Lifeline (Daniel Ricciardo)

Chapter 37: Truth

A day later I was discharged from hospital, having had a meeting with the doctor and now a new scheduled appointment for when I got back to the UK. After causing such a scene this time, I knew that I had to attend.

The Hermitage had been overly generous, insisting that we were to stay in our suite for as long as we wished. They had seemingly seen the look of worry on Daniel's face and had completely disregarded their costing policy.

I was feeling guilty as it was and it was a good job that I couldn't remember what my trance the night before entailed. I had a sore head from where I had supposedly banged it on the wall, but that was all.

I knew my high could only have lasted for so long, yet I wanted the happiness to continue...perhaps I had just been too complacent in the past week, letting everything slide.

I wasn't okay, and I hadn't been in a long while. But Daniel made you okay, right?

Yes.

"Hey, you 'right?" Daniel placed his arm on my back as he carried my bag and we walked back towards our hotel.

"I'm okay," I replied, turning towards the Australian, "can we go and get changed and then go for lunch somewhere?"

Dan thought for a few seconds, putting one hand into his pocket as he pondered over my sudden question. "Yup, but I need to take you somewhere, first."

"I don't think my old leggings will be suitable for anywhere around here. I'm a bit embarrassed to walk to our room like this...."

"If you're embarrassed to walk then I mean I'll just carry you instead." The Australian chuckled and smiled. Unfortunately, I knew that he was being serious and that was confirmed as seconds later he hoisted me over his shoulder and held onto me around my knees.

"Daniel, I'm far too heavy for this!" I squealed, gripping onto him for dear life.

"Bullsh-" he started what he had to say but stopped as we emerged through the doors and into the lobby. The bell boy didn't know whether to laugh or cry as Daniel narrowly missed tripping down a marbled step.

"I'm sorry, we won't break anything..." I managed to say as we disappeared from the reception area and got into the awaiting lift. "Can you put me down now, Dan?"

"We aren't at our room yet, so nope." He smiled again, "can you press the button though, I don't wanna drop you, or your bag."

I rolled my eyes and stretched for the button of our floor.

"I uh, I've got a good view from here..." Daniel laughed, blushing as my t-shirt rode up. "You aren't still too shaky are you, because..."

I then hit him gently, reaching out to mess up his hair- which as usual was looking just as I liked it. Effortlessly perfect, even though I knew he hadn't even combed it.

"As I said I'm going straight to sleep tonight, my head hurts."

"Shit!" Just as the doors of the lift opened, Daniel put me down swiftly, his eyes wide. "I didn't think then, sorry..."

"It's fine, stop worrying, please."

"Yeah, well you told me that before and after yesterday, I think I'm gonna worry." Daniel's shade of red deepened as I could see the truth emanating from his eyes.

"I'm going to explain, just not here...I'm too hungry."

"Usually I'm the one thinking of my stomach, but sure. Let's get you changed, Karin." It was my turn to laugh as I took the key-card from Daniel's back pocket and used it to open the door once we'd reached the end of the corridor.