Chapter 19

The hospital room reeked of disinfectant. Valentina hadn't slept all night. She watched the sun slowly rise, its light streaming through the window. The handsome man on the bed's eyelashes fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes. Valentina's breath caught in her throat. Those eyes were deep and dark, carrying the familiar gentleness and quiet strength she remembered. They matched perfectly with that one look Marcus had given her months ago. "You're awake." Her voice was tight, and she almost couldn't bring herself to look at him. "Do you want some water?" The man shook his head slightly, his gaze falling on her swollen, red-rimmed eyes with a flash of concern. He tried to sit up but the movement pulled at his abdominal wound. He let out a pained grunt and fell back against the pillow. "Don't move!" Valentina immediately forgot everything else and rushed forward, pressing her hands against his shoulders. "Your wounds haven't healed yet. You can't sit up or they'll tear open aga