Chapter 10

The silence of the hospital room was suffocating, heavier than the screaming match that had just unfolded in Jennie’s ward. The steady, rhythmic beep... beep... beep... of the heart monitor was the only thing keeping Ethan grounded.

He had stayed in that chair for hours, head buried in his hands. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Anna’s face—not the composed, professional assistant he’d hired, but the terrified girl whispering for her mother like a broken child. He had taken her breath away. Literally.

The door creaked open. Ethan didn’t look up, assuming it was Rita returning with coffee.

"You look pathetic."

Ethan stiffened. He didn't need to look up to recognize that voice. It was deeper, colder, and vibrating with a suppressed rage that turned the air jagged.

Eden.

The Mafia twin stepped into the light. He didn't look tired; he looked ready to burn the city to the ground. His eyes scanned Anna’s pale, unconscious form before landing on his brother.

"I saw the footage," Eden said, his voice a low growl. "I also heard you were the one who pulled the mask, Ethan. Our 'refined' businessman turned out to be more ruthless than the mobster. I’m almost impressed."

"Get out, Eden, that was a mistake" Ethan rasped, finally looking up. His eyes were bloodshot. "I'm not in the mood."

Eden walked to the side of the bed. His gloved hand hovered over Anna’s, but he didn't touch her. "You broke the prize, Brother. We had a deal: we keep her safe. And the first time a spoiled brat like Jennie throws a tantrum, you fold? You let her suffer?"

"I said get out!" Ethan stood up, his chair screeching violently against the tile.

"Make me," Eden challenged, eyes flashing. "While you’re sitting here crying over your conscience, I’ve already put a hit out on the Charles family. I would have wiped them out in one go if Dad hadn't interfered. But their money? That, I’ve already erased."

Ethan winced. "This isn't about money, Eden. She’s in a coma because of us."

"Because of you," Eden corrected sharply.

The door opened again. Rita walked in, clutching two cardboard cups. She froze, her eyes darting between the two identical men—one disheveled and weeping, the other sharp and radiating lethal power.

"Oh... I... I didn't know the two of you are here," Rita whispered, her grip tightening on the cups.

Eden turned his predatory gaze toward her. He didn't give her the comfort Ethan had. He studied her like a scientist looking at a specimen. "Rita, right? The roommate ."

"Yes," she stammered, looking at Ethan for help.

" What the fuck are you doing here" he growled.

Ethan stepped between them. "She’s been helping, Eden. Leave her alone."

Eden’s lip curled. He leaned in, whispering loud enough for only Ethan to hear. "Keep your 'friends' close, Ethan. But remember—everyone has a price. Even the ones who cry at the bedside."

He turned to leave but stopped at the door. "The doctor says she might wake up soon. If she opens her eyes and the first thing she sees is your guilty face, she’ll break again. Fix yourself, Ethan. Or I’ll take her to the estate and handle her recovery my way. And you know my way doesn't involve mercy."

With a final, chilling glance at Anna, Eden vanished. Ethan turned back to the bed, his resolve hardening.

"We’re moving her to our place," he muttered to Rita. "For security purposes."

Anna’s POV

I didn’t wake up in the hospital.

When my eyes finally opened, I wasn't met by sterile white walls, but by a bedroom so luxurious I thought I had finally died and gone to heaven. Then, the "demon twin" walked in, and I knew I was still very much in hell.

The look on his face was strange—almost like he was glad to see me.

"Rita," I croaked, my throat dry. "How long have I been out?"

Rita rushed to my side, taking my hand. "4 days, Anna."

"I thought I’d wake up in jail," I said sarcastically. I watched Ethan, who was standing nearby, swallow hard at my words.

"You're fine," Rita insisted. "That's all that matters."

A nurse came in to check my vitals. Rita gestured for the men to leave, but Ethan remained rooted to the spot. Unmoving. The nurse didn't argue. She checked my stats, handed me medication for the looming headache, and stepped out.

When Rita went to see her off, Ethan just stood there, studying me. He looked like a man who had lost his script.

"What now?" I snapped. "Are you my bodyguard, or just a cop waiting for me to run so you can shoot me in the head?"

"I just..." He breathed, his voice trembling. "I don't know what to say."

"Good. Because I'm not ready to listen."

I tried to stand up, still in my hospital gown, but a wave of dizziness slammed into me. The world tilted. Before I could hit the floor, Ethan’s strong arms were around me. He lifted me bridal style, placing me back on the bed with a gentleness that felt like a lie. Then, he knelt beside me.

"The hell are you doing?" I demanded.

"Enough, Anna. Be quiet and let me speak. I was wrong, okay? I did you dirty..."

"You treated me like trash because you believed her!" I yelled, my voice cracking with frustration. "You left me when I panicked. You left me without oxygen, Ethan! Or should I say... Mr. Almighty Boss?"

"I'm sorry, Anna. I am. I never knew she’d go that far."

"And where is she now?" I asked. "Getting a medal?"

He swallowed hard. "She’s being 'taken care of' by her parents."

My eyes nearly rolled out of my head. "Amazing. So the next time she sees me, my head will be rolling on the floor instead."

He grabbed my hand. "I swear I’ll protect you from now on. I promise nothing will ever hurt you again."

"For how long?"

That voice. My blood turned to ice.

Ethan stiffened as Eden walked toward us. He looked down at where Ethan knelt, then leaned over and—to my absolute shock—pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"I'm sorry I haven't been here, Princess," Eden murmured.

"Stop with the crap," I spat, pulling away. "If it wasn't for your hooker, I wouldn't be in this bed."

Ethan stood up, a small, dark chuckle escaping him.

"How did you know about that?" Eden asked, seemingly amused.

"You moaned her name in the dark, didn't you?" I countered.

Eden’s expression smoothed out. "I'm just glad you're fine." He turned to leave, but I couldn't let it go.

"Why are you guys like this?" My voice broke. "You're letting her go. She almost killed me, and no one is doing anything!"

Eden stopped. He turned back, his gaze turning lethal. "Just so you know, Anna... I held her and her parents at gunpoint while you were 'napping.' I would have ended them right there if my father hadn't intervened. I would burn the world for you, Anna Hale. Don't judge me when you have no idea what’s been happening while you slept."

He adjusted his cuffs. "I'll be at the office. Excuse me. Both of you."

He left, leaving the room vibrating in his wake. I was stunned. Was this the same man who had kissed me and then disappeared?

"What is he talking about?" I whispered.

"It's... it's a lot, Anna," Ethan said softly. He was fidgeting, refusing to meet my

eyes. He walked to the door, pausing as he closed it. "I’m just glad you’re okay. And I’m sorry."

Then, I was alone.