Rowan Marino

I walk back and forth in the hospital hallway, each step echoing off the cold tile floors. My hands ball into fists at my sides, knuckles white from the pressure. I can't stand waiting here, doing nothing while Scarlett's in there, hurt because of me.

Lucas and Theodore sit nearby, watching me. They know better than to speak before I do. My rage is a storm, brewing just beneath the surface. They are smart enough to let it settle before we talk. I stop pacing, running a hand through my hair, and finally turn to them.

"Marco thinks he can come into my world, take what's mine, and walk away untouched? He's dead fucking wrong."

Lucas stands, arms crossed over his chest. "He set that fire hoping it would take us all out." He says, jaw tight.

"Of course he did." I growl.
"He thinks he's clever, using Scarlett..." my voice catches, and I shake my head.
"He's going to learn what happens when you cross me. What real power looks like. He wanted a devil...that's exactly what he's going to get." I say.

Theodore leans forward in his chair nodding slowly. "He's playing a dangerous game. Using Scarlett's friends as pawns? He's desperate. He wants to waken you, to make you second guess every move..."

"I don't second guess." I interrupt, my voice cold and sharp. "I end people who cross me."

Lucas smirks. "That's what I like to hear, boss."

"So what's the next move, Rowan?" Theo asks.

"We find Scarlett's friends first. Then we bring Marco to his knees." I say as they nod.

I glance toward the door of the hospital room where Scarlett is, my chest tight with worry. I'll deal with Marco, but first, I need to know she's okay. I need to hear her voice, see her smile, feel her beside me.

Lucas watches me closely. "Rowan, she'll be fine. The doc said it was a clean wound. She's tough."

"She's tougher than any of us." Theodore adds as I nod in agreement. She really is. But that doesn't change the fact that she's in that hospital bed because of me. Because I let Marco get close. I won't make that mistake again.

"This isn't going to be a quick job. But we don't stop until he's finished. We'll take everything from him, piece by piece, and when he's got nothing left, I'll make sure he begs for his life before I end him." I say as they both walk toward me.
Placing one hand on each shoulder.

Showing me they've got my back on this. Lucas grins. "Sounds like we're about to have some fun." He says before they both leave to start the job.

***

The hospital door opens, and a nurse steps out. "You can see her now." She says.

I don't waste a second. I push past the nurse, heading straight to where Scarlett is.
My heart does that damn free fall at the sight of her. She looks pale from losing a lot of blood. Her arm is bandaged, and though it's not life threatening, seeing her like this messes with my head.
My hands clench at my sides, unsure if I should touch her. What if I hurt her more?

Har eyes find mine, and she gives me a small smile. That same beautiful smile that always manages to undo me.

I approach her slowly, my throat tight as I sit beside the bed. "I missed you. A lot." I admit.

She rolls her eyes playfully, her eyes soft but teasing. "We've been apart for two hours, Rowan." She says.

Two hours? It's been a god damn eternity.

"Way to much time to be apart." I try to grin.

She laughs, the sound warm and familiar. God I've missed that. I lean in pressing my lips gently to the back of her hand.

Her other hand goes to my cheek, and I feel her touch. Soft and reassuring.
"I'm okay." She says, like it's the easiest thing in the world. Like the events of tonight haven't torn us both apart.
I don't respond to that, just look down disappointed.
Because I know she isn't fine.
I promised to get her friends back and I've failed. And the worst part is, I got her hurt in the process.

Her thumb traces along my jaw, forcing me to meet her eyes. "Rowan. Look at me. I'm fine. I'm just a little sore, that's all." She says.

I want to argue. To tell her it's my job to protect her, not the other way around. But instead I sit back, exhaling heavily. "You know I'm not letting you out of my sight after this, right?" I murmur, my voice low.

She raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Does that mean you'll be my personal bodyguard now?"

I lean in. "Something like that. But it's not a job, Mila. It's my life."

She laughs again. Her fingers threading through my hair. "You're so dramatic." She teases, her eyes shining.

"Maybe. But I mean every word of it. You're mine, Scarlett. And I'm not losing you."

"I'm not going anywhere." She says.

***

We're back home after a day at the hospital. Scarlett is resting in our bed.
Even though she's strong, and more capable than most, she can't push herself into the next fight. Not like this.

"You need to focus on getting better, Mila." I say, my tone firm but gentle. I walk up to her and brush a strand of hair away from her face.
Sitting down beside her. "I don't want you worrying about anything else right now." I add.

Her eyes narrow slightly. That stubborn gleam flickering in them. "Rowan, I need to help. I can't just sit here doing nothing while..."

"No." My voice comes out sharper than intended, and I immediately regret it. But I won't bend on this, not this time.
"You can't. Im not risking it again. You can barley move your arm, Scarlett."

I watch as she shifts, trying to sit up straighter, but I can see the pain flash her eyes. She tries to hide it, but I know her too well.
Her lips press into a thin line. She hates being told no. I get it. She a fighter. She's never been one to sit back and watch. It's one of the reasons I love her.
Yes love. I do love my woman.

But I can't let her push herself into danger again. Not when she's still recovering. Not when I almost lost her.

She exhales, a long, frustrated breath. "Just until I get better then." She says.

I nod relieved she's agreeing. "Yeah. Just until you get better." My thumb brushes over her knuckles as I hold her hand.
"Lucas, Theo and I, we'll handle the rest."

"Rowan...promise me you'll find them." Her voice trembles slightly, her eyes pleading with me. "I can't...I can't lose them."

My chest tightens at the raw desperation in her voice. I lean closer, cupping her face with both hands. "I promise. Whatever it takes. I'll find them." I say.

She closes her eyes, leaning into my touch, her breath hitching for a moment. I can feel the weight of her fear, the pressure of everything. And it kills me that she has to carry this at all.