No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 41

I carefully reposition myself again, trying to get comfortable enough to sleep but not wanting to wake Anastasia. I've been unable to fall asleep over since we got into bed, and now it's almost 3.

I look over at Anastasia sleeping peacefully, cuddled up by my side, a small smile on her face.

Every time I close my eyes, my mind replays the moment Everett pushed me out of the way, replaying the moment where he got shot and fell to the ground.

I would've preferred if it were me in the hospital, fighting for my life. I think I would be missed less than Everett if I were in that situation.

The doctors say he's doing better, but by better they mean he's breathing. He's breathing and isn't dead yet. That's what they say by 'better'.

As far as I know, Griffon isn't talking to anyone, ignoring every attempt anyone makes to speak to him. I've only seen him once since it happened, which was today, and the way he looked at me made me feel physically sick. I have no doubt he will kill me if Everett doesn't make it.

He doesn't even speak to Le Aquile Rosse, just going and sitting by Everett's side in the hospital except for the few moments he spends here every day.

To no one's surprise, everyone seems to hate me. Everyone says it's not my fault, but deep down I think they all blame me.

It's not like I don't blame myself either though, everything Griffon said to me is true. I should've been more aware of what was happening. That bullet should have hit me.

And for a reason I can't explain, it hurts the most that Anastasia won't talk to me. It's not like we used to talk all the time, most words exchanged snide comments, but she's been ignoring me. That's why I insisted on taking her to the hospital, and despite the way she lashed out at me, I'd say it ended well.

I know that whatever the hell happened between us means nothing, but it hurt for some reason when she attacked me the way she did. I know she's in pain, so I suppose she's allowed to.

I groan and sit up, carefully lying Anastasia down on the pillows before running my hands down my face and standing up. I get out of bed and walk over to my door before walking down the corridor.

I make my way down the stairs and towards the kitchen, surprised to see the lights on.

I pray to whoever will listen that someone just forgot to turn them off after dinner, but I stop in my tracks when I see a glass of water on the Island Bench.

I go into the kitchen and notice that the sliding door out to the small patio is open.

I'm surprised to see Ari leaning against the railing, cigarette in hand as he stares into the night.

He must hear me because he turns around, his eyebrows shooting up as he sees me.

"Don't tell you Mother I was having a smoke," he says, tapping the cigarette out on the table and walking back inside the kitchen, sliding and locking the door shut.

"I won't," I chuckle, shaking my head as I go over to the fridge and open it.

"Can't sleep either?" he asks, taking his glass of water and drinking it.

"Nope," I mutter, taking out a bottle of water and unscrewing the cap.

"Everett woke up about half an hour ago," he says, "Griff says that the doctors are optimistic," his tone sounds uncertain as I turn to face him.

"So I don't have to be killed?" I chuckle, internally wincing at whatever that remark was.

"Unfortunately no," Ari sighs, a wide grin spreading across his face as my eyebrows shoot up.