Chapter 20 Rigged Games
Once cleaned up, Gia pulled on the fresh pair of socks Nichole brought for her and looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was still as wild as ever. But despite the lack of hair brush or decent clothing, Gia's cheeks were glowing. Her lips were plump and there was a light glow to her smile. She raised her hand and rubbed her neck where she could still feel Daniel's hot breath. When she walked back into the room, Gia found Daniel waiting for her on the hospital bed. He had taken off his shoes and was laid back against he pillow with his phone in his hand. When he heard the bathroom door, he placed the phone down and smiled.
"What?" Gia asked as she climbed into bed beside him.
"You look ridiculous in this," Daniel touched the white hospital gown. "White isn't your color."
"I'll be out of this tomorrow," Gia sighed.
"Do you want me to leave?"
"No," Gia frowned at Daniel's sudden question. "What gave you that idea?"
"If you're tired, I ca-"
"I'm not tired," Gia shook her head. "And I don't want you to go anywhere."
"I won't," Daniel leaned towards her and kissed the side of her head. "Want me to ask Nichole to heat up the soup?"
"Oh, right," Gia looked over at the table. "Maybe in a bit."
"Okay," Daniel nodded.
"What are you watching?" Gia asked as she looked up at the soccer game on TV. "Is this the same gam from earlier?"
"No," Daniel shook his head. "You see the white team?"
"Yeah," Gia watched the screen.
"There's a lot of money riding on them to win tonight."
"Are they any good?" Gia asked.
"The best," Daniel said. "My money is on them."
"You're betting?" Gia asked.
"You want to place a bet?" Daniel smirked.
Gia shook her head.
"Which team do you want to win?"
"You have your money on the white one right?"
"Yeah, but pick whoever you want."
"No, thank you," Gia said.
"You sure?"
Gia nodded.
"Okay," Daniel pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to his friend. Gia watched him as he smiled and pulled her closer. "Come closer.'
Gia felt her insides turn to mush as he draped his arm around her and she placed her head on his shoulder. Daniel didn't seem to notice the way Gia inhaled his scent as he covered her with the blanket and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Why did you overhead?" He asked as they began to watch the game.
In the dark, Gia took in a long breath and shivered. Daniel's arm tightened around her as he waited for her to speak.
"The doctor said I had a panic attack and that cause me to somehow overheat," Gia sighed.
"What caused the panic attack?"
"Luca told my dad I lost the flash drive," she said quietly.
"He yelled at you?"
Gia nodded. She felt her throat closing up as her eyes watered, "I remembered how he used to beat me back in Del Mare..."
YOU ARE READING
Reputation's Play (Book 1)
Romance"The less you know about the family business, the safer you will be." The small coastal town of adel Mare had three simple rules for the notoriously difficult families that reside there. Protect your countrymen against foreign threats, never spill...
