Page 49 of Red Queen
“Not really, but… What’s up? What’s wrong?” Is it Mona again? Did she find a new way to sabotage me?
“It’s Rosa. She’s in the hospital.” My eyes widen, and I drop everything from my hands, yanking the headphones off.
“Why? Where? When?” I have so many questions, but I have to see her first. I drag Enzo with me across the paddock, trying to go past guests without stopping for the least amount of time.
“The maid found her on the floor, lying in a puddle of blood. They said it was period pain. They’re running the tests now to see if there’s more to it.” Mierda. So that’s why she didn’t reply. She was fighting for her life, and I was annoyed she didn’t send me a text. Great job, Teo.
“When did they take her in?” I ask as we’re rushing toward the car.
“Almost two hours ago. But she’s okay now.” I slide into the passenger seat, a feeling I still can’t get used to. Enzo drives out of the parking lot and we take our way to the hospital.
“Two hours? Why didn’t you tell me right away?”
“I’m happy it only took two hours. The hospital called Rosa’s mom, and then she called Lana, and then Lana messaged you, and I happened to browse through your DMs, so we’re lucky I even noticed it,” Enzo says, explaining the process.
“Okay, okay. Thanks for noticing,” I say, nervousness creeping into my voice. I hope she’s okay.
When we arrive at the hospital, I jump out of the car and rush to the entrance.
“Hi. ma’am! I’m looking for Rosalia Dawson. Can you please tell me where she is? It’s urgent,” I say to the receptionist, hoping she’ll let me in.
“Relation?” No ‘hello, sir’ or anything? Damn.
“Boyfriend.” I gulp after I’ve said it out loud. It still feels weird, even though we’ve been fake dating for a couple of weeks now.
“Name?” Seriously? I don’t have time for this now.
“Mateo Acosta. Which room?” I ask again, impatiently, hoping she’ll let me off the hook finally.
“Second floor, third room on the left. But you’ll need to fill out these papers first.” She shoves at least three papers in front of me, all full of text. Fuck no.
“I’ll take care of it. Go.” Enzo walks up behind me, saving the day like the hero he is.
“Thank you.” I give him a grateful look, then walk away, climbing the stairs as fast as I can.
32
MATEO
When I reach the door, I take a deep breath, and then knock, opening it slowly a couple of seconds later.
“Rosa?” I ask quietly, seeing if she’s resting or sleeping.
“I’m up. Come in,” she says with an annoyed and tired tone.
“How are you feeling?” I take a couple steps closer to her, testing the waters.
“Not good.” My heart clenches at her answer, trying not to worry too much. “How was the race?”
“I don’t know. It’s still going.” I sit down on the edge of her bed, watching her weak form sink into the bed.
“You left because of me?” she asks with a hint of disbelief in her voice.
“Of course. Just like you left for me in the UK.” My answer is simple, but it is true. And it’s not like I’m going to let her suffer here alone.
“I had to be taken to the hospital so you would care about me?” She scoffs, and I move to brush a strand of hair out of her face, but she shoves my hand away.
“I always did. Just because you’re not my favorite person doesn’t mean I don’t care about you.” I settle back, enjoying howthe wheels are turning in her brain, trying to comprehend that I do, in fact, care about her.
