CHAPTER 8.

The man's call gave Galata a sense of unease. She felt an icy gust freeze her bones, and despite not wanting to be rude, she disliked the idea of receiving him, much less seeing him. There was something that forced her to repel him.

"Leandro, what a surprise to hear from you! Although your words puzzle me. Why would I need you? We're not even that close," she mentioned with bewilderment.

"I'm sorry, Galata! My intention isn't to make you uncomfortable. I consider you as much my friend as Matteo's, and I think you need me right now, because perhaps you're overwhelmed by Helena's appearance, and it's good to confide in someone. It's not good to suppress those emotions; they end up hurting you, making you sick," the man stated with a tone of concern.

"Thank you very much for your offer, but I prefer not to bother you," the girl declared, trying to evade him and wondering, "How does he know I know about Helena's appearance?" However, she didn't dwell on those thoughts and continued to pay attention to his words.

"You're not bothering me. I'm already at your doorstep, and I've brought you a delicious breakfast, including a couple of delightful cappuccinos," the man added with a chuckle.

Galata grimaced, then let out a sigh of resignation.

"Alright, give me five minutes and I'll be with you," the young woman replied.

She hung up the call and went to get dressed and make herself more presentable to receive the unwelcome visitor.

**

Matteo arrived at the hotel in record time. His intention was to check on Helena and return home. He silently prayed that Galata wouldn't wake up while he was gone, because she would ask for explanations, and he didn't want to lie to her. Because if he told her what had happened with Helena, it would cause friction between them, which he didn't want to experience at this moment, just when he realized that everything could be different between them.

He would have liked to stay with his wife, embracing her body, tasting her elixir, and burying himself in her. Evoking those moments caused him a great erection. He was tempted to turn back, return to his wife, and call the hotel to find another solution. However, his conscience wouldn't allow it, because he had already acted incorrectly with Helena in the past, and now he had to, in a way, compensate her for being misled and abandoned when she needed him most.

*****

He arrived at the hotel. After handing his car to the valet, he was welcomed in the lobby and guided. Despite knowing the way, he preferred to let himself be led. When he entered the suite, he saw a couple of security men in the living room, who invited him in. Upon entering the bedroom, Helena was lying on the bed, eyes closed, her face surprisingly pale, to the point of appearing like porcelain. Her disheveled blonde hair framed her slender face; she looked fragile and vulnerable.

A glimpse of compassion surged within him, mixed with remorse. He sighed, unable to hide his frustration. Seeing him, the doctor greeted him.

"I imagine you're Mrs. Helena's husband. Well, let me tell you that your wife..." he couldn't continue his words because Matteo interrupted him.

"She is not my wife! She is a friend who is going through a difficult time, and I have come to help her. There is no sentimental bond between Mrs. Helena and me," the man stated firmly.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I thought otherwise. Well, I injected her with a tranquilizer; she'll sleep for a couple of hours. She had a very big scare; someone tried to abuse her, tore her clothes. One of the hotel assistants changed her, put clean clothes on her," the doctor explained.

Matteo turned to the hotel manager, who remained standing to one side, and spoke with annoyance.

"Did you check the security cameras? Did you see who the attacker was?" he asked, not hiding his irritated tone.

"Unfortunately, the man was wearing a black hooded sweater; his face was not visible to the cameras. He knew the place, because he knew the exact spot to stay hidden," the man replied with embarrassment.

"That incident must be investigated. Check the time the attacker arrived, the description of his car, everything about it, even with traffic cameras or those located across from the hotel. The culprit must be punished, and you must guarantee the safety of your guests," he added coldly.

"This has never happened in this hotel. All of this is strange. The police were called; they are conducting the investigation. It's even suspected that the attacker was an acquaintance of the young lady."

"Anyway, we are among the most interested in having this problem resolved," the manager expressed, frankly.

"Mr. Sebastini, here are the medications, both for pain and sedatives, and this is my card with my number in case you need me, don't hesitate to call," the doctor said, then bid farewell and left with the rest of those present.

The room was left alone and in complete silence. Matteo remained at the entrance, rubbing the back of his neck in a gesture of frustration. He slowly approached, pulled up a piece of furniture, and brought it close to the head of the bed. There was nothing for him to do but watch over her sleep and await her reaction.

He couldn't contain himself. He extended his hand and ran his knuckles across her face, with extreme care, almost in the air. Realizing what he was doing, he withdrew them almost immediately.