Dark Hearts

Chapter 10

Bastian's pov

I hate hospitals. Call me cliche, but I do.

A typical rich guy problem you may say but, I really do. It reminds me of my dad's situation a bit too much, that's why I avoid going. But I don't know what it is that pulls me to get in my car and follow the ambulance, simultaneously breaking every traffic law out there because I couldn't let that vehicle out of my sight.

At the hospital, I paced the waiting room, my mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. Why did I care so much?

The ink on our contract hadn't dried yet and I was already doing things contrary to the terms. Seeing Melia like that, seeing firsthand how close she'd come to - I couldn't even think about it.

This was exactly how I'd felt seeing her in that dark alleyway, knowing she had no place to go. I could've gotten in my car and driven away. But I couldn't. Something drew me to her. I wasn't sure if it was those chocolate brown eyes that I loved so much or her innocence and softness. She was increasingly shy around me, never holding my gaze for too long.

That made me want to hold her chin and make her give me those eyes.

Jesus, bro. You sound like a f*****g lumberjack.

I shook my head, before my thoughts could get any darker. I was in a f*****g hospital for Christ sakes.

A doctor finally approached, his expression grim and serious.

“She's stable now. We pumped her stomach and gave her a few shots. She's resting right now. You can see her briefly.” I couldn't wait for him to finish his sentences.

“Mr. Monroe.” His serious tone was the only thing that stopped me.

“The tests confirmed that your…” he hesitated, clearly not knowing the label to give.

“Fiancee.” I said.

“Your fiancee was poisoned. The symptoms align with a rare toxin. It's remarkable she survived. It was made to look like an allergic reaction, a second longer would've made the drug take full effect and kill her.”

Fury settled in my chest. Poisoned. Someone had deliberately tried to harm my Brownie. “Thank you for telling me. I'll handle it from here.”

Trouble seemed to follow Melia around. But trouble ain't never met me.

I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I hadn't used in some time. Blakeley was an old friend and the owner of Blackeleys, the restaurant we'd used for the dinner, was one of his businesses. He owed me a favor that I needed to collect right now.

“Dude.” A gruff, sleepy voice answered on the line. “My wife is gonna be mad. Why are you calling me at such an ungodly hour?”

“Keesler, I need a list of everyone who served at last night's dinner. That includes the catering staff and any external vendors.”

“Is it serious?” He asked, having tamed his playfulness.

“Very.”

“Give me some time. My wife may have my balls but I'll get you what you need. Remember, you owe me now, Monroe.”

A smirk played on my lips. One of the reasons I liked the guy. He was an efficient businessman. He was head over heels for his wife.

Marianna met me in Melia's room a few minutes later, looking ruffled. “How is she?”

“Stable.” I replied.

“Stay with her for now.” I stood and pulled my jacket from the chair.

“Where are you going?”

“I'll be back.”

I had some things to deal with.

******

True to his word, Keesler sent me a detailed list of everyone involved in the dinner, including my own household staff. I called them into the office, one by one, questioning them. I requested Keesler to shut down the restaurant for the day in order to get this questioning done. He grumbled incessantly but here we are.

So far, answers weren't forthcoming. Melia was still in the hospital unconscious. Our “relationship” was supposed to provide protection but on the first day, she landed in the f*****g hospital. The thought made me murderous.

Finally, it was my housekeeper's turn. She was a middle aged woman and had been with my family for years.

“Pam.” I began, fixing her with a hard stare. “Did you see anything last night?”

“No, not that I remember.”

“You were put in charge because my family respects you. All that can be taken away.”

Her hands wrung nervously.

“If you saw anything, I'd like you to speak up now.” My voice was calm, not betraying the turmoil in me.

“Mr. Monroe, I didn't think much of it at the time but there was a young lady. She…’’

“She what?” I boomed, impatient.

I know I was being harsh but I couldn't bring myself to care at the moment.

“She looked suspicious. I saw her near the serving area. She seemed out of place.”

“Is that all?” I pressed.

“I saw her put something in the dishes. I never imagined it would be Melia's.”

I suspected there was more to this than she was letting on and I was going to get to the bottom of it.

“Did you get a good look at her?”

“Yes, I did. I remember her name. Tania.”

The security guards positioned at the door went to work immediately, going into the hall to get the girl.

“And you are absolutely sure about this?”

“Yes sir. I am.”

Few minutes later, they brought in the sickly looking girl. Security searched her belongings, and produced a small vial, half empty from her purse.

“Tania, you're fired. You will be coming back here to give me some answers on who put you up to this. But for now, leave. You'll never get a job in this city again.” To my men, I said “Take her away. Don't let her leave your site.

She opened her mouth, probably to explain, but they dragged her away before she could get the sentences out.

“I am very sorry for my irresponsibility, Sir. I should've been more observant.” Pam said.

“It's fine.”

With that out of the way, I returned to the hospital. Marianna looked tired so I sent her home to rest. She protested but I wasn't having any of it.

Before she left, Marianna patted my arm. “Take care of her, Bastian.” She said, “I like this one.”

I sat in the hospital room beside a pale but peaceful looking Melia and the only thought in my mind was… “Me too, Mari. Me too.”