The Forgotten Queen

Chapter 5

Aston P.O.V

Once Duke finally takes a hint and leaves. I turn towards Laurie and see the relief flash across her features. She lets out a sign and says, "I guess you need me to explain all that, don't you?" I lean closer and put my hand on top of hers. Our eyes lock, and I give her a reassuring smile. "How about you explain when we get you home." A small thankful smile makes its way across her face, and she visibly relaxes, leaning her head back against the pillow behind her on the bed. I watch as she slowly allows herself to drift back off to sleep. With that, I make myself comfortable on the chair next to her bed. I won't be leaving her side, I glance over at Laurie's soft face. She looks so peaceful and angelic. I can't believe anyone would want to hurt such a beautiful person.

Before I know it, I'm waking up to the door opening again. I look up momentarily, forgetting where I am and spotting the doctor wandering in with paperwork tucked under his left arm. I sit forward and stretch, quickly checking my phone whilst the doctor checks Laurie's vitals. '6 missed calls'. It's 8am, who could possibly want to talk to me that badly this early. 'Uncle Ryan'. I look down at the screen with an expression of shock, I barely hear the fact that Laurie is awake and the doctor is organising her release. I quickly snap out of it when the doctor turns to me and questions, "She's definitely coming home with you, isn't she Aston?"She can't be left alone until this cast comes off. Are you sure you're able to handle that?"

"Yes, yes, of course I can handle that. Laurie will be fine." I retort with more attitude than I had intended. Just then, my phone flashes again with a message. I stare down to see 'We need to talk - R'. I can't remember the last time my uncle was about to reach out to me personally. I have spent more time with his security and assistant than him since my parents died. My uncle Ryan is the current 'Kingdom the mafia. All the prominent families are under his control. Laurie's father was the previous king before him, and his wife was horribly murdered. Laurie was lucky to make it out alive. The hit was put out to eradicate the whole Amaro family so that an outsider could take over the mafia throne. Little did they know that Ricardo Amaro, Laurie's father, had contingency plans already in place in case of his demise.

"Erm... sorry, I need to make a call quickly. Is everything sorted for Laurie to leave after the doctor?" I try to say politely. With a firm nod and a smile towards Laurie, the doctor confirms that I can take Laurie home and makes his way to the door. I look at Laurie. She's beaming at the news that she can leave the hospital. "You don't mind if I make a call quickly before we leave, do you?" I ask her gently, not wanting to ruin her great mood. "Of course not!" I turn to walk towards the doorway, then decide its best to stay in here with Laurie she's going to find out about anything soon anyway. I don't want to hide anything from her.

I dial my uncles number. It barely rings when my uncle answers "Your alive then, I've been worried sick after hearing that you and Laurie are in the hospital. Why didn't you answer me? I almost sent Vincent over to come find you." I know my uncle cares for me, me and bianca are the only family he has left. He's tried to keep some distance whilst we've been growing up to protect u, but we both miss him so much. I smile, hearing the love and worry in my uncles voice. "I'm okay, unc I promise. I was only staying her so that Laurie was protected and comfortable." I reassure him. He let's out a lengthy sigh, "Thank god," he mumbles to himself. "Well, im assuming that Laurie isn't in a bad way due to your cheery Manor?" he then asks. I turn to look towards Laurie who has pulled herself to the side of the bed keeping her broken leg in the air try to pop all her belongings we got out for her during the night back into her case. A heartwarming smile appears across my face just by watching her. "Well?" My uncle snorts snapping me back to reality. "Oh yeah, she's okay, unc. She's got a broken leg and had to have surgery last night to pin it, but it all went well, and now we're about to pack her things up and go home." I answer, trying to hear for any change in my uncles demeanour.

When Laurie hears I'm explaining her injuries to someone, she stops what she's doing to try to figure out who could possibly want to know about her. Whilst fidgeting waiting for a response from my uncle, I catch a glimpse of Laurie staring at me with intent. I look over, catching her eyes and smile. She looks even more beautiful when she's concentrating. I can't wait to discover all her other expressions and manorisms, I wonder if it is even possible for her to look more beautiful and luring than she does right now. "Are you listening, Aston?" suddenly comes down the phone, and I realise I'm off in a daze again. "Yes, yes, sorry, what was you saying, unc?" I answer startled. A little chuckle comes from Laurie, and I can't help but blush at how foolish I'm making myself look. "Laurie is going to be a target now the families know about her properly. One of them was probably behind this accident. I'm going to send some of my guys to the house this morning for when you get back. She needs all the security she can get at the minute. Stick by her Aston. Don't let anything happen to the last living Amaro." My uncle continues. "I won't uncle, I promise. You know I will protect her with my life if I have to." I reply.

We say our goodbyes and cut the call. Laurie looks over at me again, and now the conversation is over. "So why was your uncle asking about me?" Laurie asks shyly. "He doesn't even know me. No one ever asks about me." She continues. "There's so much you don't know, Laurie, I don't even know where to start, but just know your life will never be the same again." I try to explain. "How about we get you home and settled, I will sort us out some proper food, and we can talk through everything. How does that sound?" I ask with one eyebrow raised. Laurie looks down at her bags, then back at me and nods gently, when a small smile appears across her face again. She looks nervous but happy all at the same time. My heart sinks, knowing she's never had this sort of kindness shown to her before. From now on, it will be my life's mission to ensure she gets everything she deserves out of life and more. I will keep that smile on her face no matter what it takes.