Chapter 5 - In the Line of Fire
The estate's private medical clinic was located underground, a fully equipped surgical suite designed for emergencies just like this. When Belle entered, holding Micah and Brinley’s hands, the smell of copper and antiseptic was overwhelming.
Renick lay on the hospital bed, his chest bare, wrapped in thick layers of white gauze that were rapidly turning crimson. He was pale, but his eyes snapped open the moment the door moved.
"Brinley," he croaked.
The little girl broke away from Belle and ran to the bedside, climbing onto the mattress with a desperation she hadn't shown in months. "Daddy! Daddy, stay!"
Renick let out a ragged breath, his weak hand coming up to stroke her hair. "I'm here, baby. I'm right here."
The lead surgeon stepped over to Belle, speaking in a hushed tone. "The bullet missed his lung by an inch, but he lost too much blood. His blood type is O-negative. We have a supply, but the delivery truck from our private clinic was ambushed on the way here. We're running low."
Belle didn't hesitate. "I'm O-negative."
The doctor looked at her in surprise. "Are you sure?"
"Check my records. I am. Take whatever you need."
For the next two hours, Belle lay on a cot adjacent to Renick, a clear plastic tube connecting her life force to his. As her blood flowed into his veins, Renick’s color slowly began to return. He turned his head, looking at her across the small gap between their beds.
"You keep saving my family, Belle," he whispered, his voice stronger now. "Why?"
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"Because you're not the monster everyone thinks you are," Belle said, her voice faint from the blood loss but resolute. "Monsters don't love their daughters the way you do."
Renick reached out, his fingers searching for hers. Belle stretched her arm out, and their fingers intertwined. In the dark, sterile room, surrounded by the remnants of a war zone, a quiet, unbreakable bond was forged between the mafia king and the maid.
