Hope Emily Nightingale

It's been a few days since the attack, and I've distanced myself from Nino. Despite his words and actions, I've felt a pang of loneliness without someone to share my interests in books and medicine.

I've thrown myself into work to distract myself. Only pausing to eat and deliver food to Nino, who tries to engage in conversation each time, but I can't bring myself to respond. I simply leave the food on his bedside table and exit.

Tonight, as I was returning to my room after a long day at the office, I heard distressed sounds emanating from Nino's room. Retrieving the key from my pocket, I cautiously entered to find him writhing in agony, seemingly trapped in a horrifying nightmare.

No matter how angry I was at him, I couldn't bear to see him like that. So, I entered the room and gently placed my hand on his back. His skin felt burning hot, and when I touched his forehead, I realized he had a fever.

"Nino, it's just a bad dream. Wake up," I said softly.

His reaction caught me off guard. He leaped up from the bed, grabbed me, and pinned me down with his hand on my throat. He didn't press too hard, but his grip was firm enough to keep me in place. His eyes remained distant. I reached out and touched his cheek, reassuring him that he was okay and that it was just a nightmare.

Gradually, reality started to set in. His gaze became more focused, and he rolled off me, apologizing. I got off the bed and instructed him to stay put while I fetched him some medicine and water.

The expression he wore was one of pure agony as he nodded. I went downstairs to the kitchen and fetched a jar filled with water and a glass. From the freezer, I took some ice and emptied it into a small tub, filling it with water. Returning upstairs, I went to my room to retrieve a towel and some medicine.

Gently assisting Nino to sit up, I administered the medicine and offered him some water before he reclined once more. I soaked the towel in the freezing cold water and placed it on his forehead.

As I prepared to depart, his hand suddenly reached out, clasping mine.

"Please stay," he implored. "Even if only for today."

As I looked into his eyes, something compelled me to comply with his unspoken request. I informed him that I would change into more comfortable clothing and would return shortly. I didn't bother locking the door; in fact, I left it wide open. After changing, I returned to his room and slipped into bed next to him, feeling his stormy gray eyes observing my every move.

He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. "You can stop pretending," I told him gently. "You don't have to fake caring anymore."

"But I do care," he insisted. "All those times, it wasn't even an act. It was genuine. Just like it is now, Mia Regina."

As our eyes locked, it was as if bright blue lightning collided with the gray stormy sky. He appeared genuine, devoid of deceit or pretense.

"Why? Why did you claim that your actions were merely to exploit a loophole in our defenses?" I inquired.

"I lied. I was enraged, believing you were aware of the impending attack, and I wanted you to share in that anguish. Regret consumed me the moment you left the room. I've tried to tell you about it every time you came in but you refused to listen." he confessed.

"Is this your attempt at an apology?" I teased.

He flashed a tired and weak smile. "I don't apologize to anyone. But when I do, I mean it. So, I'm sorry."

I had only been teasing him, never expecting him to actually apologize. After all, people in the mafia are usually too proud to apologize.

"Tell me that all those conversations we had and all the time we spent together meant something to you, and that it wasn't just a means to find a way to kill me and leave this place."

Nino said sincerely, "I would never kill you, Hope," as he pulled me closer to his chest.

"Why? You've killed for less. I kidnapped you. You should want to kill me in the worst way possible, and yet here we are, cuddling in bed."

"I feel conflicted about being here with you. It feels like I'm betraying my brother's trust, logically speaking. However, I can't bring myself to harm you. Despite having many opportunities, something inside me won't allow it. Maybe it's because I can see the pain and torment buried deep in your eyes, which I can relate to so well. Perhaps it's also because you didn't treat me like a captive, well, except for the first day," he chuckles.

I smile at him and sit up, earning a confused look from Nino. Then, I lean down and kiss him on the cheek.

"You don't have to talk about your pain now. But someday, when you trust me, I'd like to hear about what or who caused you so much suffering," I say gently.

"Now, rest. Your fever won't go down if you don't give your body enough rest. I'll be right here when you wake up."