HIS SALVATION

SEVEN

~CLAIR~

I groan as I open my eye and take in my surroundings. I'm in my room, that's a good sign. What happened?

Then memories of my earlier event came crashing my mind. My cheeks turn shades of red as I bite my lip.

I sit up straight and bury my head in my hands. "I'm done for", I groan. And then I realized, I was wearing a very large shirt. It smells like him.

Oh My Lord!

"You're awake", the devil walks into the room in his glory.

"How long did I sleep?", I ask him. "About four hours or more", he answers. "Where's Sam?", I ask him. "She went home about thirty minutes ago. I'll call her that you've woken up", he says and I nod.

"Are you hungry?", he asks. I slowly nod embarrassed. I pill the covers off me and stand up only to lose balance and fall. But I never hit the ground. I open my eyes to see a pair of arms wrapped around my waist.

"I guess I have to carry you then", he says. "No, don't worry. I can walk", I gush out in embarrassment. He chuckles and then sweeps me up in bridal style.

His shirt was rolled up to my hips and my thighs were on display. That made me more embarrassed. He walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. He drops me on the island and I see Martha coming towards me with a tray in hand.

"Here you go sweetheart", she says with a smile and I return it. I look down at my food. Grilled steak with steamed vegetables, I could go with that.

Matteo watched me eat and that made me squirm in my seat. Unfortunately for me, the food was heavenly delicious but I couldn't eat anymore so I pushed it aside.

"We need to talk", he says and I sigh. "About earlier this morning, I'm sorry", I quickly apologize. He chuckles and drops his phone giving me his full attention.

"Why are you apologizing?", he asks. "Because I thought you'd be mad at me for doing that", I mumble as I fiddle my fingers with the hem of his shirt.

"I can't be angry Clair. I'm not a bad guy, and I'm sorry for all I said at the beginning of our marriage", he says and I raise my head to look at him.

"Okay", I say. "What happened to you that triggered your attack?", he asks. I run my hand through my hair as I sigh. "Alexia slapped me", I say quickly. "Why?", he asks with a frown. "According to her, they chose me to model over her. I don't still understand though because I didn't even apply for the job", I say.

"And?", he asks. "She then blamed me for everything that had happened to her. She said I stole you, I took away her fame and now I'm taking away her job", I say and then take a breath.

"Do you think you're taking everything away from her?", he asks. I shake my head. "No, I don't at all. First, I didn't even plan marriage. Second, I don't even want the fame. Third, I never planned to model for anything or anyone", I explain.

"Clair, you need to stop worrying on all these things. Things happen and you need to go with it", he says and I nod.

"Um, can I ask for something?", I ask him. "Ask away", he says. I scratch my head and fiddle with the hem of my shirt. "Can we be friends?", I ask him.

"Aren't we already friends?", he asks back and I see the glint of playfulness in his eyes. I blush and let my hair cover my face. "Does that mean I get to keep your shirt?", I ask him with a shy grin.

"That's one of my favorite shirts but you can keep it", he says with a smirk and my grin widens.

֍

"I have good news for you", I sing as I enter Hailey's ward. Her eyes meet mine as she drops her story book on the table beside her. "W-what is it?". She asks.

I sit beside her with a huge smile on my face. "You know your throat swelling has stopped. You can swallow perfectly and you can talk without wincing. Your health condition has improved and so you're going to be discharged this afternoon", I tell her.

She squeals and hugs me. When we pull away, the smile was no longer on her face. "What's wrong?", I ask her. "If I g-go, it m-means I c-can't s-see y-you again", she says. "We will still see each other someday", I assure her. "Are you sure?", she asks and I nod. "Absolutely", I tell her and she hugs me again. "I'm g-going t-to m-miss y-you", she says and I fought the urge to cry.

"I'm going to miss you too sweetie", I say as I ruffle her hair. I stand up and sigh. "I'll see you later", I wave at her and leave her ward.

My phone beeps and I pull it out.

TEO

I'm on break and I'm bored.

I giggle a little as I imagine how his face looks.

CLAIR

Isn't Alexia there? She can give you some company.

I hate to admit it but I'm kind of jealous of their relationship. Matteo and I's friendship has thankfully lasted for a week and I think we're making progress.

He also seems to be fond of Sam. They have things in common.

TEO

I don't even have an idea of where she is. What are you doing?

CLAIR

I just came back from my patients ward. I'm free for now.

TEO

Should I come over?

