Page 58 of Malicious Marriage

The machines around us beep and scream as his heart pounds, desperate for life. His injuries gradually mean nothing as his desire to survive unlocks something inside him and he tries to fight me. A weak punch here, a glance of a knee there. Nothing of worth.

Because he is nothing.

I tremble as anger courses through my veins and every muscle in my arms bulges with how tightly I cradle his head andhow firmly I smother him. He killed my men and almost killed Clover. There’s no future for him here.

Not in this life.

Before long, his struggles grow sluggish and the frantic scream of the heart rate monitor dulls until it settles into the flat, empty whine of death. Ryan’s body slumps, and I hold him until I’m certain he’s dead.

Pulling back, I see that Ryan’s face is twisted open in a silent scream of panic that no one heard. His limp limbs flop down onto the bed as I move, and the whine of the machine ends as I switch it off.

A deathly silence falls as I stare down at his body. Adjusting my tie, I smooth my hand through my hair to catch any flyaways and sort my shirt, then I leave Ryan’s room and quietly close the door. The nurse stands outside with wide, scared eyes so I smile warmly at him.

“There’s been a mistake,” I say quietly. “This man is not who I’m looking for.”

“O–Of course, Mr. Savoy. My apologies. This way.” The nurse barely looks me in the eye as he leads me back up the hall and into another room where Bobby greets me warmly.

“Dean!”

“Thank you,” I say to the nurse. “Bobby, how are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.” Bobby grins. “Doctor said the excitement was a little much for my heart but I’m all good. Dean, this is my husband, Frankie. And that sleeping rascal is our son, Thomas.”

“Frankie.” I extend my hand to the worried man sitting by Bobby's side and he shakes it with the touch of a man who has no idea who I am. It’s rather refreshing. “Your husband is an incredible man.”

“Yeah, incredibly stupid,” Frankie snorts. “Who drives their damn car into a wall?”

“The wall wasn’t part of my plan,” Bobby groans. “The man was.”

Frankie rolls his eyes and glances over at the sofa that holds a peacefully sleeping baby boy.

“He’s beautiful,” I say as the sight of him drags Trisha into my thoughts. “You have a beautiful family.”

“Thanks.” Bobby smiles, then his brow furrows. “You’re not pissed at me, are you?”

Our gazes meet. “For?”

“For not being with Clover.”

I shake my head. “She explained. I actually came to thank you for being there for her. I feel responsible for not taking care of Ryan sooner.”

“That fucker,” Bobby mutters. “He’ll get what’s coming to him.”

“I can only hope. Are you sure you’re alright?”

Bobby nods, so I turn my attention to Frankie who also nods. “He’s fine. Just stupid.”

“Indeed. I must get back to Clover. She’s been eager to find out how you are.”

“Thanks for checking on me.”

“Of course.”

Back in Clover’s room, her tears have dried and the doctor seems finished with her examination.

“I’m all clear to go home,” Clover sighs. “I can’t wait to get into my bed. Is Bobby okay?”

“He’s fine. Surrounded by loved ones.”