Page 47 of He Found Me

“Sure is. And giving those doctors and nurses hell for not letting him home already.”

“I’m so relieved, Leo.”

“Me too. How are you feeling.”

“A little sore, mainly tired.”

“You get some sleep.” He goes to get up.

“Please stay.”

“I’m never leaving you again.” That makes me smile. Drifting comfortably off to sleep, I hope he means it.

A lot has changed in the last few days. Having a near-death experience really makes you release what is important in your life. Although being forced into a marriage and held in a country against my will, I’ve never felt so looked after, loved, and happy. Leo’s lifestyle is far from ideal, but what is the ideal life? They say you shouldn’t marry the person you could live with for the rest of your life. They say you should marry the person you can’t live without. Leo has never been far from my thoughts since I met him all those years ago. After spending these past weeks and months with him, there’s no chance my life will be worth living without him.

Leo is true to his word when I wake; my head is nestled into his chest. His head rests on mine. The door opens, and in walks my parents, waking us both. Sitting up slightly to greet them, Leo keeps his hold on me strong, not wanting to let me go. My dad's eyes dance between us, not used to seeing his daughter in such an embrace and by a man he has only just met. His nostrils flair, and he clears his throat.

“Your mum and I have been talking; we think it would be best if you came to stay with me while you recover.” What a surprise; out of the two of my parents, it’s my dad who has offered to take care of me.

“That’s not necessary; Katie will stay with me.”

My dad shoots Leo an annoyed glance.

“That is if Katie would like?” Leo turns to face me, his eyes wide in question. Him calling me Katie and asking me what I would like to do are all very strange statements coming from Leo, but I accept them gratefully.

“Thanks, Dad, but I think I would like to stay with Leo.” It’s where I feel most safe, by Leo’s side.

“And where will you be staying, Leo? Don’t you live in Italy?”

“I will send you the address, and you may visit whenever you wish. It is very comfortable and will cater to all Katie’s needs.”

“Right, I suppose that’s sorted then.” My dad doesn’t look impressed. I feel bad, but I can’t be apart from Leo.

“You have a house in London?” I whisper to Leo.

“I do now.” He winks.

Later that day, Damien and his business partner Josh comes to speak to Leo and I.

“Have you found him?!” Leo demands.

“Not yet.”

“Find him immediately and bring him to me! I will be the one to tear his head from his body.”

“With all due respect, Guerra. You’re not in Italy now. We will find him and deal with him.” Damien and Josh stand tall in front of Leo. The amount of testosterone in this room is enough to make me faint.

“Leo, who are you talking about?” I ask, leaning out to grab his arm, trying to diffuse the situation. I know full well who they mean. Jax. I had been scared to ask, not wanting to know the answer. He was either dead or had escaped. Either way, I hadn’t felt strong enough to think about it.

Leo growls out a huff and sits beside me, surrendering from the conflict. Taking my hand, he kisses it.

“I will not let him or anyone hurt you ever again. I promise you. Jax will pay a thousand times over for what he has done.”

“Unfortunately, Katie, when myself and the team entered the building, Jaxon was nowhere to be seen. We have people working tirelessly to find him, and we will.” Damien finishes, nodding to Josh to continue.

“At your request, Guerra, we have looked into the Graves. It seems you may be onto something. The Graves organisation was originally run by a man named David Graves. His empire ran throughout America and England. Although a criminal gangster, he had morals and values. His son, however, did not. Cain Graves, David's son, was the main boss throughout England, but the power went to his head. He got greedy, started using drugs, and caused turmoil within his own organisation. His father stepped in eventually, but it was too late. Many innocent people lost their lives. Both Graves died almost two years ago. With the next heir in line not wanting any part of it, all has been quiet since. However, it seems now that a family relative has decided to rear their ugly head. A highly intelligent computer whizz who can ruin your life with the touch of a button, apparently. A distant cousin who goes by the name of Jay, or J.A.”

“Jaxon Adams?”

---