“Hmmm. Me eithercugino. Nessun problema. Mi prendero cura di lei,” Paolo responds.
I nod. If my cousin says she won’t be a problem and he’ll take care of her, then Alicianna will be his issue to deal with. But she better stay far away from me. Unless she wants to tempt death. We cherish women, we don’t mistreat women, we don’t abuse women. However, if a woman betrays us, she will meet her end.
Dr. Walters comes down the stairs, interrupting our conversation. It’s okay, though, because I’d much rather discuss Mindy than Alicianna anyway. I just hope Mindy is okay because my rage is simmering, but if Walters says she’s badly hurt then I won’t be able to control myself. I will have to kill her husband.
“Dalonzo, a word?” Dr. Walters stands at the entrance of the living room without entering completely.
I nod and follow him into the hallway by the door. He takes confidentiality seriously, so I understand why he didn’t want to talk in front of Paolo. I can respect a man who stands on his convictions. There are so many who don’t.
“How is she?”
“Her vision is blurry, her balance is off, her eye is bruised, and the swelling on her head will subside with ice. My professional opinion without an MRI is that she has a concussion. With that being said, make sure you keep her awake for another hour or so. I called in a prescription for her as well. Call me if she needs anything else.”
“Thank you,” I respond.
Dr. Walters nods, and I walk him to the door. The anger subsides a little at the news. Mindy is alright, but she really shouldn’t be in the situation at all.
I turn to walk back into the family room, and I see Mindy quietly watching me from the bottom of the stairs. I’m not sure how I missed her standing behind me because people don’t sneak up on me too often.
“Hey, how’re you feeling?” I approach her slowly.
I can see she’s skittish. I understand that although I may have saved her life, I’m still a stranger. No matter what I’ve done to help her, she has no reason to trust me.
“I’m okay. Uhh… where’s my dress?”
I’ve been fighting the urge to look at her body. I even got through undressing her and putting her in my shirt without even a small glance. I was a complete gentleman and didn’t ogle or touch her inappropriately. But with her standing in front of me, tugging on my shirt with her plump, juicy legs on display, I can’t control how hard my dick is.
“It had blood on it, so I gave you my shirt. I’m sorry if that made you uncomfortable.”
“Oh, no, I’m not uncom—”
“Well, it looks like you kids have a lot to discuss. I’ll see you soon, cugino. Have a good night, beautiful,”Paolo interrupts, smiling at Mindy.
I know there’s a problem when a flash of me choking Paolo for flirting with Mindy pops in my mind. I run a hand through my hair, and Paolo notices. His smile grows, and he pats me on the back before walking away whistling.
Asshole.
I left Mindy in the family room while I had one of the Dalonzo soldiers go pick up her prescription, and so I could get my raging hard-on under control. I have never been one to be a knight in shining armor, but something about Mindy makes every primal urge I have multiply. Especially my desire to strip my shirt off her and claim her as mine.
I know it’s crazy because she’s a married woman who has obviously been traumatized, but these feelings are the realist I’ve ever felt. This isn’t sexualizing a woman, it’s almost an obsession. And I’ve only known her for a few hours.
I suck it up and go back into the family room because I need to make sure Mindy is awake. It’s been a rough few hours for her, and I don’t want to make it worse. However, if she keeps insisting on leaving, my levelheadedness just might slip away.
“Hi,” she shyly whispers.
“Hi,” I respond, smiling.
“Luca, you’ve done so much for me, and I want to say thank you again. But I can’t stay here. Hell, I don’t even know your last name.”
“Dalonzo. You can stay here for as long as you want. I know I’m a stranger, but I promise I would never hurt you.” I clear my throat and look away.
My voice is full of emotion, and it’s an unusual reaction for me. I don’t get emotional about much. But the thought of Mindy leaving, and me not being able to protect her is a devastating thought.
“Dalonzo. You’re Italian… that’s the accent.” Mindy slightly smiles.
“Si, bella. I am Italian.” I smile back.
Mindy’s eyes go to my mouth, and I can’t help but smile wider. Her brown eyes shift up to mine, and I wink at her. She quickly looks away and dips her head.
