SAVIN' ME (A Bratva AU)

Chapter 2

Oliver fell asleep just a few seconds later after saying each other good night the night before. Wishing not disturbing him, Felicity left his side —after some struggle to get free from his embrace, which was deceivingly strong in spite of his weakened state—, and took her tablet and put herself to work. She spent the rest of the unholy hour of the morning investigating some info about Bratva men. She found out some interesting facts.

Sensing movement in her bed, she turned her head. Her boyfriend was stirring in bed, "What are you doing up?" Oliver grumbled, not completely awake yet.

"Some digging."

That made him snap his eyes open and lean up on his elbows. His face was dour, displeasure evident in the tight line of his lips and the tightness of his jaw, "I know I have no saying in what you do, but scares the heck out of me that somebody come to hurt you, just 'cause you got involved in my problems."

Felicity fought against disappointment. Her heart broke a little, every time Oliver said things like that to her. She had no doubt that he loved her, but it hurt her that he couldn't see that all she wanted was to share the good and the bad things with him. She wanted to ease some of the weight of the life he led off his shoulder. After almost a year together, he still had walls around him to keep her at a safe distance. She looked up at him, "You trust me, right?"

"Of course I do."

She beamed satisfied. "Then, have faith in that I know what I'm doing. I'm smart enough to not get caught snooping around."

"But what if—"

"Trust me."

"Fine," by his tone, Felicity knew he was anything but. At least, he was resigned to her involvement. "Anything drew your attention?"

"A few things."

"Like?" he asked, immediately on the edge.

She grinned playfully, "Like... finding out how really loaded my boyfriend is. To be honest, Oliver, I imagined you had money, but not that you're a one-percenter. Now I won't feel guilty every time you give me diamonds. In fact, I'll encourage you to give me more. Not only diamonds; I don't mind rubies, emeralds, sapphires. Those are great, too. Truly, I'm not picky. I'm thinking to charge you for every visit you do to me."

That made him chuckle, and Felicity breathed easy. She achieved what she wanted, to lighten his mood. Setting her tablet aside, she went to him, and sat on the bed edge, "How are you feeling? And don't say..."

"I'm fine."

"... fine," she glared at him. "Oliver..."

"I'll be okay in a couple of days," he amended. "Promise."

Felicity nodded, somewhat satisfied by his word. He never broke a promise he made to her before. She framed his face and leaned over to kiss his forehead. As soon she touch his skin, she noticed he was warmer than normal. "For that, we need to get your fever down. You rest, while I go to the drug store for some medicine for you."

"I can't stay, Felicity. I..." he tried to sit up, and groaned, "I gotta go."

Felicity breathed in deep and exhaled slowly, seeking for patience. "Oliver, my love," she pushed him down to bed again, "you're in no condition to go anywhere yet. You were shot just a few hours ago. Remember that?"

"I need to speak with my boss."

"Call and tell him what happened. He's going to understand, right?"

"Can't call him, Felicity."

"Why not?"

He exhaled sharply, "'Cause it's not wise to make excuses to the Parkhan. Besides, if I don't show up, all the suspicions will fall on me. It wouldn't be strange that whoever who tried to kill me isn't wasting the opportunity to incriminate me as the traitor. I need to speak with Anatoli, face to face."