Lance checked his phone, news of his abduction of Liana popping all over the news on his phone. The dread on his face said it all.

And this was just the beginning.

Me: I hate it when people try to get to me through my wife. (At Lance) She's not your diversion plan Lance. She's my wife. And when people touch her, they pay.

Walking to the chair she was still tied in, I untied her wrist which were now bruised as well as her legs. Picking her in bridal style, I walked out of the warehouse, not bothering to look back. Walking back to the car, I placed her on the passenger's seat. Deciding to take her to our private hospital.

Nurse: Liana!

Me: She got tased and bruises on her wrists and legs.

Nurse: On it sir.

I followed as far as I could, until they took her to the ICU. My phone continuously received calls from the family, which I ignored. Liana got hurt under my watch. I should have listened to my gut and followed that number plate yesterday.

Me: Why did you let your guard down with Liana, Lee?

Liam: Uncle!

Turning around, I realized Liam, alongside Lewis were at the hospital.

Me: You tracked me.

Lewis: Only Liam and I know.

Me: Good. Having the entire family would be...

Lewis: Frustrating?

Me: Indeed.

I took a seat by the benches, tapping my foot impatiently. If I remember correctly, since Liana was exposed to the taser for prolonged periods, it could potentially mean life or death.

No. Liana is strong. She will get through this.

* * *

Lewis: Sorry, I saw some news reporters are outside. What did you do?

Me: I leaked information leading Lance as the killer of Liana and Elena's parents. Nothing will get in Elena's way to get their family title again.

Lewis: Lee... you are really something else. All for Liana?

Me: She's my wife-

Lewis: No, you fell for her.

Just then, another call got through Lewis call, causing him to end his words halfway, but I had already heard the entire story.

Me? Falling for Liana? We barely even married officially yet!

Liam: I think uncle Lewis is right. You care about Liana a lot. Even in ways we have never seen you do before.

Me: Liam. She's-

Liam: Just your wife. But to you? She's your whole world. (Patting me) It's okay to accept defeat in love.

Me: Liam. Since when do you give sound advice on marriage?

Just then, the doors open and I immediately got up.

Doctor: She did sustain major injuries, but lucky enough they didn't affect the major areas as we thought they would. More bruises are the major ones, for a sensitive skin like hers. She might experience intense, uncontrollable, muscle pain, headache, and a temporary memory loss. Your wife's strong. Take care of her.

Me: (Nodding) I will. Thank you doctor.

Doctor: Will be moving her to a ward so that you can see her. We will take a few tests then if all is well, she will be discharged immediately.

Obeying orders, the transferred Liana to the VIP rooms upstairs. I walked in, grabbing a chair and taking Liana's hand in mine.

Liam, climbing onto the bed, placed his tiny hand too. I closed my eyes, thankful that she's alive and luckily sustained a few temporary injuries.

* * *

Liana's POV

What I felt was like years of unconsciousness, I finally opened my eyes, soaking my surroundings. I felt a warm hand in mine, and I looked down to see it was Lee's. A part of me would have scoffed and sarcastically toss it away. However, watching him asleep along with Liam on my bed just made me realize how fast I was falling for Lee.

And I wasn't sure if I was ready to take the risk.

Smiling, I patted their heads gently, one after the other. Just then, the rest of the family were quietly observing me. Finally acknowledging their presence, I apologized.

Me: Sorry for getting involved with my -

Linda: We are glad you are okay.

Expecting a whole entourage shout at me for my recklessly affecting the Romano reputation negatively, Linda as well as the others responded positively.

Linda: Lee was fuming. He said he would disown us if you get injured. Which you did, and Lee will not be happy to see me here.

Just then, Lee woke up. Seeing me awake, he gave me a hug and a kiss on the forehead. Lee's face was full of concern and worry. Seeing him worried made my heart melt a little, and felt special.

Lee: The doctor said you might be discharged today.

Me: That's great. I will finally go back to my space-

Just then the doctors walked in with news that my test results looked good and could go home now.

Lee, with one look, sent everyone away, excluding Liam and helped me remove the hospital clothes, and picked me in bridal style. I felt a headache kick in slightly but I ignored it.

Lee: Never ignore pain. If you have it, tell me, okay?

I nodded.

Me: Thanks Lee.

Lee: ... You are welcome Liana.

Lee carried me all the car to his car, making me to stare at him all the way.

Me: What are you doing?

Lee: Taking my wife home?

Irritated, I nearly broke free from his hold and wanted to be put down. Lee stopped me nonetheless. It was at this point I realized I would experience another muscle pain at any moment. I calmed down.

Me: Lee, stop. We are not married yet-

Lee ignored me when he then placed me on the passenger seat, helping me with my seatbelt.

Lee: Liana please.

Me: ...

Lee: Let's go home.

Me: How will home solve the problem-

Lee: Li, please.

Sighing in defeat, Lee got into the car and drove in silence. Was Lee that worried about me?