My eyes widen and a blush creeps it's way to my cheeks.

CLAIR

If you want to

TEO

See you soon.

I shake my head and enter my office. After rearranging my desk, I decided to place some books in the shelf. As I drop the book in shelf I feel an arm wrap around my waist.

I try to move but I'm pressed against a body and I immediately know who it is. I angrily struggle against the person only to be shoved to the wall.

"Are you out of your mind?", I ask angrily. "I missed your feistiness", he says and I glare at him. He caresses my cheeks and I slap his hand away.

"Get the f**k out of my office!", I say through gritted teeth. He smirks and twirls a strand of my hair in his hand. Oh my God, Matteo will soon be here and he won't like what he sees.

I gather my strength and push him away from me. "You have the strength for a girl", he says amused and I glare at him. The door opens and we turn our heads to see Matteo walk in.

Talk about perfect timing.

My face brightens and I smile widely.

"Am I interrupting something?", he asks. Before Trevor says something stupid I quickly speak. "No! Not at all!", I say and he raises a brow.

"Matteo, meet Trevor the assistant head of the hospital. Trevor, this is Matteo my husband", I say laying emphasis on the word husband so he can get the message.

Trevor chuckles and gives me a dirty wink before turning to Matteo who had an emotionless face on. "It's nice to meet you mister Rossi", he offers his hand. "Same here", Matteo shakes his hand.

"Okay then", I clap my hand together. "Trevor was about leaving", I say as I glare at Trevor. He gives me a sly smirk and I want nothing more than to punch his face as he leaves the office.

"Who is he really?", Matteo asks. I huff out a breath. "A guy who can't stay his lane", I grumble and he chuckles. "I like your office", he says and I smile. "Thank you, I want you to meet someone", I say and he raises a brow.

"Who?", he asks. I grab his hand and lead him down the hallway until we reach ward 109. I turn to him, "I know you don't smile but please smile". He shrugs and I roll my eyes as I open the door and enter.

"Hey Hailey", I wave and she grins. "Hey C-Clair", she waves. "I brought someone to meet you", I say and her eyes land on Matteo. "Is he your?", she asks and I nod.

"Hailey, meet Matteo my husband, Matteo this is Hailey my favorite patient", I introduce them. "Hey Hailey, I love your hair do", Matteo says with a smile that made my heart back flip. What?

Hailey blushes and mutters a thank you. Few minutes later, they were laughing and playing. It's actually nice seeing Matteo talk to little children. All he does is talk to big people.

"How was she?", I ask as I follow him into the parking lot. "She's cute especially when she stutters", he says and I smile. "Awe, you're a big softie", I pinch his cheeks and he chuckles. "I'm not heartless", he says and I raise a brow at him. "Are you sure about that buddy?", I ask and he grins.

"It's time for me to go now", he says and I pout. "Can't you just miss work for a day?", I ask. "It's not class Clair, I can't miss work. I have three more appointments and an online conference", he says.

"Oh big guy, you better get to work", I say. He wraps his arms around my waist as I pull him in a hug. "Will you be home by evening?", I ask him. We pull away and he smiles. "I'll try to make it", he says. "You better try hard", I point a finger at him and he chuckles.

I wave him bye as he enters his car and drives away. I sigh and turn around to walk back to the hospital building.

~MATTEO~

My door slams open and Alexia bursts in angrily. She was wearing a tight mini gown that hugged all her curves and I think it's two times too small for her body.

I should be aroused but right now I'm preparing for my online conference. "You went to see her!", she says angrily. I sigh and rub my temples. "Who?", I play dumb. I flick my document folder open and her nose flares.

"You went to the hospital to see her", she repeats again. "Yes Alexia, I went to see Clair", I tell her. "Why would you see her?". She demands. "She's my wife, it's my duty to check on her", I answer. "What about me?", she asks. "You're here, aren't you?", I answer.

"She's the reason for all this!", she growls. "Let me tell you something Alexia, I honestly don't know why in the whole f*****g world would you be bent on making her life miserable", I say.

"She took everything from me!", she defends. "No, she did not. You can't have everything you want every single time", I tell her. "Look, I'm tired of you always complaining about her. You are the same person that triggered her attack that almost killed her. Can't you just leave her alone?", I say frustrated already.

"You like her, don't you?", she asks. Sometimes, Alexia can be so annoying. "I don't like her, I care about her. She's my wife, it's my job to care about her", I say. "You don't love me again, do you?", she asks. The real question is, have I loved you at all?

