Elena POV

I stepped back, not wanting him close. My back hit the wall behind me, letting him close the distance between us, leaving us in a breath of space.

“ Then what are you doing walking in front of my study at this time of the night” he leaned in, his voice dropped to a murmur, low and chilling.

A jolt of pain shot through my body as my legs stepped on the broken vase, a gasp escaping my lips “ Ouch,” I hissed, glancing down to see blood beginning to pool beneath my bare foot.

Alex's gaze shifted instantly, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the blood. In one swift move, he dropped his cold demeanour, replacing it with concern.

“ You're bleeding” he muttered, his voice laced with concern. Without a word, he scooped me up in a bridal style.

“I'm fine” I protested, my cheeks flushing at the sudden closeness. Forgetting that I was in the hands of someone who was threatening to kill someone a while ago. But he ignored me, walking towards our room.

He lay me on the bed gently, grabbing the first aid from the cupboard. He carefully cleaned the cut, dabbing antiseptic on the spot as I winced in pain.

“ Next time, watch where you are going,” he muttered, trying to hide his worry with sarcasm as if it wasn't his fault.

I rolled my eyes but stayed quiet, not wanting to risk another sharp retort. His hands were gentle and careful. He was so focused on wrapping my wound up that I couldn't help but look at him.

Some strands of hair played on his forehead, and his long t-shirt was folded up. I bit my lower lip unconsciously, still looking at him.

“ You could take a picture, it would last longer,” he said sarcastically, looking up at me, smiling.

I quickly turned away, my face flushed with embarrassment.

When he was done, I stood up, wanting to go to my spot in the room, when his voice stopped me “You can sleep on the bed tonight” he took my legs up, laid them gently on the bed and covered me with the bed sheet.

It was just a small cut, for Christ's sake.

I was a little surprised that the cold Alex Donovan could be this gentle. His threatening words rang in my head again.

I stared into the darkness. Wonder who he was talking to or threatening. This scared me but I decided to shrug it off.

Just a month I reminded myself before drifting off to sleep.

The next morning I woke up to a soft knock on the door.

“ Come in”

The door opened to reveal Nana's concerned look on her face as she entered walking carefully with a cane.

She looked over my bandaged foot frowning, shaking her head.

“ Elena, how is your foot dear?” She asked, concerned, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“ I'm fine, Nana; there's nothing to worry about. It's just a small cut.” I tried assuring her, “It would be gone in days. You need not worry”

She sighed and then smiled. “ This means you won't be able to go on the vacation I had planned for both of you” she sighs again “ but that won't stop the person who put you in this from not doing the necessary”

I wasn't clear on what she was saying but I didn't want anything. It was just a small cut for the love of God. If it was deep I could still walk.

Alex entered just then, looking from me to Nana with an unreadable expression, “What's going on here?”. He asked and Nana gave me a wink. I wasn't quite sure what she meant by that but it soon answered my question when she stood up saying.

“ Oh, nothing, you can't handle it,” Nana said, waving a dismissive hand at him, “ You'll be in charge of my dear daughter-in-law as you let her get injured under your watch until she fully recovers.”

“ What!” Alex frowned “ Nana, there are maids to do that you don't expect me to be”

“ But she's your wife, and you would do as I say. You're her maid for the day and next, “ stretching her cane at him, “Do you understand? “

And just like that, Alex the Great was reduced once again by his grandmother to a little kid. I was both amused and embarrassed when his gaze met mine.

His eyes were asking questions like did you put nans up to this but I just shrugged.

“ Fine,” he said.

Nana smiled with satisfaction, patting his shoulder. “You'll take excellent care of her, and Elena, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask him.”

I could have rejected the help, but for some reason, I nodded, and she made her way to the door. After she left an awkward silence filled the room. Alex rubbed the back of his neck as if trying to find the perfect words.

“ I guess …. You'll be needing my help” he muttered, breaking the silence.

Yes, I'm under your care,” trying not to let my excitement show. “ Doctor's order”

He hummed before taking me up in a scoop as if I waited for nothing. “ Let's go for a bath”

A what!? Hell no. “ Let me down this instant, Alex; I am warning you I'll scream.” But he didn't he just continued walking towards the bathroom

“ As much as I want to I can't, Nana will hold me responsible for any more injuries”

Like I care

“ I injured my foot, not my hands. I am perfectly fine” I insisted.

He smirked, ignoring my protest, placing me on the edge of the bathtub

“ You know, you're far too stubborn for your good, “ he murmured, his face an inch away from mine.

I scoffed, crossing my arms.“And you're overbearing for your good.”

He chucked slightly, tilting his head, and for a moment, our eyes locked, the tension between us thick and electrifying.

At some point, I thought we would kiss, but the moment was interrupted by a loud thud, and I released my breath I didn't know I was holding.