Page 36 of His Gift
"Asshole. And please, do take offense."
"Maybe, but you're assuming, and you know what that makes of you, Harper. I didn't come to talk. I came to check on you and see if you wanted company." I squeeze my eyes shut. Why does he always have to keep me off balance? And why do I let him?
"What, no moremy gift?"
"I've found out that under the wrapping of happiness there was a well full of pain, Harper. But yes, still my gift."
We study each other until a nurse comes to bring me dinner. I'd rather do another round of rehab.
"You need to eat."
"I'm twenty-nine, I know what I need, and it's not eating right now. I need to sleep. Hopefully, they'll let me go home tomorrow and I'll eat my own food. Well, the food the nurse I hired will cook. When I'm back on my feet, we'll have our talk."
"I fired her."
"You did what?"Please tell me he's joking!
"I fired her. I'll help you."
"I don't want you to. You crazy, murderous, manipulative son of…" My words are cut off by his lips on mine. Just pressing down. Then his hand wraps around my chin, his long fingers covering my cheeks, and he raises my head to follow his body, straightening to full height.
"I was so mad at you, Harper. I am so mad. I should fucking be. But you must be made of something different from the rest of humanity, because Idon't care anymore. I might be all the things you said. But you're still mine. My gift. My cruel girl. I heard the 'fuck you' you sent my way when you left. Loud and clear. It took me seven months to find you. It may take even longer if they move you. But I will always search. I will always find you in the end. And you know it. You knew it. Why did you leave like that?"
"The mob just tried to kill me. Anyone associated with me was at risk. I had to collaborate with the Feds. Not the safest crowd, given what you did. And again, what I said before is true. Was true then, and it's true now. Even leaving my uncle out of the equation, you still are an overbearing, possessive and manipulative man. Case in point, you having the gall to fire my nurse!"
My heart is hammering in my chest. Conrad's face is a kaleidoscope of emotions and his hand has not yet released me, but his thumb is rhythmically stroking my skin.
"You were worried about me?"
"Yes. But again…"Does it make any sense to repeat myself?He filters information according to what he wants to hear. I sigh and roll my eyes.
"Don't be dramatic. I heard you. I listened to you. I'm doing my fucking best to see things as you see them. But fuck me sideways if learning that there was also concern for me playing into your choice soothes the sting."
"Of course I was concerned for you. But I told you before: I have to protect myself. I can't count on anyone else doing it."
"Not true. I will always protect you."
"Even from yourself?"
His hand drops from my face. Then he turns around, fetches a chair, and sits down.
"You need to sleep and I need to think. But there's one thing I don't need to think about. I can't let you go. If I have to watch you from the shadows as I thought I'd do after I found you, so be it."
He takes my hand in his and I let my eyes drift close.
twenty-eight
Conrad
When I return to her room, a nurse has Harper in the wheelchair ready to go and she's chatting on and on about Dr. Crowe.
Does Harper like him? I shake my head. I'm a fucking mess. I take a second to look at my cruel girl: black hair all ruffled up, pale, her blue eyes showing fatigue. But she's smiling. For sure, she slept soundly tonight. No more distressed or pained sounds. It better be the case, or the nurse's crush will be on the hook. Before leaving, he swore Harper would be fine now.
Stepping forward, I inform the nurse that I'm taking over, and she gives me doe eyes. The lady must be a big romantic. Who's not giving me doe eyes is my gift.
"Let me hire a new nurse, Conrad."
"No."