"Yes Alexia, I don't love you. It was just an attraction. I can't handle your s**t anymore. Even if I do not have to date anybody, I still have a woman in my life", I say. "W-what are you trying to say?", she asks panicking. I drop my documents and look at her in the eyes. She looked like she wanted to cry.

"What I'm trying to say is that we're done Alexia. There is nothing going on between us again", I tell her and she burst out crying.

"Don't do this to me, I love you. I need you", she cries. "I loved you Alexia, that was three years ago when you weren't proud and arrogant. Now, all you want is fame and wealth. Good luck finding it but we're done", I tell her.

She stomps her foot and storms out of my office. I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. "Well that was easy", I open my eyes to see my best friend. "Si?", I say.

He sighs and sits on one of the couches in the office. "Now that fica (cunt) is out of the picture, what's the plan?", he asks and I narrow my eyes at him. "I have no plans, if that's what you mean. Are you ready for the conference?", I ask him.

He stands up. "Let's get started", he says. I grin as he sits across my table and the television is switched on. Luca may be a d**k and playful guy but he's serious when it comes to business.

~~

"Okay mom, I'll tell her. I get it", I say to the phone annoyed. "Matteo Nicholas Rossi, I'm talking to you!", she screams into the phone. "Gesu Bambino mama (Baby Jesus mom), my ears hurt", I complain as I step out of the car and wave Alfred bye before he parks in the garage.

"You listen to Teo, I'm inviting the whole families for dinner so you better make it worth", she says and I roll my eyes. "Yes mom, if you excuse me I'm going to rest", I say. "I love you too baby boy, bye", she says and hangs up.

I roll my eyes and walk into the house. I hear humming and clank in the kitchen. Martha doesn't stay up this late though.

I enter the kitchen to see a woman in only an over large T-shirt standing in front of the cooker. Plus, that's my shirt. Her brown hair pulled in a high ponytail but the tip stops on the lower of her waist.

I quietly walk towards her and wrap my arms around her waist causing her to squeal in surprise. I laugh and she turns around. "You almost gave me a heart attack", she grumbles embarrassed. It's always cute when she blushes.

"Why are you up by this time?", I ask her. "Waiting for you", she says and I raise a brow. "Are you hungry?", she asks and I shake my head. "Good because I won't even make dinner", she says and I chuckle.

I can see that she's thinking of something. "What's wrong?", I ask her. "Nothing", she says turning back to the stove and carries the pan on the stove. She wipes it with a cloth and places it in the cupboard.

She was about to walk away when I spun her around making her look at me. "Tell me", I say. "Hailey", she says and I sigh. She really does miss that kid. "Don't be sad, she'll visit you", I tell her and she nods.

~~

~CLAIR~

Sixteen year old me is sitting in a dark room with a heavy chain on my right leg. "Mom?", I call out. The door opens and a large bulky man walks in followed by another man with the same size. "Who are you?", I ask already getting scared. "Oh baby girl, they call me Joker. We're gonna have fun", the second man says.

I scream as I get yanked up by the first man.

Everything spins and now I'm sitting on a chair in a dark room. I scream as a blade cut through my right thigh. "Stop, please stop it!", I scream as it reached my knee. Blood dripping down my leg as Joker removes the knife.

"You've been a bad girl Clarissa", he says and I cry. "I'm sorry", I cry. "I don't take sorry Clarissa. I'm going to punish you", he says and grabs me by my hair.

I scream in pain as he drags me down the hallway to a small room. He opens the door and throws me inside. Then he grabs a bottle of alcohol from a table and pours it on my thigh making me scream in pain.

"Clair?"

"Clair, wake up!"

I gasp as I sit up straight. Sobs escape my mouth as I put my head in my hands. "Are you okay?", I raise my head to see Matteo, "I'm sorry for waking you up", I sniffle as I wipe my tears.

"You're shaking", he holds my arms and I begin to cry. "Shh, it's okay", he pulls me in a hug and my cries turn to whimpers. "Are you okay now?", he asks and I nod. "Do you want to talk about it?", he asks. "I can't, it's just a nightmare", I say not trusting myself to tell him yet.

"Can you stay?", I ask lowly. "Okay", he says and gets in the bed. He pulls me closer to him and I rest my head on his chest. "I'm sorry", I mumble. "It's okay Clair", he says and I feel a kiss on my temple.