Because @Ruffa wanted me to continue the thought, I ended up doing this first before work XD but oh well, at least I have a thought going for me.
“Hey- I was wondering if you were done. I have food ready” Much to his surprise, Dana didn’t come in, she just allowed a small opening to make her voice more audible for him.
“I could smell it, I… uh. I’ll finish up in a bit”
He wasn’t really sure if he heard right but a soft sigh echoed through the room once he spoke up.
“Do you… maybe need some help?” The opening from the door got wider and he could see her head peek in just enough that he could see that she was worried for him. If you can’t wash your cut, I could do it for you… just cover yourself up with the towel for a bit then I’ll get you a new one you can use to dry yourself with”
“No use toughing it out” He admitted with a light chuckle so he did as she was told and draped the towel over what needed to be covered “I… would really appreciate the help, thank you. I have the towel on now”
The moment he gave he told her that he had already been partially covered by the towel, she allowed herself inside. Apparently, she had anticipated things and already brought her first aid kit with her
“You seem prepared” He teased as he watched her kneel down by the side of the tub and pull some clean cloth out from her box.
Well, I’m a nurse, what would you expect?” And again, she offered him such a bright smile that could rival even the radiance of the sun, but he chose not to speak his thoughts out of embarrassment but instead, he gave her a light pat on the head. There was no such woman like her in the mafia world and her company was definitely refreshing.
“But why aren’t you in uniform? Day off?”
She nodded as her delicate digits traced over the long gash that extended from just a few inches below his arm to almost reaching his navel. It was definitely long and fresh. “This will need a few stitches. Would you mind moving to the bed so I can administer it faster?”
He was in no position to decline so he propped himself up enough that he could stand. His winces didn’t go unnoticed of course, and in a second, she was already there to help him and guide him to her bedroom. She handed him a dry towel which he used to cover himself up while she excused herself so she could come back with the first aid kit she had brought to the bathroom
“Do you think you’ll be fine without anesthesia?”
“I’ve experienced worse so don’t worry much about me” He did the best he could to manage a reassuring smile but as soon as went to work on the stitches, whatever trace of that smile was replaced with a gaping mouth that was trying to take in as much deep breaths as he could.
The stitching took about 30 minutes and when they were done, he had 25 stitches down his body. She had covered it with a bandage that wrapped around his torso but as she was wrapping the bandages, she couldn’t stop but let her gaze wander across the expanse of his torso. As much as he had a very sculpted figure, it harbored many stitches and scars that came from worse injuries than what he had now. Just what was this man, was at the forefront of her mind.
Roland caught onto her but instead of saying anything, he simply placed his hand on top of her head and shook his head in a ‘no’ once she met his gaze “I’ll… tell you about them another time if you’re interested” was all he could say before his stomach broke the awkward silence for them. The grumbling could well be heard across the room and Dana could only laugh in amusement as she came to a stand and search for clothes that she thought would be big enough to at least cover him up.
He was handed an oversized shirt, well oversized to her at least. And a pair of sweatpants that looked stretchable enough.
“Get dressed… or would you need help with that too?”
AS much as he refused, as soon as he was trying the shirt on, he couldn’t manage anything that could hide the hisses and winces of pain he was emitting. And as much as Dana wanted to laugh and tease him for a bit, she just rolled her eyes at him and helped him into the shirt and sweatpants.
“Come on, tough guy. We need to get you fed. The food’s probably cold by now with all the drama you had me put up through” Her presence really was refreshing and their encounter was something he was secretly grateful for. He could have been captured by now, or worse, dead if she hadn’t found him.
“I’m coming, Nurse” He shot back with a chuckle
“So mind telling me over brunch why you were in those dumpsters?”
He froze in his spot, not really sure if he should be telling her the facts or not but she had saved his life and it was the least he could offer her… for now. “I… was being chased down”
She didn’t seem the least bit shocked when he was searching her face for any other expression besides the poker face she had on at that moment.
“I already figured when I saw those scars of yours. How long have you been on the run?” She gestured for him to sit as she started serving him rice, then some of the meat she had cooked in a sweet sauce.
“For about a year now.” He nodded and offered her thanks before he started chowing down on his meal. “I… wanted to run away from the family… I didn’t want to bear any responsibilities and I don’t want to become one of them. That’s the best explanation I can offer you right now, Dana”
His face grew somber and he just kept his gaze down as he continued on with his meal.
His head shot up when he felt a warm, soft hand press against his cheek, guiding his gaze to Dana which seemed to be doing her best to offer him her most assuring smile. “You can stay here with me for a while then. I can keep you safe and hidden”
And again, he was at a lack of words. He hadn’t been this speechless his entire life and he knew she wouldn’t take no for an answer with how aggressive she could be. So again, he could only nod and look her straight in the eyes.
That which she just met with a smile and a brush of her thumb across his cheek. It was only then when he realized that he had teared up
Let's see how long I'll let them be peaceful 😂😂😂😂😂
Mafia people are scary, after all
I like the both of them together!! :) Sorry, wish I could tip you more but....