Page 7 of Vows of Betrayal

His hand moved shakily to his oxygen mask, and he attempted to pull it down.

He was too weak, though, so I helped.

“Stefan,” he said with what looked like a huge amount of effort.

I smiled and put the oxygen mask back on.

“Hi, Stefan,” I said like an idiot.

Stefan didn’t seem to mind, though. Because right at that moment, he smiled and whispered, “Hi, Francesca.”

Something made me want to dive right into his eyes. And then I became even sadder. For him.

For what might have been.

For what should have been.

“Excuse us, Miss. We have some questions to ask the patient.” I looked up to see two police officers walk into the room.

I gazed down at Stefan and he very, very slowly shook his head.

I took the hint and immediately said, “Not a great time right now, guys. Come back later, okay?”

The taller officer stepped forward. “From what we’re told, he doesn’t have a later. We need to ask him some questions about his shooting before—”

I cut him off. Stefan didn’t need to hear any of this.

Even if it was true.

“I said it’s not a good time. I’m in charge of this patient and I’m asking you to leave his room. You’re upsetting him. And that’s not good right before he goes into surgery.”

The officer’s eyebrows rose. “We were told there was nothing more they could do for him.”

Dammit.

That was probably why nobody came back after his X-rays. I’d bet they were all waiting for the new incoming patients.

“Well, you heard wrong, officer. He’s going to be fine. Now, if you’ll get out, that’d be great.” I gave him a nasty scowl.

He and his partner continued to fight with me. But I didn’t care.

Stefan didn’t want to talk to them.

So, I wasn’t going to allow it.

Finally, they gave up and left.

“Francesca.” I heard my name.

I looked down and Stefan had his mask off. And he was—grinning like a fool.

“What? And keep your mask on.”I reached over to set it back over his nose and mouth.

Stefan shook his head. “Come here.”

I leaned down to listen.

“Francesca,” he said, gasping for air, “I think I’m in love with you.”

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