SIMONE'S POV
Nicholas was stable.
The doctor had confirmed it twice. The monitors showed steady vitals. His breathing was deep and regular under the white bandages wrapping his torso.
But I couldn't stop staring at the dark bruises spreading across his ribs like spilled ink.
I'd been sitting in this chair for six hours, watching him sleep. My dress was still stained with his blood - dried brown patches that cracked when I moved.
The metallic smell had faded, but I could still taste copper in my mouth.
Someone had tried to kill him tonight. Someone had turned Matteo, used him as bait, and set a trap designed to end Nicholas's life.
And I wanted to know who.
"Miss?" A young maid stood in the doorway, hands folded. "Miss Irene requests your presence in the sitting ro
