Kind Regards

14. Rules

I had an outer body experience, watching a younger version of me living the childhood she deserved. One where her father didn't spiral into an addiction and alcoholism, and her mother stayed. The Hood siblings grew up together, protecting one another. A fantasy really.

My head pounded, hearing monitors beep as my body tingled. I felt a familiar hand in mine, soft lips pressed against the back.

I squinted my eyes open, realising the lights were dimmed instead of blinding me. Nico sat beside the bed with our hands intertwined. His hair was messy, shirt untucked and partially unbuttoned. Still so handsome.

"Nico" I whispered, feeling just how dry my throat was.

His head whipped up, looking at me with so much relief. I looked around the room, seeing that it was just us.

"I should've been there, I'm so sorry love" His voice croaked, squeezing my hand.

I tilted my head, smiling at him. I don't know what I would've done if he was there, what could have happened to him. He brought the cup of water toward me, placing the straw by my lips.

Despite being in a hospital room after being shot, this was where I found myself falling even harder for Dominico Reign.

"I'm glad you weren't" I admitted.

He froze, sending a shocked look.

"They could've used me as leverage. You could've died. You would have, for me" I explained, trying not to think about that possibility.

He pressed my hand against his head, shaking it; still blaming himself.

"I saw what you did. My crew located the men and are dealing with it until I can get there"

Nico is going to kill both of them. Not instantly; that'll be too easy. He will make it the longest and most painful hours possibly.

I smiled at him, reaching my hand toward his jaw to caress it. He smiled, revealing the goddamn dimple.

"Why is this bed so spacious?" I blurted.

In comparison to previous hospital visits, the beds were uncomfortable and small. If I turned around, I'd land face first.

The door opened as an amused look appeared on his face.

"He threatened to kill the doctor if they didn't remove it as carefully as possible before transferring you to the VIP suite" Mrs Reign spoke up, smiling at us.

I laughed, feeling a sharp pain in my abdomen making their eyes widen.

"If he didn't, I would have" Mr Reign grinned, placing his hand on Nico's shoulder.

Sebastian stood at the door awkwardly, rubbing his arm.

"Hey Sebastian" I smiled making everyone turn to him.

He nodded, walking toward the bed before looking up at me.

I will come for your family.

"I don't have my phone, could you call my mum?" I asked, squeezing Nico's hand.

They all looked at me shocked, wondering why I would ask for her since the birthday incident. But things have changed, and Nathaniel is in the picture now.

"You sure?" Sebastian asked, holding up his phone.

I nodded, turning to Nico. "I have a younger brother. I only met him today"

Sebastian left the room to make the call as the rest of the Reign's fired away with the questions. It was expected, I still had questions myself.

The nurse came into the room to serve breakfast, checking up on me quickly as they all watched intently. I felt bad for her, she looked so scared, but I attempted to crack some jokes.