Chapter 52
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Seeing Sutton standing here waiting for him hadn’t surprised him. If it had been his sister Rose, he would be demanding answers as well. He had expected this conversation. He exhaled slowly, bracing himself.
“What is it?” he asked, keeping his voice even.
Sutton studied him for a moment before speaking. “I need to know something, and I need you to be honest with me, Roman. Is there any reason, any at all, that Blair would be in danger because of you?”
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Roman’s jaw tightened. “No. Well… I’m not one hundred percent sure, but it wouldn’t be business. Everything I do within business is legitimate. I have my men on it. They will not leave one stone unturned, and neither will I, Sutton. You have my word.”
Sutton didn’t back down. “Are you sure you didn’t make an enemy in business? Someone with a grudge? Someone that lost out in a deal? Something from your past? Because I swear to God, if you have knowingly put her in danger—”
Roman cut her off, his voice firm but calm. “I would never put Blair in harm’s way. And if I had any suspicion that this was because of me, I would have told you. Sutton. All I care about is that someone is targeting her. I don’t know who yet, but I will find out.”
Sutton watched him carefully, as if trying to detect a lie. When she found none, she exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. “I had to ask. You know that.”
“I get it,” Roman said, his voice softer now. “You’re protecting her. I respect that. But I need you to understand something… I am, too.”
Sutton nodded slowly. “Then you better figure this out. Fast.”
Roman’s expression darkened. “I will.”
Satisfied, Sutton turned, leading the way back toward Blair’s room. When they entered, Keira was sitting beside the bed, scrolling through her phone. Blair was asleep, her breathing even, her body relaxed for the first time in hours.
Keira glanced up at them. “We good? Or did you two have a dramatic hallway standoff?”
Telling Roman, Keira had been very aware of what had been going on in the hallway.
Sutton shot her a look before sighing. “We’re good. For now.”
Keira smirked. “Good. Because I need sleep, and I doubt the nurses will appreciate me snoring in this chair, waking up their whole ward.”
Sutton leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Blair’s forehead. “We’ll be back tomorrow,” she whispered.
Blair didn’t stir, lost in a deep sleep. Keira followed Sutton to the door, pausing to glance at Roman. “You staying?”
Roman nodded. “Yeah.”
Keira tilted her head, as if considering something, then simply said, “Good.” With that, she and Sutton disappeared down the hallway.
Roman exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck before moving to the chair beside Blair’s bed. He sat down slowly, his eyes tracing her peaceful face. Even in sleep, she was beautiful.
Without thinking, he reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers. The warmth of her skin grounded him, easing the tight coil of tension in his chest. He didn’t know how long he sat there, just holding her hand, watching over her.
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Chapter 52
Eventually, exhaustion crept in. He leaned forward, resting his head against the edge of her bed, still holding onto her.
Sleep found him before he even realized he was tired, his grip on her hand never loosening.
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Blair woke slowly, the dim lighting in the hospital room casting soft shadows across the ceiling. The steady beeping of the monitors was a reassuring hum in the background. She shifted slightly, feeling the warmth of something solid and heavy against her hand.
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Turning her head, she found Roman asleep beside her bed, his head resting on the mattress, his fingers wrapped around hers. Her heart softened at the sight of him, his usually sharp features relaxed in sleep. He looked exhausted, as if he hadn’t rested properly in days.
Carefully, she brought her free hand up, running her fingers through his dark hair. He stirred slightly but didn’t wake, his grip instinctively tightening around her hand.
A small smile played on her lips. “Roman,” she whispered softly, her voice hoarse from sleep.
He inhaled deeply, his eyes slowly fluttering open. For a moment, he looked disoriented, then his gaze locked onto her face, and relief flooded his expression.
“Blair,” he murmured, sitting up straight, rubbing a hand over his face. “How are you feeling?”
She squeezed his fingers lightly. “I’m okay. Still sore, but better.”
Roman studied her intently, as if trying to convince himself she was truly fine. “You scared the hell out of me,” he admitted quietly.
Blair’s chest tightened at the raw emotion in his voice. “I know. I’m sorry.”
His lips pressed into a thin line. “Don’t apologize. Just… I don’t want anything to happen to you again. The last few days have been hell.”
She gave him a weak smile. “I’ll try my best to live a very boring life from now on.”
For a moment, they sat in silence, their hands still intertwined. Blair could feel the tension radiating from him, the weight of everything pressing down on his shoulders.
“Did you get any sleep?” she asked softly. She had been lucky because her concussion had only been mild. There had been no need to wake her up every two hours to check her vitals. They had been left alone last night by the nurses.
Roman smirked tiredly. “I think I passed out at some point.”
Blair squeezed his hand again. “You should go home, get some real sleep.”
His grip tightened. “Not a chance. I’m staying right here.”
Blair let out a small laugh. “Stubborn.”
Roman smirked. “Just the way you like it.”
Blair sighed dramatically. “Unfortunately, I do.” His strong, stubborn, and arrogant character was one of the things that turned her on. Not forgetting his demanding personality. Just thinking about it made her nipples bead.
A knock at the door interrupted them before Roman could respond. A doctor stepped in, glancing at the monitors before offering a professional but warm smile. “Miss Warner, how are you feeling this morning?”
Blair sat up slightly. “Better. Sore, but definitely better.”
The doctor nodded, stepping closer to check her vitals. “That’s good to hear. Your scans looked fine, and there’s no sign of
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Chapter 52
internal injuries. Your ankle will need rest, but with care, you should be back to normal soon.”
Roman didn’t release her hand as he asked, “So she can go home?”
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The doctor smiled. “Yes. We’ll discharge her this morning. Just take it easy for the next few days, avoid unnecessary stress, no sex for a few days, and keep the ankle elevated when possible. I’ll have the nurse bring your release papers shortly.”
Blair sighed in relief. “Finally.” Her cheeks heated at the comment about sex.
Roman smirked, seeing the color on her face. “You act like you were here for weeks.”
She rolled her eyes. “Hospitals are not exactly fun, Roman.”
The doctor chuckled. “I’ll leave you two to get ready. A nurse will be in soon with some paperwork for you to sign. Then you can go home. Oh, and no driving for a few days as well.”
As soon as the door closed behind the doctor, Roman turned to her. “You should have seen your face when he said no sex.”
Blair arched an eyebrow. “I didn’t think it needed to be said.”
His lips curled slightly. “I will make sure you rest.”
She sighed but didn’t argue. “Fine. But I want real food when I get home. None of that hospital garbage.”
Roman smirked. “Whatever you want.”
Blair smiled as she eased back against the pillows. Despite everything, she felt safe with him and exposed in the hospital. Once she was home with him, she would feel safer.
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