Corrupted, Damaged, And Beautiful

F O R T Y T W O

Daisy

To be awake, to be alive, and to see the two most important people to me, is beyond amazing. I look up at Nates face to see him tickling Hope and making her laugh, a smile spread on my face. It's all I need right now.

Of course, being awake has its disadvantages too. Like the fact Robert was the first face I saw when my eyes opened. I still hadn't told anybody that he was definitely here, albeit I heard rumours. Sometimes, I think the detectives think I'm hard of hearing and not suffering a gunshot wound. Each time they escort Nate outside the room, I hear them. It's starting to get irritating.

As if the detective had pulled out a crystal ball and began trying to read my mind, he entered the room. First, he addressed Nate. "Good morning, I see you're all happy today. That's what I like to see."

Then he turned to me. His face changed instantly. "And, how are you? Daisy."

I scoffed. I'm not sure why I was being so sour towards him today, but I wasn't in the mood for his usual small talk. I know how it ended, him dragging Nate out the room and then not returning. Nate wouldn't even discuss half the conversation with me. I'd officially had enough of being kept in silence.

"Look, everyday you saunter in here and take Nate away for a chat - which I hear all of - and then you don't bother to have the courtesy of speaking to me yourself about my shooting." I gritted my teeth, but I felt bad. He was only doing his job, trying to protect me from further harm.

Nates eyes had widened and a small smirk toyed at the end of his lips. What was so funny?

I glared back at him, his face morphing into seriousness instantly.

"Daisy, I am very sorry about that. I actually am here to speak to you today." He looked over at Nate, who passed Hope over to one of the nurses and police officers. "Since you've woken up, your blood pressure has been sky high - or at least that's what I've been informed. And so, I just wanted to make sure you were okay before we talked."

My stomach sunk with guilt. Why did I have to snap at him so viciously?

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay, no need to apologise. You have every right to be frustrated with me, I should have made my intentions clear."

"It may also have been my doing too." Nate interjected, looking guilty. "I did tell them you needed to rest first."

I narrowed my eyes at him before re-addressing the detective. He knew he was in trouble now.

"What is it you want to talk about?" I shuffled in my bed, trying to make myself comfy, but almost pulled my side where my scar was imbedded. I winced at the sharp pain tugging.

"Baby?" Nate was at my side in seconds.

"It's okay, I just pulled my side a little. You can begin, Detective."

Nate stayed fixed to my side the whole time, massaging my shoulders as the detective spoke. I was about to fall asleep when he mentioned Robert. The whole time he had discussed the investigation, but not actually where Robert was. Now he had, I was wide awake and alert.

"We can't seem to find him. We believe he was here in the hospital, just a few days ago. The day you woke up to be precise." He didn't have to ask, I knew he was expecting me to admit if I'd seen him or not.

"I saw him." I muttered, tensing as I noticed Nate did. His grip tightened on my shoulders.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Nate asked, turning my head to face him. The fear in his eyes were brighter than the beautiful blue. The last thing I wanted was to stress him out even more.

"I didn't know how to. I didn't want you to think I was mad, but then I did hear you all talking about it."

"It's okay, don't worry." The detective said, patting my arm. Nates grip became tighter than I thought possible, now. The detective was risking his life laying a finger on me. Friendly or not. "I do need to ask though, are you sure it was him? Can you describe him?" He asked, oblivious to Nates alpha behaviour.

I nodded. "It was definitely him. I'd never forget those dark eyes, the way they bore into me." Fear pricked my insides, goosebumps gathering across my body. He gave me the same look every time he was angry, and his eyes would almost darken more. I would never forget that look.

"I'm sorry, this is hard for you. Just say if you wish to stop."

I nodded.

"Can you remember what he was wearing? Colours? Hair colour?"

I revisited the memory I wanted to hide away forever, and described him. When I was finished, the detective confirmed they thought it was him too. Apparently, they'd seen him and predicted who it was instantly.

"Did no one follow him out the doors?" I was confused as to how he hadn't been caught.

"Yes, they lost him almost instantly though. He's like a ghost." He shook his head, just as confused as I. "We'll get him though, there's been another sighting of him and they think they've even found his parents too."

Relief flooded me. I hope to god they had seen him, and I hope they've found his parents. They were always just as bad as him, protecting him throughout the whole thing.

"Is there anywhere else you think he could be? Or they could be? Anything really that could help."

I racked my brain for everything I could remember about them. I know they owned several properties and so did other family members, but he mentioned they had checked those out already. Then one place came to mind. Before his parents met, his mother lived in the country.

"It might not help, but I know his mom lived in the countryside when she was younger. Maybe there's a place out there that could help." I felt useless. He'd already hurt me and Amanda - whom I was thankful had woken up and recovered.

"Thank you, we'll be in touch with you both soon." As he left the room, I finally felt relaxed. I'd had enough of all this anyway, but I hated being asked questions.

"I forgot to mention," Nate began, sitting beside me on the bed. His arm came around me and I nestled my head in his chest. "The doctor said you can go home."

I looked up at him, his eyes shining with happiness. A tear fell from my own. I was going home. I couldn't wait to be in bed with this man again, feel his touch on mine, and escape in his love.

"I'm so happy baby, I can't wait."