Mara pov
I felt a physical jolt in my stomach. Babe? Lorenzo walked past me. He moved with confidence while maintaining a smile, I wasn't comfortable with. He sat on the edge of her bed and pulled a small, colorful bag of gummy bears from his pocket.
"I told you I wouldn't stay away for long, didn't I?" he said. His voice was different—softer, warmer. It was a beautiful lie.
Lina giggled, grabbing his hand with her thin fingers. "Mara didn't tell me you were so sweet and caring. She's been hiding you. I bet she's scared someone might steal you."
"Is that so?" Lorenzo looked back at me. He looked me up and down, a wicked glint in his eyes that only I could see. "Maybe she just likes keeping all the trouble for herself."
"Lina," I said, stepping closer to the other side of the bed. I tried to reach for her hand, but she was too busy showing Lorenzo the new doll he had sent her. "We need to focus on your recovery. You shouldn't get too attached to... people you don't really know."
"But I do know him!" Lina protested. She looked at me like I was the crazy one. "He told me how you guys met at the library. He said you were trying to reach a book on the top shelf and you fell right into his arms. He said he knew he wanted to marry you the moment he saw your angry face."
I stared at Lorenzo. The library? He was a better storyteller than I was a journalist. I wanted to reach across the bed and slap that calm look off his face.
"Lina, listen to me," I whispered, leaning over her. "He isn't who you think…"
Suddenly, Lorenzo's hand landed on my shoulder. His fingers were heavy, pressing into my skin just enough to be a threat.
"Darling, don't start," he said, his voice dropping into a low, warning tone. "You're just tired. Let's enjoy the fact that your sister is getting the best care money can buy." He gave me a kiss on my forehead and Lina giggled.
He squeezed my shoulder, his thumb brushing against my neck. It felt like a snake coiling around me. I glared at him, but I couldn't say a word without breaking Lina's heart.
The door opened, and a doctor in a crisp white coat walked in. She checked the monitors and smiled at us. "The surgery went perfectly. Her vitals are stronger than we expected."
"Can she come home today?" I asked. I just wanted to get her away from him.
The doctor shook her head. "No, Miss Santi. She needs to heal. The next few days are the most important. She stays here under our watch."
"See?" Lorenzo said, patting Lina's hand. "You stay here and get strong. I'll make sure Mara is happy and safe ."
Lina beamed at him. "Thank you, babe. Take care of my sister."
"Sure, babe anything for you." He hugged her tightly then gave her a peck on her forehead.
"You guys should visit me often." she put the gummies in her mouth. I walked closer to her remove Lorenzo hand around her gently. "I will always love you, get better we have a lot of things to enjoy together." I wrapped her with my arm and she hugged me back.
"Don't cry again, am better now." I didn't know tears had fallen on my cheek till she wiped it way.
"Am happy you're okay, I missed you so much." I brushed her scalp with my palm.
"Babe, cook for my sister she must be hungry, she turned to lorenzo. "Whenever she's hungry she cries." She whispered.
"Really," lorenzo chuckled and they both laugh.
"Promise me babe." She raised her pinky finger.The word babe felt like a slap every time she said it.
"Sure." Lorenzo , said. We all chit-chatted for a while, then left the room, when the doctor told us to allow her rest. The second, the door clicked shut, I shoved his hand off me.
"Don't call me darling. And stay away from her," I hissed.