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“Patience isn’t my fucking strong suit,” I snap back, my gaze locked on Aurora’s face. But then, something changes. She opens her eyes, just a crack, and then slams them shut again. It’s like she’s testing the waters, trying to see if she can handle it.

“Come on, darling,” I whisper, gently squeezing her hands. “You can do this. I know you can.”

“Doc, how’s she doing?” I ask, my voice tight with worry.Aurora’s eyes flutter open and closed, her breathing still shallow.

“Her vitals are stable, but it’ll be a while before she’s fully awake,” the doctor replies, scribbling something down on his notepad. “Expect her to drift in and out of consciousness for a few hours.”

“Fucking hell,” I mutter under my breath, my fingers clenching at her small hands. My heart races, my chest heaving every time she slips back into sleep, afraid she won’t wake up again.

“Hey…” Her voice is barely audible, and it takes all my strength not to break down right there and then. Her dark eyes find mine, holding onto me like a lifeline.

“Hey, darling. Don’t push yourself, alright?” I say, trying to sound calm, but inside I’m screaming.

“Can’t… promise that,” she whispers, her lips curving into a weak smile. It’s fucking killing me to see her like this, so fragile and vulnerable.

“Stubborn as always.” I smirk, stroking her cheek gently with my thumb.

“Like you’re any better.” She manages to chuckle, her eyes drooping shut once more.

“Doc, what about the pain? She gonna be hurting when she fully wakes up?”

The doctor nods, his face solemn. “Yes, I expect she’ll be in quite a bit of pain. We’ll manage it as best we can.”

“Damn right, you will,” I growl out, protectiveness flaring up like fire in my chest. “Don’t want her suffering any more than she hasto.”

“Of course, Felix,” he says, shooting me an annoyingly sympathetic look.

“Whatever. Just make sure she’s fucking alright,” I snap, returning my attention to Aurora. As the hours pass, she gains strength, waking for longer periods. The pain in her body becomes more evident, but she fights through it like the goddamn warrior she is.

“Thank you… Felix,” she murmurs, her eyes locking onto mine, full of gratitude and something else I can’t quite put my finger on.

“Just doing what I gotta do, baby. We’ll get through this together,” I promise, leaning down to gently kiss her forehead.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Aurora Henry

Fuck, it’s been three days since I woke up from that coma, and the pain isn’t going anywhere. Felix hovers over me like a goddamn blowfly, always there, ready to fuss over every wince or groan. He thinks he’s some badass hitman, but he isn’t as strong as he seems.

“Quit it, Felix,” I snap, pushing his hand away when he tries to help me sit up. “I can do it myself.”

“Darling, you’re still recovering,” he says, all soft-like as if I’m going to break. His dark eyes are filled with worry, but I don’t need his pity.

“Let me be, Felix. I should heal naturally rather than fill my body with shit that just masks the pain.” My words come out fierce, like a snarl.

“Alright, alright,” he relents, backing off a little. But I can tell he’s still watching me, waiting for any sign of weakness.

“Besides…” I continue, “… painkillers make me tired and dizzy, and I’ve slept enough now.” If I could roll my eyes without making my head spin, I would.

Felix leans against the wall, his arms crossed, tattoos rippling on his muscled arms. His black hair is styled in a way that makes him look dangerous. But right now, he’s just annoying me with his overprotectiveness.

“Here, let me help you to the bathroom,” Felix insists, moving towards me again.

“Will you stop?” I growl, swatting his arm away. “I can walk on my own, Felix. Just give me some space, for fuck’s sake.”

“Fine,” he mutters, stepping back as I struggle to stand. But he doesn’t go far, just in case I need him.

“See?” I grit out, taking a shaky step forward. “I can do it.”