The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 52: Love

Alannah stood her ground, her arms folded across her chest, a clear display of her skepticism. Adrian, feeling the weight of her mistrust, couldn't help but show his annoyance.

"Why are you looking at me like this?" Adrian asked, his tone tinged with frustration.

Alannah maintained her unwavering gaze, her eyes fixed on him. "I don't trust you," she stated firmly.

Adrian let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "That's actually a good thing," he replied, a hint of relief in his voice. "You shouldn't trust people so easily, especially in our line of work. But if there's one person you can trust with your eyes closed, it's Nathaniel."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Alannah's lips, but she quickly composed herself. "Where is Nathaniel?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice. "Is he hurt? Did something happen to him?"

Adrian's expression softened. "Let's go to the hospital," he said, his voice filled with urgency.

Alannah's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Adrian's explanation. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Why the hospital? Is he okay?" The thought of Nathaniel being hurt filled her with overwhelming fear.

Adrian shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, his eyes avoiding direct contact. "He's alright, just some bruises here and there," he replied, attempting to downplay the severity of the situation. "Maybe a few band-aids will do the trick. Nothing serious."

Alannah wiped away her tears, trying to compose herself. She took a deep breath and mustered the strength to speak. "Please, take me to him," she pleaded, her voice filled with both desperation and determination.

Adrian nodded, his discomfort evident, and together they set off towards the hospital. As they walked side by side, Adrian did his best to offer words of reassurance and comfort, though he refrained from any physical contact that might further unsettle Alannah. He understood the gravity of the situation and knew that Alannah's emotions were already running high.

Their footsteps echoed through the sterile halls of the hospital, the anticipation building with each passing moment. Alannah's heart raced, her thoughts consumed by the image of Nathaniel lying injured. She held onto the hope that she would soon be by his side, offering her support and love during his time of need.

Alannah and Adrian reached the hospital room, and Adrian nodded at her to go inside. With a mix of anxiety and hope, Alannah stepped into the room and found a man lying on the hospital bed, his eyes closed.

Despite his injuries, his features were striking, with a growing stubble, a sharp jawline, long lashes, black hair, and high cheekbones that accentuated his handsome face. However, it was marred by bruises, a black eye, a swollen lip, and various cuts and bruises.

Alannah approached slowly, her heart aching at the sight before her. She sat down beside him on the bed, her voice barely above a whisper as she called out, "Nathaniel?"

There was no immediate response, and her tears threatened to spill over. She mustered her strength and reached out to gently touch his bandaged forehead, her touch expressing her love and concern.

Overwhelmed by emotions, Alannah turned away, intending to leave the room to gather herself. However, just as she was about to step away, her hand was held firmly by Nathaniel's.

His voice, groggy yet filled with tenderness, whispered, "Alannah?" Her heart skipped a beat, and she swiftly turned back, her eyes meeting his in awe and relief.

Nathaniel's gaze met hers, taking in the sight of her green eyes behind the thick-framed glasses perched on her nose. A smile tugged at the corners of his bruised lips, and he softly spoke, "I guess your green eyes look the prettiest on you."