Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 1168

“In here! I’m here!”

Whitney shot up from her seat, nerves stretched as tight as a violin string. She practically stumbled over herself as she rushed to the doctor. “Did you get the bullet out?”

The doctor nodded, but his expression was grim. “We took it out a while ago. The problem is, he had massive internal bleeding on the left side. Damaged a lot of organs. Took everything we had to pull him through.”

He gave her a pointed look. “Ms. Valentine, you really need to talk to Ludwik. He’s reckless—never listens to the medical team. I heard he refused anesthesia on the way here. That cost us precious minutes to stabilize him in the ambulance!”

The doctor’s tone was more scolding than comforting.

Whitney just nodded quietly, taking it all in. She knew Ludwik—knew how stubborn he could be. He’d been furious, probably because he’d cut Bryce down but hadn’t managed to finish him off. That was Ludwik, always doing the impossible to set her mind at ease, even if it meant nearly getting himself killed.

As she stood there, lost in thought, the doors swung open and Ludwik was wheeled out of surgery. He lay there, tall frame covered with a sterile white hospital blanket, lips almost as pale as the sheet. He looked impossibly still—so quiet, like he was just sleeping.

“Doctor, how long till the anesthesia wears off?” Whitney asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Usually four hours, but with his stamina, he might wake up sooner,” the doctor replied. “Go ahead and sit with him while we move him.”

Whitney leaned over, slipping her hand under the blanket to find his. His palm was rough and cold, but his fingers were long and elegant—Ludwik’s hands, strong and beautiful. She wanted to hold onto them, always.

Sandy lingered to help settle Ludwik into the recovery room, then caught Whitney’s anxious gaze and let out a soft sigh, her lips curving into a gentle smile. She waved the nurse out, giving Whitney the space she needed.

That left Whitney alone, keeping vigil by Ludwik’s side.