A Gentleman's Affair

by Linn, A. J.

  Everything goes dark for a moment and eerily quiet.

  My sight is blurred, but I can see that Scarlett is now kneeling at my side…a mere silhouette, but still a vision of beautiful perfection.

  She takes my hand and I can see tears filling her eyes as she looks up and down my body which now lies on the pavement in the middle of the street.

  “Babe, the ambulance is on its way. Can you hear me?” She speaks slowly, softly, choking back her tears.

  I try to give her a nod. I try to form the words to tell her that I’m alright but can’t.

  Suddenly the sound of sirens fills the air and red flashing lights blind my eyes. I want so badly to calm her down. To tell her that whatever it is that’s happening will be taken care of now. Don’t worry baby, I’m not going anywhere.

  “Sir…sir can you hear me?”

  I try to answer, but I still can’t speak. I hear voices all around me, but Scarlett’s sobs are my only focus.

  “We’re going to get you to a hospital. Don’t try to move,” the voice continues.

  I feel something being wrapped around my neck. It’s wide and itchy. Two men lift me up, transferring my limp body to what I assume is a stretcher. I feel them hoisting me up, followed by the sound of a click beneath me.

  Sirens again, only louder this time. The vehicle begins to speed down the boulevard. What the fuck is happening?

  One of the men places something over my nose and lips, forcing a light whisper of air into my mouth. Scarlett is at my side again, holding my hand, leaning over me, still trying to choke back her tears.

  “Donovan, I’m right here…stay with me, please babe,” her voice is shaky, and I can hear the fear through her words as she tightens her grip in my lifeless hand.

  I want to tell her that everything will be alright, but I still can’t speak.

  Suddenly everything goes black, and I lose sight of my beautiful baby girl.

  Il mio per sempre.

  Epilogue

  ~Scarlett’s Journal~

  It’s been two weeks, and he still hasn’t woken up. My beautiful man—lying there helpless in that hospital bed—is a sight that I never wanted to witness.

  A room overflowing with flowers, balloons, and get well cards. But the balloons have lost their helium and now float closer to the floor.

  Machines, tubes and IVs keep him alive. I know that deep down he is fighting to come back to me. He is a fighter.

  Donovan's dad, Patrice and all of his employees have been here every day to see him. They try to convince me to take a break. Get out for some fresh air…

  But I won’t leave his side. I know that if it were me lying here, Donovan wouldn’t leave me for a minute.

  So, right here is where I’ll stay. Right here is where I belong.

  Until he wakes up, and he will wake up.

  He has to.

  A note from the author

  Thank you so much for reading A Gentleman’s Affair. I hope that you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

  Donovan wasn’t quite finished with his story, so keep your eyes peeled for the soon to be released sequel, A Gentleman’s Secret.

  I can’t imagine a day without Donovan and Scarlett talking non-stop in my head. They will forever be a part of my life in some way I suppose and, if they have more story to tell, perhaps I will have to write a three-quel: A Gentleman’s Exhausted? {winks}

  But I digress…