Despite his military background, the next 24 hours were rough for El Segador. 

He couldn't even sleep a wink due to the possible concussion. The doctor and his staff would poke him at the slightest close of his eyelids. His nose whistled with every breath he took. His breaths fragile from the cracked rib.

Even with all this pain, his mind was focused on Bianca Petali. How vulnerable she is without him by his side. His promise to keep was in limbo.

Until his phone buzzed.

The doctor would bring it over for him to unlock. He exhaled gently that she's keeping in touch with him. Her voice inflected and dropped to keep his mind alert throughout the day.

So far, Alejandro was sent home for the remainder of the day. Unfortunately, without any solid proof that he was the rat. She also mentioned the silent auction hosted by Xianmao that she would attend the next night.

He almost sat up against the doctor's orders. "Don't go! Not wi-"

"Silenzio!"

Her sharp word almost outmatched a blade. Almost. He could sense another emotion behind that word.

"I'm not going to start anything else. This is just to extend an olive branch. I can't risk a war. Lords Kelpie and Vmey will be there with their wives too."

"I'm...sorry."

The doctor left the room for privacy.

"You don't have to be-"

"No. I let you down."

He heard an exhale through the phone.

"I let you down, Miguel. If I hadn't put you in that situation-"

"I would do it all over again. Just to keep you sa-"

"No! Just listen to me."

Her voice on the verge of tears held him hostage.

"I'm grateful for everything you did for me. I couldn't have asked for....The thought of losing you made my heart crack. I couldn't cry even though I wanted to."

"I'm still here. El Segador is too dangerous to be put down."

"I also want Miguel to be alive too."

He heard the drop of her walls.

"I want you to be alive when it's all over. You are free to go wherever you want. Just promise me this."

"Order it and I will do it."

"Treat yourself better every day."

His dark chocolate eyes wavered in confusion. Am I even capable of that?

His silence told her everything. "You deserve to be loved. That lucky woman will be so blessed to be in your arms. To see that wonderful smile on your face. To have your children."

He exhaled. "I will try. Baby steps, of course. Maybe a new flower shop?"

"I will give you the funds with no strings attached."

"Gracias, Signora....Is your daughter okay?"

"She is. I have someone watching her and keeping me posted. Those scumbags tried to go after her the same day we met."

"Those rotten bastards!" he whispered while keeping his anger from overflowing. His ribs would thank him for that.

The taps of her stilettos agreed with him before stopping. "Would...you like to know about Isabella?"

The professional killer wanted to refuse out of politeness, but the way her words choked. Like a crack in the dam. Her words trying to break free.

"Sure. Tell me about her."

He could feel the smile from talking about her daughter. How her well versed fingers traveled on a journey on their piano. The thunderous applause for her talent. How she would make bruschetta while her daughter studied late into the night. Her dreams of attending Juilliard to become a pianist or becoming a culinary chef if that didn't work out.

Miguel soaked her words like a sponge. "She got smarts from both you and her dad."

Bianca chuckled. "Thanks, but I think she got it from him." A sharp exhale left her mouth. "I miss him sometimes."

"I'm sorry that you lost him."

His words reached her on the wavelength of pain.

"I didn't even want to be a part of his business until that day happened. I guess it was meant to be."

"If it didn't, what would you be doing?"

"With my Master's degree, I could have been anything. I think a fashion designer."

"You do have a great sense of style," he smiled loud enough for her to hear.

"And..."

Her words began to trail off. "I could have stopped Isabella from...from her overdose. It was my product that distanced us."

Her guilt dripping in every syllable.

"It's not your fault, Signora."

"But it is. If I had kept a better eye on her....What if she was stressed from everything? Her father's death nearly broke her. Could it have been grief? Cou-"

"Bianca", he winced from raising his voice. "Bianca, I will not let you destroy yourself. Constantly picking apart the what ifs will never give you peace."

Although it was hypocritical of him to say, he wanted to save her. He would rather continue that path than let her be a part of it.

Silence sat between them. He wished he was right there with her.

"......If I was to cry, what would you do?"

Although his mind argued, he let his heart speak.

"I would hold you close. Wiping your tears while brushing my fingers through your hair. Rubbing your back while never letting go unless you told me to."

"That.....sounds lovely."

"I would also get you a cup of water. Don't want my boss to be dehydrated."

Her laugh crackles through the phone. He finds himself laughing before wincing from the pain.

"Sorry!"

"It's okay," he wheezed. He grasped his phone as if it was her hand. After checking the time..."Get some sleep, Signora."

An audible yawn was heard. "I will try. Luis and I will pick you up tomorrow. Just rest when you get to the mansion."

"I just hate that I can't be with you tomorrow night."

"That sciocco (idiot) and his men will be outmatched by the firepower within that event. I will place a slug through each eye for even daring."

He smiled from remembering how Orchidea taught her lessons for those who got in her way. She could take care of herself. As an order, he tries to chuck away his burden of over-reliance. A mountain in front of him. Using what he learned from therapy, he breaks off a chunk and casts it far away from him.

His heart and mind thanked him. His body relaxed from the burden, letting the medicine take its full effect.

"Miguel?"

"Oh, sorry. I trust you."

"You will at least get to see what I will wear before I go. It's a little modest for my liking."

Anything you wear gets me revved up. "I'm sure you will look great."

"Gracias. Buona notte (Good night)."

"Buenas noches."

----

Good news come around noon as the doctor reports no concussion. After several memory tests, Miguel just has to recover from his physical wounds with the ibuprofen regimen. He takes the bottles, his pistols, and his mask while being escorted out by one of Bianca's men.

Fall leaves scatter around. Careful calculated steps to mask the pain within. Fingers ready to pull out. The tinted window of the armored limo rolls down.

Luis' face gives him relief. "Get in the back," the driver orders him.

"Good to see you too."

Luis gives him a playful smirk, hiding something from the legendary killer.

He opens the door to the back...and grips the door frame. Blood rushes down from the sight as he takes careful breaths.

His boss is wearing a white nurse's uniform with red trim. Embracing her curves like a lover. The length stops right at her thighs. He gets in and closes the door. Luis drives off.

"Morning, Miguel. I will be your nurse for today."

He keeps his eyes up, but he's cursed to stay inside those emeralds he loves. The smirk on her face. The heavy luggage under her eyes worries him.

"Morning. Did you sleep well, Signora?"

She crosses her arms. An index finger tapping her bicep. "Someone kept me up all night."

"I'm s-"

She puts a finger to his lips. "Sleep. Now."

Despite the order, his mind brings up the horrific past. One snooze and his loved ones perished. Seeing the turmoil in his eyes, Bianca takes charge.

She stretches her legs to the side and rests her head near his knee. His mind stalls from processing this sight.

"It will be okay. Sleep," she whispers.

He places a hand on her head, brushing through the silky ocean of amber. Comforting her for the time they spent apart. He's thankful that she didn't try anything else. He's too roughed up to let his urges take control. 

His eyelids weigh heavily before closing down. His hand, resting on Bianca's arm. His body lets peace swallow him whole.

Luis takes a look back in the mirror. He smiles to himself. Now if they can just kiss and be a couple already.