Chapter3
1168 Words
Daphne's POV
My hands dropped to my side as Ambrose threw me a tragic look.
"The only blood bank with the required blood is a two hour drive away from here." He said and a frown settled on Troy's face.
"Do everything possible to get the blood here as fast as possible. I have given her my word."
And at that moment, my body gave in to all the pain and misery of the night. My eyes grew heavy and my limbs light as I fell to the ground. The throbbing in my head increased as my heartbeat tripled. I felt his strong arms around me as I struggled to breathe and fought to keep my eyes open.
"Daphne…" he called out my name and carried me into his arms as his strong scent of citrus filled my nostrils.
***
I dabbed my eyelids open as the burning sensation deep in my throat caused me to sigh.
The throbbing in my head was still present, it never left.
"Mom!" I yelled as I jerked up. "Where's she? I need to see her." I said as I pulled out the needles in my arms.
"Relax Daphne, aunt Cyra is fine. The blood was transfused successfully." Cassie said as she pushed me back on the bed. Her strength had always perplexed me, I wondered how someone so petite could harbor so much strength.
"You should rest, at least until aunt Cyra is conscious again."
I breathe out in relief as the previous event with Troy flooded into my mind.
"Troy Armstrong, he paid for your mom's surgery." She chirped and I turned to look at her.
"You know him?" I asked with interest.
"Everyone in New York knows him. One of New York's billionaires and still her most eligible bachelor." Her words stirred more questions in my mind as I continued wondering why on earth he helped me.
"He's so handsome and so rich. I want him." She said and I rolled my eyes.
Just like Zachary and I, Cassie was an intern in the city's hospital.
"So tell me, how do you know him? I heard he brought you and Aunt to the hospital with his Lamborghini."
There was a gentle knock on the door and I was grateful for the interruption.
"Zac..." I whispered as my eyes met Zachary's worried ones.
"Thank God you're awake. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help. I'm sorry I didn't notice how much you were suffering. You were shivering with cold and I stood there, oblivious of your pain." He quaked as he stared down at me.
"I'm fine now. Let me go see her."
His eyes held questions, questions about Troy, questions I wasn't ready to answer, questions I didn't have answers to.
He helped me out of the room and I staggered to Mom's.
I opened the door to Troy sitting next to Mom. She had a smile on my lips, her eyes bright with hope.
"Mom," I called out as I ran to her side. "You scared me, I didn't know what to do."
I placed a kiss on her forehead as I felt Troy's gaze on my body.
The door flew open and the doctor in charge of mom walked in.
"I'm glad you're awake Daphne." She remarked with a dim smile. "We were able to get the blood in time and were lucky enough that her body accepted it at the first trial. We will need to put her under close observation to detect any need for another blood transfusion."
She spoke and I stood and watched her lips move, waiting for her to announce the hospital bills.
"And the surgery bills have been settled, Daphne, there's no need to worry." With a gentle pat on my shoulder, she left the building.
"Did you pay the bills?" I asked Troy in a low tone even though I fought hard not to. He stared at me, his eyes piercing deep into my soul.
"Who is he, Daphne? He seems like a sweet gentleman." Mom chirped with a giggle and I shrugged.
"Please come with me," I said as I led the way out of the room. "Why are you helping me? Why did you help save my mother? Who the heck are you?" I groaned, lifting my shoulders to feign toughness.
"Nothing goes for nothing Miss Daphne, I'm sure you know that."
I swallowed hard as his gaze made me uncomfortable.
He was in different clothes but in the same color, black.
"I helped to save your mother's life and there's nothing to that, I assure you." He said with a blink and I realized I was holding my breath. "I know you owe thousands of dollars, both as student loans and other debts. I'm willing to pay your debt Daphne, only for a price."
I hissed as his words perplexed me.
"You said you only helped because you wanted to.." I stuttered as he took long steps towards me.
"Yes, I helped make the blood available and I settled the bills because I wanted to. You heard what the doctor said, she needs to be kept under close observation." He said as he took more steady steps towards me. "She might need another blood transfusion. The cancer in her blood vessels might eat through her blood cells again. What then? I'm guessing you will need my help again."
A grin grew on his lips as he closed the distance between us.
"What are you saying?" I trembled, my eyes unable to hold contact with his amber eyes.
"I'm willing to help you keep your mother alive. I'm willing to pay off your student loan and other debts. I will do all these only for a fair price."
I swallowed hard as his hot breath lingered on my neck as his citrus scent filled my nostrils. He tucked a loose strand of my red hair behind my ears and his thumb made contact with my skin.
I shivered to his touch. It was much more than that, his touch made me desire things I never thought I could.
And at that moment, I was lost.
"Step away from her!" Zachary snapped from a distance and I flinched. His loud voice snapped me out of the bondage of Troy's alluring presence.
Troy smiled, not moving an inch away from me. I didn't want him to. I wanted to know what he wanted from me. I wanted to know what I could possibly offer the bloodily handsome billionaire.
"I said, step away from her." Zachary repeated as he pulled me away, Troy's grip causing me to groan in pain.
Troy pulled me back to his chest, his strength surpassing Zachary's.
"Do not believe anything he's saying Daphne, I don't trust him." Zachary warned but I ignored his words as well as his presence.
"What do you want? What price do I have to pay for your help?" My voice was shaky as I struggled to remain standing on my feet.
- Writer
