drug-induced reaction." Sebastian sat on the couch, speaking on the phone with his

What do the doctors have to

d, her delicate form covered by a soft white blanket, with an oxygen mask gently rest

ate him to find out about her state. Shall I tell

, she may need to seek medical attention. Otherwise, I'l

ome back home." Anton said sternly. "Your mother and I didn't get any sleep last ni

tween them, causing Anton to

s on the responsibility of her to anyone else. I gave her my word that I would

her savior, you're wrong. She could end up

e. Nikolai Siegel is after you. The fact that he knows all you

wledged the veracity of his father's claim that Nikolai was invol

Don Vitalino Genovese. His network of contacts likely

n could even get a word out, Sebas

*

ext e

tal bed and instinctively took of

that the man had his back turned to her. He stood by the window, lost i

ot up in surprise. "You made it out aliv

r, pl

f water. He stared at her intensely with his piercing black eyes while she

e the glass back, and his eyes were drawn to the needle discree

ank

ess dipped under Sebastian's weight as he sat next to her, and s

ou alr

aving me." She spoke softly

ly. "Let me call the doctors to check on

r closed with a click. The balcony attached to her room caught her attention. Her sens

breathing in the refreshing air, and ex

the cars rushing on the busy street. Then something clicked. She revolved and stati

asti

she recalled him introducing himself, an

re to t

to rescue me? Are you

quiet and let

im to rescue me, he would have made it

ng around as her mind explo

e recalled Dane's warning. "I wou

do I iden

wear emerald rings

back to Sebastian, vividly recalling the gentle touch of his

enovese army." Her heart raced as

. "Hey, you shouldn't be standing out there. Get in!" In a high-pitched

hospital, engaged in a serious conversation at the emergency staircase. "We should leave

's. "If you say, I'll take care of her and bring her back. Staying in New Orleans is not safe for you. You kno

am unwilling to gamble with her wel

stian caught the subtle gestur

u like

a look that was a mix of disbelief and

the team, and proceed with her rescue. But you took matters into your own hands without seeking your father's authorization and with no backup. I

ife. It's a payback.

n, and his guard cautiously peered inside. "

s attention, and he arched an eyebrow as he t

re they? Another enemy of Genovese? Did he come to my rescue intending to str

ward. Sebastian's entrance made her gasp sharply. Her gaze locked on him. "

s!" her ear

atly on the table next to the patient's bed. Janet remained still, her gaz

an

the couch directly in front of him. "Well, I spoke to your docto

ad been forever since she had last savored a satisfying meal

ah

ail that Sebastian didn't miss. "That's Barbeque

e." Janet smiled. She plated the dinner,

ank

d down-to-earth person, which sharply contrasted with her father's ruthless demeanor, whereas Janet

mbarrassment as she caught him staring at her. In response, Sebas

his unannounced arrival. "Hey, I was thinking...." Pausing for a moment,

re you

anything else, Sebastian interrupted him wi

she noticed was the absence of the emerald ring. As he walked out of the

g dinner with me?" Her fo

ust concerne

rig

they finished dinner in silence. "I had a chat with your do

s Sebastian exited the room. She chugged a glass of wate

time passed, her hands became marked with welts and blisters. She took a quick glance at