever snapped that rubber band in half that had been holding me together. “I’m so sorry.” I brushed my fingers through his hair. Being able to touch him gave me a small amount of comfort. “I need you to open your eyes. I need to see your smile. Please, just wake up. I promise you, if you give me another chance, I will do whatever it takes to earn your trust back. I will prove to you that our love comes before anything else.”

There were so many things I needed to say to him. So much I needed to apologize for. I rubbed a hand across my cheek and took a calming breath. When I looked down, his eyes blinked open.

“Marco.” I started fumbling around in his bed, searching for the call button. I pressed it repeatedly until I heard the nurse call over my shoulder.

He turned his head to the side, looking confused. “What’s going on? Where is Logan?”

“Shh… Don’t talk.” I steadied my hand on the bed rail and looked down. “Logan is fine. He is in the waiting room with Quinn. Your Mom and Matteo are on their way.”

“Amelia.” His voice was gruff. “What happened?”

“You were shot in your left shoulder, but you are going to be fine.”

He reached for my hand. “You’re really here?”

“Of course, I’m here.” I broke down and rested my head on his chest, my tears soaked his hospital gown. I needed to feel his heartbeat, but I was careful not to touch his injured shoulder.

“Hey.” He attempted to sit up but winced in pain, so I pressed a hand to his right shoulder to guide him down.

“Try not to move.”

“It’s okay,” he said, trying to reassure me that he was fine.

“No, it’s not okay,” I choked out, unable to keep my emotions contained. I was swallowing my own damned tears. “I thought I lost you. The second Logan called, I came straight here, not knowing if I was even wanted here, or if they would even let me see you.” The shame of my actions made it hard for me to speak. “I don’t even feel like I deserve to be here right now. Not after everything I put you through.”

“Amelia.” The commotion outside his room stopped him from saying whatever it was he was about to say.

“It’s good to see you awake and talking.” Doctor Awayda’s smile was kind as he approached the foot of the bed. Another doctor who I didn’t recognize walked in and checked the monitors and IVs. “How about we look you over and inspect the wound.”

“Can I have something to drink first?” he asked the nurse.

She nodded her head. “Of course.”

I grabbed the water pitcher off his tray while she handed me a cup and a straw. He attempted to hold it up to his lips, but I was afraid he was going to pull his IV out, I moved closer so I could help him drink it without incident. I was expecting him to complain, but he didn’t seem to mind the extra attention.

“Thanks.” He swallowed as the doctors and nurses poked and prodded all along his upper body. He looked exhausted by the time they were finished.

“Everything looks great,” Dr. Awayda said as he moved over to the sink to wash his hands. “Your vitals are perfect. Your pain meds will be wearing off in about,” he looked at the clock, “another four hours or so. You should expect a little discomfort, so if it gets unbearable, buzz the nurse. She can give you something in between if you need it.” He dried his hands off with a paper towel. “Do you have any other questions for me?”

Marco shook his head and looked to me. “No. I think we’re good. Thank you.”

“Very well.” He squeezed my shoulder and walked out.

Alone finally.

“How do you feel?” I asked, sinking into the edge of his mattress. We still had so much to talk about. I had no idea where we stood, but I wanted to take a minute to appreciate the fact that he was alive.

He tried to push himself up, but I gently pushed him back down. “Marco, please.” I looked at the bandage on his arm. “You need to take it easy.”

“Amelia, it will heal.” He reached for my hand and squeezed my fingers. “I just need you. Please stay. Lie down with me. I need to be close to you.”

I didn’t even hesitate. I climbed in and laid on my side, so I was facing him. He brushed my hair off my shoulder and that’s when I lost it. He held me close as I buried my face in his neck and fell apart in his arms.

He cupped my chin and brushed a fallen tear from my jaw. “Sweetheart.

“Stop. Please, just tell me you forgive me.”

“Shh… Let’s talk later, okay. I just want to be near you. Whatever we have to discuss can wait. We both made mistakes and I want to fix what’s broken between us, but I’m so damn tired and all I want to do is hold you.” His eyes drifted closed. He was too exhausted to even fight the sleep that he needed.

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