Page 15 of Overdosed: Her Dark Side
“Because no matter the circumstances, we have a history we can’t escape. Neither of us.”
EIGHT
Melanie
What’s going on here?” Anders roared from the other end of the hallway.
“No, Shane. I will not meet you,” I hissed to Shane’s face before yanking out from his grip. I stepped back, and soon enough, Anders was by my side.
His hand wrapped around my waist, and he planted a kiss on my forehead. “Is everything okay, baby?” He looked into my eyes, grabbing my chin with his fingers.
I shot him a cold stare before putting on a fake, forced smile. “Now that you’re here it is.” I tried to hide my irritation. Before contacting Shane, I sent Anders dozens of texts and tried to reach him as many times. Eventually, I knew I had to contact Shane instead. Anders screwed up. He was well aware, I could tell. The guilt was all there, swimming in his apologetic gaze.
“Doc, how’s he?” Shane’s voice brought my attention to the doctor who had emerged from the surgery area. Honestly, she had a great timing. I looked at her, she was clad in a pristine white coat. She was in her forties with a Middle East type of beauty.
“He’s stable,” the doctor said, and both Shane and Anders sighed.
“Thank God,” Shane breathed, his eyes shut for a split second as if a huge weight had been taken off his shoulders.
“It seems like luck was on his side. The bullet ricocheted off the sternum, missing the lung. It lodged into the soft tissues of the chest wall. He should recover well,” she explained.
“Is he conscious? Can we see him?” Anders’ tone was of concern.
The woman smiled. “He’s still under the influence of the sedative after the surgery. Give him some time to rest. Come back later to check on him.”
“Thank you, Doc.” Shane nodded.
“He’s being taken care of.” Her lips curled up in a professional smile as she took a step backward, disappearing behind the door to the surgery area.
Anders diverted his gaze to me, our eyes locked. “I should take you home, babe.”
“We have to talk, Anders,” Shane said, his stern gaze on his brother.
Anders’ neck stretched, and a heavy sigh escaped his lungs. “Alright.”
I was surprised he gave in without a fight.
“Let me have one of my men take my fiancée home first. She’s had enough excitement for one day.”
“No need for that.” Shane’s gaze moved to Wyatt, who followed him everywhere like a shadow and who I suppose was his new right-hand man. Callan’s replacement. “Wyatt will make sure she gets home safely.”
Wyatt made a single nod, taking a step forward, his hands clasped on his abdomen. He had an earpiece in his right ear, dressed in a black suit. “If you’ll accompany me, Miss Atwood.”
It wasn’t Atwood anymore, but I guessed that was a detail they didn’t have to know. My lips pursed in annoyance, and my eyes rolled. “I can get home on my own.”
“Melanie.” Shane gave me an insistent look. There was this firmness in his tone that I knew left no room for discussion. “Don’t be stubborn for once. It’s for your safety.”
I glanced at Anders to check in with him. After all, I still was playing the role of the loving fiancée.
“Shane’s right. Go with Wyatt. I’ll be home with you soon, love.”
I let out a heavy breath. Now, I had two Vergoossen against me. I knew there was no point in arguing. I didn’t stand a chance against them both. I knew men in this family didn’t give up until they achieved what they wanted. And sure as hell, being overprotective was one of their traits.
“Fine.” I rolled my eyes and followed Wyatt.
Around lunchtime, I juggled motherhood duties, encouraging Hope to eat her meal while Betty tackled the aftermath of our culinary endeavors in the kitchen.
Hope sang and laughed, her attention everywhere but on her plate. I had to devise the most creative games to coax her into eating even a little. But I didn’t mind. She was my whole world, and it wasn’t just my duty but a pleasure to care for her. I watched her, recognizing so much of her father in her. Despite her salient resemblance to me, with her huge, luminous chocolate-brown eyes and thick brown hair, she had her father’s personality, and it showed from the very first days of her existence. She had a remarkable amount of strength for a child her age. Tears were a rarity, and her calm temperament and perceptive attitude mirrored those of her father.