Who was kidding? The Romanos wanted to save the day, they wouldn't care about me.

What felt like a swift movement occurred - Lee brought some slippers and placed them in front of me. I, slightly hesitant, slipped onto the soft slippers as Lee helped me unclip the other leg.

Me: Thanks.

On top of that, he picked me up in bridal style once more and took me inside the Villa. Placing me down, I thanked him and headed to the kitchen, my steps slow but steady, where I took two packets of fruit candy and headed upstairs.

I headed to 'our' room when Lee followed as I was about to close the door. I went to the dressing room and found a nice black silk night dress which fit me perfectly, I would have thought he specially designed it for me.

I watched Lee help me get comfortable in bed, while I changed into casual clothing and heading downstairs which according to him, was 'family meeting'.

Lee: Call me if you need anything.

Me: (stunned) What?

Lee: Call me if you need anything downstairs, I will bring it to you.

Me: Thanks, but I will be okay.

With a nod, he walked out and got into bed, with my fruit candy on the side table and decided to talk to Elena - who wasn't picking up her phone so I went to social media to see photos of our wedding already trending - even Cybric Flash News wrote an article not only on us, but exposing Lance Reynolds as the murderer of our parents.

This means...

My phone became bombarded with messages from my former colleagues, others checking up on me and the rest questioning my royal blood.

Lee's POV

Linda: Family meeting?

Me: Yes. Just letting you know that... be thankful, that Liana suffered temporary injuries. While they are still injuries, I am still - Very disappointed at everyone for nearly ruining my wife's life before she can get married. (Muttering) Better hope none of you are not involved...

Nana: You saw her sister's name on the news, no?

Me: But that didn't give me a right to say those words to her.

Dad: Lee Romano, your speech is -

Me: No, dad. My speech is not part of the topic.

Dad: Leah is your grandma!

Me: Not when my wife's life was on the line!

Silence filled the table. Linda looked at me with amusement. I know she was going to interrogate me afterwards but that was a matter of another time.

Me: She may be joining the Romano family, but she's married to me, not to any of you.

Everyone widened their eyes at my words, excluding Linda and Lewis.

Me: So even if you don't like her, I expect everyone to treat her with kindness. (Looking at everyone) Understood?

Everyone: Yes.

With that I stood up and headed to my office. But before then, my phone buzzed.

Liana's POV

I was starting to feel thirsty. I had just been halfway through the first packet.

"Call me if you need anything downstairs, I will bring it to you."

Putting my stubbornness aside, I pulled out my phone and texted Lee.

Me
Hi, Lee.
May I please have something to drink? I'm a bit thirsty.

Lee
What drink do you want?

He didn't even try telling me how he 'told me so' and I ignored him. Not that I cared, but it felt good to have someone stable in the family.

Me
Grape juice please.

Lee
Do all your colors have to be red or something relevant?

Me
Are you cracking a joke with me?

Lee
Maybe.
Anyway, I will bring it over to you now.

Within minutes, he came inside and handed over the drink.

Me: That was quick.

Lee: ...

Me: Thanks.

Lee: You are welcome.

...

Lee and I: (unison) Look-

Me: You first.

Lee: I wanted to say that I am sorry for what happened back at the restaurant. I didn't think my family would be that disrespectful. For that, I am very sorry.

Me: It's okay. Besides, I am a tough cookie.

Lee: Although we are in a contractual marriage, you don't have to always pretend to be strong when around me.

Me: I'm being honest. I am fine.

Lee: (leaning close) Really?

Me: (leaning towards him) Really.

Lee: (pulling away) Okay. If you say so.

Lee then headed to the changing room and came out after a few minutes, joining me in bed.

Lee: I will be away on business for 5 days.

Me: For 5 days starting from?

Lee: Tomorrow morning.

Me: (nodding) Okay.

Lee: And I wanted you to come with me.

I turned to Lee.

Me: Really?

He nodded.

Lee: Really.

I nodded.

Me: I will think about it.

Lee: No problem.

We both nodded before Lee returned back to bed, which felt weird since we were not yet married, but here I was. In his bed. Sleeping in one space. I couldn't help but slightly enjoy the closure Lee and I are beginning to have.

Of course, I would never tell Lee this, I am sure he is used to it. Before I could join Lee in returning back to bed however, I got a text message from Linda.

Linda
Looks like your husband is smitten by you already.

I turned to look at Lee, whose back was turned to me before continuing with the message.

Linda
Never has Lee defended anyone before - you are the first.

I raised an eyebrow. That can't be. He must have defended his family multiple times. Sarcasm must run deep in the family.

Linda
Must say, your ability to stand up against Leah was impressive, spoken like a true Romano. No sarcasm, I too am intrigued by you Liana. Can't wait to see how far you two go.

Feeling happy and somewhat confused, about Lee's sudden interest in keeping me close and Linda's support, I went to sleep.