Chapter 74

MARK

"Mary, that's okay," Giulia laughed. "Let's give him a break, shall we?"

"We shouldn't," the reply came back, firm, with a touch of disgust.

"Mark, you look... breathtaking," Giulia said, finally deciding to ignore her bodyguard. "I'd have kissed you, but... you know, Mary would have your head if you come three steps closer." To confirm what she said, two icy glaciers were shot at me by the guard.

Shit. Could Mary just... I don't know, go home and take a nap.

I sat on the chair facing the bed and blushed as Giulia dished out compliments to me.

*~*~*~*~*~*

I left the hospital moments later. Mary was already joining in on the conversations Giulia and I had, smiling softly when something funny was said. Guess I would just have to approach her later on to seal off the truce.

Beneath the smiles was a wave of intense sadness.

The grief was unbearable, and beneath it all, a burning rage simmered within me. Edith. The name alone ignited a fury that coursed through my veins like wildfir