Romani Prince

Chapter 32: Back in His Arms

Now, out in the open, I can finally see the sorry state that Luka is in. I can't believe that he has been hitchhiking and train-hopping for days to get to me.

I didn't even know that train-hopping was still a thing, remembering it only from Charles Chaplin's old movies.

It's already dark outside and the courtyard in the center of the building is almost deserted.

Looking around, it baffles me that I didn't even realize that an entire day has gone by... While, at the same time, it felt like an eternity.

Luka gingerly sets me down on a bench and sits close by my side.

"You look like you went through hell and back..." He holds my chin with a light touch, studying my face with clear worry.

"The old man that gave me a ride here told me about your father..."

Luka doesn't say any unnecessary words of sorry. I know that he feels it for me.

"The entire town is talking about the accident because... they think you're... his girl."

Of course... They think I am Jeremy's girl.

I swallow the knot in my throat.

"And whose girl am I, Luka?"

His arms finally envelop me, pulling me into his lap and holding me close to his hard beating heart.

"Mine, Gabriella. You're mine."

I close my eyes, reveling in the certainty in his words and tone of voice.

"I've always been and I'll always be yours, my Luka."

His fingers run through my unruly and messed up hair while his concerned gaze takes me in, once more.

"How are you doing, mierea?"

I press my lips together and lower my eyes to his chest.

Luka understands that I am not ready to talk, just yet.

"How about your mother?" He insists.

"Ms. Glass?"

I jolt up at Dr. White's call, almost losing my balance. Luka quickly steadies me, supporting me against his rock-hard body.

"Yes?" My heart seems to drop deep down into my stomach as I watch the doctor approaching with a serious expression on his face.

"Your mother is in Intensive Care, for the moment. We were able to clear the blood clot from her brain but she's still in critical condition. At this point, we're doing everything that we can to help her body fight the inflammation and steady her vitals."

The doctor seems to be observing our body language with a slight scowl on his forehead. He is probably trying to figure out our relationship versus the fact that he and the entire town think I am with Jeremy.

"Oh..." But what he said... It's a lot to comprehend and swallow.

The doctor waits patiently for any more questions, watching us attentively as Luka's arm tightens its hold around my waist.

He drops a kiss to my hair while caressing my back with a soothing circular motion.

Looking into his eyes, I appreciate more than anything that Luka isn't trying to control the situation.

This is my family, after all. Luka is here to give me the strength that I need to make the necessary decisions.

I face the doctor.