Page 98 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)
“Or something?” Niko’s tone suggest he doesn’t like that answer.
“From the uterus growing, especially with twins.”
“She’s right.” The doctor appears behind us. “The fetuses are fine. I recommend more rest and less stress for Mom, here.”
“I’ll put her to bed for the rest of the time.” Niko’s tone says he won’t take any objection from Elena.
“Full bedrest isn’t necessary. Light exercise, walking, can help. I think we’ll be able to discharge her in a few hours.”
“I’m staying.” Niko says it like he’s staking a claim.
“I can stay?—”
“No.” Elena interrupts me. “You look exhausted. And… you saved me, Elena.” Tears form again. “You saved me, Aria, and Maria.”
“Yeah, well, Aria was a big help.”
“What does that mean?” Niko’s gaze narrows on me.
“It means you have a brave sister.”
“Please, Luce. Go home and rest. I’ll be fine.” Elena turns her attention to Niko, her eyes filled with relief and love.
"Let's go, Lucy." Donovan takes my arm, leading me out of the hospital and to the SUV. It seems like a million years have passed when I take the elevator up to the penthouse. My breath catches as the door opens and I expect to see Lou. But he’s gone. There’s no blood or anything to suggest he was ever therethreatening to kill us. I'm safe. Elena's safe. For the first time ever in our lives.
“I need to check on a few things,” Donovan says as we exit the elevator. “Lou is… I need to?—”
I press my hand to his cheek. “I know. I’m sorry he betrayed you.”
He shakes his head. “How did I miss it? Fuck!” He sucks in a breath, and his anger dissipates as he kisses my palm. “Go rest. Okay?”
For a moment, we stare at each other. There are so many words to say, but they’re stuck in my throat.
He gives me a kiss. “Thank God you’re okay.” Then he heads to Niko’s office.
I intend to lie down, but when I get to the room, I feel dirty. I want to wash away the horror of the day. I enter the bathroom, turning on the shower and peeling away my clothes. I think I’ll burn them.
Water trails down my body, the heat and steam penetrating my muscles, my bones, easing my tension. I'm no longer under the thumb of a man who saw me as nothing more than a commodity to be traded. I’m free.
But I no longer want to be free. That’s not to say I want to be controlled. But I don’t want to be alone. I have to tell Donovan that. I laugh at the courage I had to tackle Lou, but I’m not sure I’m brave enough to tell Donovan that I love him.
I turn off the shower, stepping onto the bath mat. I reach for a towel, wrapping it around myself. I dry off and put on a robe. Opening the door, I pause when my gaze lands on Donovan. He perches on the edge of the bed, his jaw clenched like he’s having a silent war with his thoughts.
“Is everything all right?” I ask.
He looks up, and at first, I see sadness. But his expression morphs into frustration. Immediately, my defenses go up as I wait so see why he’s upset with me.
"Lucy." His voice is a low rumble. "You belong with me.” The words are delivered with command, a fact I’m not allowed to contradict. No choice given.
A shudder of conflicting emotions courses through me.
His gaze holds mine. “It’s within my rights, as your husband, to make you stay.”
My breath catches. I don’t like the tone, and yet, is he saying he wants to make me stay? “I?—”
“But your happiness means more to me. So, if you want to go, if you want the annulment, I’ll grant it.”
I stare at him, wondering if the hit on my head earlier is causing me to hallucinate. “Is that what you want?”