Chapter 34 Tarquin quickly positioned himself in front of the door, blocking the only exit. Elijah, realizing he was trapped, grew even more irate. He began to hurl objects around the room with reckless abandon. The decorative knick–knacks, the comforter, and pillows from the bed, the alarm clock from the nightstand, clothes from the wardrobe… even the bowl of spaghetti Tarquin had just brought in. Anything that could be thrown was thrown; anything that could be smashed was smashed. Unsatisfied with the destruction, he grabbed a fork from the floor and jabbed it towards his own wrist. Tarquin was terrified and lunged to embrace him. “Elijah!” Elijah fought back wildly, desperate to break free. When he couldn’t, he began to scream, “Ahh! Ahh! Ahh…” Each cry was angrier than the last. His whole body trembled, teeth grinding audibly. After a fierce struggle, Elijah suddenly fainted. Tarquin’s pupils dilated in panic. “Elijah!” He scooped up Elijah and rushed downstairs. Heath was startled. “Sir, what’s happened to the young “Call Benjamin, get the car ready, to the hospital, now!” master?” After a harrowing half–hour at the hospital, Elijah’s condition finally stabilized. Benjamin was sweating bullets, “He’s okay now. Thank goodness you got him here in time.” Tarquin sat by the hospital bed, gazing at Elijah’s pale face, his heart aching with worry. Benjamin spoke up, “Elijah’s condition is getting worse. We can’t go on like this, Tarquin. Are you sure you don’t want to let Ms. Thorne have a go? I still think she’s trustworthy. Maybe she can get through to Elijah.” Tarquin frowned, lost in thought for a moment before replying, “Let’s wait a little longer. Arrange for someone else to look after Elijah for now.” He hadn’t finished his investigation and couldn’t risk it. Elijah was his life, and he wouldn’t allow anyone potentially dangerous to get close. There were too many red flags about 10:25 Elysla; he couldn’t just trust her. Benjamin didn’t know what exactly Tarquin was waiting for and didn’t press further, simply nodding in resignation. “By the way, Nola’s also in the hospital, injured her hand and leg. pretty badly. Broke her leg, actually.” Tarquin’s brow furrowed. “What happened?” “Word is she got beaten up.” As soon as Benjamin finished his sentence, Tarquin’s phone rang. It was Nola calling. She was sobbing. “Tarquin, I just heard Elijah’s been brought to the hospital. What’s wrong? Is it serious? Did he have another episode? I’m here, too. I want to see him, but the doctors won’t let me leave my bed. I’m so worried about Elijah; it’s killing me.” Listening to her crocodile tears, Tarquin felt annoyed but managed to keep his temper in check, “He’s fine now. You don’t need to come over. Just focus on healing.” “So you know I’m hurt, huh? Can you come and see me?” A flicker of irritation crossed Tarquin’s eyes, but he agreed, “I’ll be there in a bit.” After hanging up, Tarquin gave Benjamin a few instructions and left to see Nola. The moment Nola saw him, her eyes welled up with tears, which began to fall in earnest, “Tarquin, how’s Elijah? I’m really worried about him.” Ignoring her tears, Tarquin sat down. “You don’t need to worry about Elijah. Just take care of yourself.” Nola dabbed at her eyes. “Tarquin… have you… have you fallen for that woman?” “Who?” “The one who kissed you at the bar today.” Tarquin’s brows knitted together in silence. With her eyes still red, Nola said, “You never used to let women get close to you, let alone kiss you. Except for me, there were no women who could even stand shoulder–to–shoulder with you. But today, you let her kiss you…” The image of Elysia kissing him flashed through Tarquin’s mind. His expression darkened, his voice cold. “It was an accident.”