Chapter 43
Damian’s POV
I pushed through the building’s exit into a torrential downpour. Rain hammered down, instantly soaking through my clothes, but I barely felt it.
All I cared about was getting her to safety.
I pulled off my jacket and held it over her head, using my body to shield her from the worst of the storm as I carried her to the car.
She felt too light in my arms. Too fragile.
“Almost there,” I murmured, more for myself than for her. “Just hold on a little longer p>
I got her settled in the back seat, wrapping a blanket around her shivering form. Her eyes were half-closed, exhaustion and pain written across every line of her face.
“I’m okay,” she mumbled, but her voice was so weak I barely heard it.
No. She wasn’t okay. And she wouldn’t be staying at her apartment tonight where no one could keep an eye on her.
“Sleep.” I reached out before I could stop myself, brushing my knuckles gently across her forehead. “I’ll take care of everything p>
Her eyes fluttered closed, and within seconds, her breathing evened out.
The doctor was waiting when we arrived, and I carried Aria straight up to the guest room where my staff had already prepared everything.
“She’s running a fever and has severe stomach pain,” I told Dr. Mandy as I laid Aria carefully on the bed. “She hasn’t eaten all day p>
The doctor’s expression turned disapproving as she moved to examine her patient. “Acute gastritis, most likely. Combined with exhaustion and dehydration. I’ll need to give her an injection for the pain and start an IV p>
“Do whatever she needs p>
I stepped back to give the doctor room to work, but I didn’t leave. I stayed right there, watching as they changed Aria into clean clothes, administered the medication, and set up the IV drip.
She didn’t wake through any of it.
“She’ll sleep through the night,” Dr. Mandy said quietly. “The injection will help with the pain, but she needs rest more than anything. No solid food for at least twelve hours. Start with clear liquids and work up from there p>
“What about the fever p>
“It should break by morning. But Alpha King The doctor fixed me with a stern look.
“She needs a full check-up. Her blood work shows signs of chronic stress and nutritional deficiency. If she keeps pushing herself like this p>
“I’ll make sure she takes better care of herself p>
The doctor raised an eyebrow at the steel in my tone but nodded. “I’ll check on her first thing in the morning p>
After she left, I finally looked down at myself. I was still soaking wet, water dripping onto the hardwood floor, my shirt plastered to my skin.
I should change. Get some sleep.
But as I turned toward the door, something caught at my pant leg.
I looked down to find Aria’s fingers curled around the fabric, holding on even in sleep.
Her face was troubled, brow furrowed, lips moving soundlessly as if she was trying to speak.
“Sir, you should rest,” one of the housekeepers murmured from the doorway. “We’ll watch over Miss Smith p>
I shook my head. “Leave us p>
Her eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t question me. The staff filed out quietly, closing the door behind them.
The room fell silent except for Aria’s breathing and the steady drip of the IV.
I sat down on the edge of the bed, trying to understand what she was saying.
“Data Her voice was barely a whisper. “Timeline… projections p>
Even in sleep, she was worrying about work.
Stubborn woman.
I was about to pull my leg free when she spoke again, her voice so quiet I almost missed it.
“Damian… thank you p>
The words hit me like a physical blow.
She was thanking me. In her sleep. When she had no reason to put on any kind of front.
My hand moved of its own accord, cupping her cheek. Her skin was still too warm, but the fever seemed to be breaking.
I carefully extracted my pant leg from her grip and tucked her hand back under the blanket.
There. She’d be fine now. The doctor had given her medication, she was warm and safe, and—
Aria’s eyes flew open suddenly, unfocused and panicked. She made a distressed sound and started to sit up.
“Easy.” I caught her shoulders, trying to keep her from pulling out the IV. “You’re okay. You’re safe p>
But she wasn’t hearing me. Her breathing was rapid and shallow, eyes wide with what looked like fear.
Was she having a nightmare?
I started to reach for the call button to summon the doctor when Aria suddenly lunged forward.
Her arms wrapped around my bare chest—I’d pulled off my wet shirt at some point without thinking—and she held on like I was the only solid thing in a world falling apart.
The contact sent a jolt through my entire body.
She was warm. So warm it made my rain-chilled skin burn where she touched me.
“Aria—” My voice came out rougher than intended.
But she just pressed closer, her face buried against my shoulder, her whole body trembling.
Not from fever this time.
From fear.
“Don’t leave,” she whispered, the words muffled against my skin. “Please don’t leave me alone p>