Nathaniel

"Andrew, they have the file and evidence against us too," I spoke, keeping my cellphone pressed against my right ear as I rubbed my forehead and sighed heavily.

I recalled how Hudson betrayed us. I always knew we weren't much of companions but I thought that was just because we were too different.

"I know. Don't worry, Mason along with our men are on a run. The airport is seized. They can't leave the country," he spoke with assurance.  

"How is Vincenzo? I had to leave him there," I spoke, remembering that horrible evening. 

"He is okay. I had sent someone to pick him up," he replied calmly.

"What went down? How did they tackle Vincenzo?" I asked him more like to myself.

I rubbed forehead and sighed heavily.

"They knew it, Nate. They knew our plan all along. They took care of our men just after you went in. They were miles ahead of us." he spoke, his voice rough.

I grounded my molars. My fingers tightened around my cell.

"What evidence does Hudson have against us?" I hissed.

Silence.

"Andrew, tell me," I asked solemnly.

"He has a video of Ashley and you kissing. He is going to present that tomorrow in the board meeting," he dropped the bomb.

"I'll call you later," With that, I hung up.

I swiped the cell inside my pocket and buried my head in between my outstretched arms, propped on my thighs. I stayed like that for a moment. 

After a couple of moments, I felt a tap on my shoulder, I tilted my head to see a middle-aged male doctor standing in front of me with a warm smile on his face.

I have been waiting for this for the last 48 hours. 

"I have good news, Nathaniel," he spoke merrily. 

My pulse quickened and the corners of my mouth lifted momentarily.

"Is she okay?" I asked hesitantly, my eyebrows furrowed.

"Yes, and she is awake too. You can meet her. I must say she is a fighter." he said, passing me another smile.

"She is. Thank you, doc," I said.

With one last nod, he left. 

I wiped my face with my palm and huffed out a long-drawn breath. I looked around the sterilized hallway of the hospital, the iodoform smell pervaded my nostrils as I walked toward her room. 

Finally, something good happened. Wait, what am I gonna say to her? I pushed her into this danger by letting her get away with the file. I shouldn't have let her leave. I should have kept her hostage under my arms.

I looked through the transparent window pane, she was attached to so many plugs and tubes. Everything looked so mechanic. 

Mechanic. Isn't that the word I had used to describe our first kiss in that masquerade party? Who thought that it'd turn out to be anything but mechanical. 

Pulling apart from the window, I held on to the doorknob, my fingers clutching the metal tightly. I released the air that I didn't know I was holding.

 Pushing the door, I stood at the threshold hoping for a miracle. I could hear the people talking, footsteps grazing the floorboards, the sound of the wheelchairs clashing against the tiled floors but not the one thing I wanted to hear; her voice. 

That shrill screech of hers, her rebukes, constant snapbacks. There was nothing but just the beeps of the machines filling up the silence.

I saw her lying under white sheets with eyes shut. 

My knees felt weak, my hand gripped the wall for support as I felt I would fall anytime soon.

My chest constricted at the sight, my throat clogged with emotions.

I floundered near her and managed to sit on the chair kept next to her.

"I can't lose you," I said, my voice quivering as I took in the sight of her, emotions brimming.

When the bullet hit her, I panicked. I thought I'd never see her again. Now, she is here lying on this stupid bed, her face paler, her eyes closed. I bit my lower to prevent myself from breaking down.

I need her healthy right now. I still have the battle to fight. I cannot win it without my soldier.

I came to London just to arrest him. I didn't even wanna see her. I was avoiding her; I was actually avoiding those weird feelings that stirred inside of me when I looked at her.

"It's not apt to say such fancy words at this time," she replied, pushing the oxygen mask away. Her voice sounded fragile as she slowly opened her eyes as even that single act caused her immense pain. 

"Well, I am all about the unique timing," I tried to humor but failed miserably because of my strained voice.

"You're awake," I said, softly, grazing my thumb over her pale cheek, she relaxed under my touch. I identified that reaction as comfort.

"Hell, I am," she spoke. Still masking emotions. She tried to sit up, watching her struggle, I placed the pillow behind her back as she sat upright comfortably.

"How are you feeling?" I asked cautiously. 

I took her hand in mine and squeezed them gently.

"What's with all these hanky-panky stuff?" She chided, a playful glint in her brown eyes.

Yes, why am I behaving like this? What's wrong with me? With everyone going on, I didn't put much thought to this. What are these feelings about?

I gazed at her, her eyes narrowed at me, lips tilted upward into a smirk.

"Well, maybe the misogynist had a change of heart," I said, my lips twitching into an easy smile.

Her orbs were so dark and mysterious that I felt attracted to them like an escapist.

I never thought that her constant lies and trouble attracting quality would make me wanna chase her even more till I unveil her every layer and every inch.

It seemed I was close.

I took her hand in mine and intertwined our fingers together, the spaces in between filled by her fingers. I kissed her hand, my lips lingering for a while. Her skin flamed under my touch, she bit her lip.

Her eyes blazed with an unknown passion, and she nodded. Something flickered in her eyes but it went away soon before my speculation.