Isabella stood in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The smell of freshly toasted bread and coffee filled the room.
Dante sat at the dining table, wearing a black torn shirt. His face looked as cold as ever, but his injured shoulder was causing him more pain than he wanted to admit.
Isabella placed a plate in front of him.
“Breakfast is ready, Mr. Grumpy.”
Dante glanced at her. “Do you ever speak normally?”
“Of course. Good morning, my darling.”
He stared at her.
“Don’t call me that.”
“Then stop looking at me like you want to murder me before breakfast.”
“I might reconsider after breakfast.”
Isabella laughed and sat opposite him.
For a few minutes, they ate in silence. Then Dante looked at her.
“Are you going to work today?”
Isabella shook her head.
“No. I already informed my workplace that I won’t be coming back.”
His eyes narrowed slightly.
“You quit your job?”
“Yes.”
“And your college?”
“I informed them too.”
Dante put down his fork.
“Have you lost your mind?”
“Not yet. Why?”
“You had a job and college. Now you’ve abandoned both to stay here with a stranger.”
Isabella leaned back in her chair.
“First, I haven’t abandoned my college. I’ve completed my coursework. I only have four months left until graduation. Second, I already informed my workplace. And third, you’re not exactly a stranger anymore.”
“I’m still a stranger.”
“Fine. A handsome stranger with a terrible attitude.”
Dante ignored her last comment.
“What will you do after graduation?”
“Go back home and look for a job there.”
“Your family?”
Isabella’s smile faded a little.
“Yes. My family.”
She didn’t explain further, and Dante didn’t push her.
He had already noticed that whenever she spoke about her family, something changed in her expression.
Before he could ask another question, Dante suddenly stiffened.
His hand moved towards his injured side.
Isabella immediately noticed.
“Dante?”
“I’m fine.”
She stood up and walked towards him.
“Let me see.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Your face is turning pale. Do you think I’m blind?”
“Unfortunately, no.”
“Very funny. Move your hand.”
Dante reluctantly moved it.
The bandage around his wound had darkened with fresh blood.
Isabella’s playful expression disappeared.
“Oh, no. The wound is getting worse.”
She carefully examined the bandage without touching the injury itself.
“You need a doctor.”
“No hospital.”
“Dante, you have a bullet wound!”
“And I’d prefer not to have half the enemies force searching for me.”
“Why would your enemies search for you?”
He gave her a cold look.
“Don’t ask questions you don’t want answered.”
Isabella folded her arms.
“You are impossible.”
“I’ve been told.”
She paced around the small kitchen, thinking.
Then she suddenly stopped.
“I have an idea.”
Dante looked suspicious.
“Should I be worried?”
“Probably.”
“Wonderful.”
Isabella grabbed her phone and began searching through her contacts.
“I know someone who might be able to help us.”
Dante watched her carefully.
“Who?”
“A friend of mine. She’s a nurse and works in an operating theatre.”
His expression remained guarded.
“And you trust her?”
Isabella lifted her chin.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s my friend.”
“That isn’t a convincing answer.”
She placed her hands on her hips.
“Would you prefer to bleed to death while questioning my friendships?”
Dante said nothing.
Isabella picked up her phone again.
“I’m going to call her. And before you complain, remember that you’re the one with a bullet inside you.”
For once, Dante had no immediate reply.
Isabella smiled triumphantly.
“That’s what I thought.”
She walked away to make the call while Dante watched her, wondering how one small woman could create so much noise in such a tiny apartment.
And, more importantly, why he hadn’t told her to leave.