Hours later, Kate returned to the hospital with Bastien. Nick was already awake.

—Hi, Nick. How do you feel?

—Like I got hit by a truck… are you okay?

—Yes, thank you. —Nick glanced at the wall, where Bastien leaned with arms crossed, then back at Kate.

—That’s good… I just wanted to protect you.

—You’re nothing to her to be protecting her, Níkolas Russo —Bastien snapped. Nick smirked sarcastically.

—So, you investigated me. Well, maybe I’m not her husband, but I protected her. Where were you when she was almost killed?

—Why, you son of a—

—Stop, both of you! —Kate cut him off, looking at Bastien, who got the message—. Nick, I thank you with all my heart for what you did, but… —She reached for Bastien’s hand, who took it and pulled her close by the waist—. Bastien is my husband. And even if he’s not with me every single second, he makes sure I’m safe. There are snipers on the roof for a reason. Out of that entire gang, only two or three escaped. I know someone wants me dead, but I als