Sexting My Ex’s Dad (Forbidden Silver Foxes)

56. Stella

56

STELLA

I blink my eyes open, the hospital room so bright that it’s almost blinding. The sterile white walls and the beeping of machines are the first things I notice. Despite the dull ache in my side, I can’t help but feel... alive.

“Where am I?” I mumble under my breath, trying to piece together the fragments of memory in my head.

My thoughts are blurry at first, unsure of what happened. I know I was shot, but I can’t quite place the memory of how it all went down. It feels like a nightmare, one I can’t quite shake. But, it happened…it had to be for me to be in the hospital.

“Think, Stella, think,” I whisper to myself, attempting to gather my strength and focus on recalling the events that led me here. The sensation of cold metal against my skin, the sharp pain as the bullet tore through me - it all comes flooding back, causing me to shudder involuntarily.

It’s okay. I’m alive, and that’s what matters.

But despite my attempts to reassure myself, there’s a lingering unease in my chest. What happened after the shooting? To Owen and Massimo? And more importantly, where is Elio?

Gingerly, I turn my head to the side, hoping that Elio’s familiar face will greet me. But the room is utterly empty.

A nurse enters the room, her soft voice breaking the silence. “You’re awake! You had us really worried. You’ve been through quite an ordeal, but you’re stable now. We’re going to continue to monitor you, but if I were to say, I’d think you make a full recovery. You’re one tough cookie, aren’t you?”

“Thank you,” I manage to say, my voice weak. “How long have I been here?”

“Nine days,” she replies, giving me a gentle smile. “It was touch-and-go for a while, but your body has been healing quickly.”

“Nine days,” I echo, trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’ve lost so much time. The ache in my side serves as a constant reminder of what happened, and I can’t help but let out a small groan at the pain.

“Take it easy,” the nurse advises, adjusting the pillows behind me. “You’ll feel better soon enough.”

“Can I ask you something?” I venture, biting my lip nervously. “Have you seen a man named Elio Lombardi around here? I thought he might have visited me.” To be honest, I’m not entirely sure where the two of us stand, but I’d hope he wouldn’t just abandon me after I’d been shot.

“Ah, Mr. Lombardi,” she says, her eyes lighting up with recognition. “He was here a few days ago, I think. He seemed very concerned about you, but I believe he had to return to work.”

“Thank you,” I sag against the bed. “That’s all I needed to know.”

I know the truth. If it’s been a few days that means Elio isn’t here because he doesn’t want to be. He doesn’t care about taking off of work for things that he deems important. I guess I’m not important enough.

“I’m sure, he’ll come back, sweetie,” the nurse tries to reassure me, but I’m not too sure. “Now, try to get some rest. You need it.”

As the nurse exits the room, I gather my strength and try to sit up. Pain shoots through my side like lightning, causing me to hiss through clenched teeth. But I refuse to lie back down. I’ve been helpless long enough.

“Stella, what are you doing?” a familiar voice scolds from the doorway.

“Owen?”