Defender's Heartbeat

Chapter 36

Louis

Normally, I didn't see Enzo often, even though we lived in the same damn house. But the last time I saw him, he looked great.

When I saw him coming down the stairs from his room in Pedro's house, I almost didn't recognize him. He looked pale and thin as if he were a ghost. I felt a pang of sadness seeing him so weak.

"Hey, puppy, what's going on with you? Isn't Pedro feeding you?" I asked, glancing between Pedro and Enzo.

Enzo didn't say a word. Pedro explained what had been going on with Enzo lately. I didn't understand why Enzo behaved this way, especially because of a bodyguard. A little sympathy tugged at my heart for Enzo, but I pushed it aside. I needed to focus on discussing our business with Pedro, not letting my sympathy weaken me.

Enzo

I didn't understand why Pedro had taken me to his place. He blamed me and slapped me when he got mad. He hated me. He insisted that I eat, even though I couldn't. He said I screamed in my sleep, but I knew I didn't. He claimed he lay beside me to stop me from crying out, but that was bullshit. If he were next to me, I would smell his stench. He was a stinky piece of work.

Lately, I felt intensely exhausted. I cried alone in my room with the door closed. No one knew how much I had been crying. Sometimes it wasn't just about Papa; I was also confused about what was happening in my head. I couldn't control my anger. I hadn't replied to or answered any calls or messages from my friends because I was too weak to talk to anyone.

Elena was the only one who was kind to me, but she was busy with the kids. Sometimes I forgot what was happening, where I was, or lost track of hours. There were times when Pedro mentioned that we had lunch together. But I couldn't remember anything about it, including how I ended up back in my room. When I told him I hadn't had lunch with them, he got mad and barked at me, trying to give me a mini heart attack. I now hate loud noises. I wasn't afraid of him, but I didn't want to be yelled at suddenly, feeling like my nerves might explode. So, I tried to avoid him as much as possible.

Manuel

Doctors hadn't allowed anyone to see me for two days after I woke up, saying I needed more rest. So, I hadn't been able to see Enzo for those two days.

Pedro arrived with Enzo after those two days, and when I finally saw my son's face properly today, I was shocked. He was a mess. There was no life in his eyes. He looked pale and sick.

I glanced at Pedro, feeling confused, and my heart sank when I saw his expression. It was clear that Pedro could read my thoughts.

"Baby, what's wrong?" I asked as I sat on the bed for the first time since waking up. My body ached, but I didn't care. I pulled Enzo closer and hugged him. It was evident he had lost weight in the past few days. He felt so weak, and I could sense it from the touch of his hand.

"Papa," he said softly, "Are you okay now?"

"Yes, baby. But why do you look like this? Didn't you eat at all? Didn't you even sleep well?" My voice cracked with concern.

Enzo didn't say much; he just sat beside me and rested his head on my shoulder.

"Pedro, can I speak with you alone?" I asked before they left, and Enzo stepped outside, leaving us to talk privately.

"What's going on with him?" I asked Pedro.

"He's worried about you. You know he's too attached to you," Pedro said, sounding somewhat annoyed.