"Can we ride with him?" I ask, addressing the lead medic. "Please, we have to be there when he wakes up."
After a brief hesitation, he nods. We climb in after the stretcher, the doors slamming behind us
The ambulance lurches into motion, sirens blaring, as we speed through the gathering dusk.
I grasp Morello's hand, cold and limp in mine, blinking back tears.
"You have to make it," I whisper, as much to myself as to him. "You have to."
The uncertainty of his fate hangs over us, a dark cloud marring the relief of our escape.
All I can do is pray, as the ambulance races on through the deepening night.
Chapter 37
Alina
The fluorescent lights flicker above me, a buzzing drone that echoes down the sterile hallway.
Each step feels heavy as I clutch Yara's small hand, her presence the only thing keeping the panic at bay.
The harsh beeps of monitors grow louder the closer we get to his room, my heart pounding in time with their incessant rhythm.
I peer through the window, my breath catching at the sight of Morello lying motionless amidst the web of tubes and wires.
Bandages wrap his broad torso, a stark white contrast to his deeply tanned skin.
Even now, under the harsh hospital lights, he radiates a rugged strength that makes my pulse quicken.
"He'll be okay, won't he Mama?" Yara's soft voice pulls me from my daze.
I squeeze her hand, willing my voice to remain steady. "Of course sweetie. He's a fighter."
Morello stirs as we enter the room, his eyelids fluttering. I perch on the edge of his bed, the warmth of his hand sending tingles up my arm.
"Hey tough guy," I whisper. "You really scared me back there."
His eyes meet mine, creased with pain but still intensely focused. With a gentle squeeze he conveys what words cannot, calming the storm inside me.
Yara hops up beside him, worry creasing her young face. "You'll get the bad guys, won't you Mr. Agent Morello? The ones that are still left?"
The corner of his mouth twitches in a hint of a smile.
"Don't you worry kiddo. I'm not going anywhere."
His voice comes out gravelly but resolute.
Relief washes over me as I study his rugged features, taking in every detail.
However vulnerable he may seem in this moment, I know his strength and determination will pull him through.
And I'll be right here, ready to explore what lies between us when he's back on his feet.
For now, just feeling his warmth and gazing into those soulful eyes is enough.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as we sit in silence, the steady beep of the heart monitor punctuating the stillness.
Morello's eyes are closed now, his breathing slow and labored.