His Healing Grace

RIVER'S P.O.V

"This party is buzzing girl" Angel, my best friend said,as she set the tray on her hand "Too bad we can't party with them" and then she walked away.

The party hall was alive, a pulse of energy running through it, shaking the very walls. The thumping music could be heard through the polished marble floors, the beats blending effortlessly with the clinking of crystal glasses and the murmur of conversation from Russia's elite.

The chandeliers hanging above sparkled, casting clear light on the sea of expensive gowns and tailored suits. Everything was magnificent. It felt like another world,one I did not belong in.

I scanned the crowd while balancing a tray of champagne flutes, trying to stay unnoticed. It was the only way to survive here, where every corner of the room was packed with people who had more money than I had ever seen in my lifetime. People who lived lavishly, who wore their wealth on their clothes like badges of honor.

Unlike me, who had practically pleaded to be here, in this glittering hall, just to earn enough cash to cover my rent and send money over to my grandma and sister over in Russia. I choose to stay here because they are also struggling over there.Rent was fast approaching and threatening to end me if I did not figure out a way to pay it. Being a waitress wasn't big, but it was the best I could do for now.

The weight of the tray in my hands was balanced but the weight in my chest was heavier, a reminder of how far removed I was from the riches and glamor around me. Still, I tried to toss the thought aside, focusing instead on making way through the sea of people without spilling anything. Just stay out of their way, I reminded myself. Serve drinks, smile, and keep your head down.

But, of course, things could not be that simple.

I didn't even see her coming. One second I was gliding through the crowd, and the next, I was moved sideways, nearly losing my balance. A woman, a blonde in a shining, curve-hugging gown had bumped into me, her cold blue eyes narrowing as if I had committed a grievous crime.

"Watch where you are going!" she snapped, her voice hard enough to slice through the air. "Can't you even maintain your own lane as a server? Or are you too busy moping at the crowd like a lost puppy?"

Heat crawled up to my neck, spreading across my face. I bit down hard on my lip to stop the comeback that burned in my throat, threatening to escape. How tempted I was to say something, to bite back at her and tell her that she had been the one to bump into me.

But I couldn't afford that. Not tonight. Not when this job was the only thing keeping me from falling back on my rent. So instead, I lowered my gaze and swallowed my pride murmuring, "Sorry, I'm really sorry."

But she was not done.

"Honestly, you should stick to serving drinks. What are you even looking at? Do your job and stop standing around like you belong here."

My fingers tightened around the tray as if holding it together was the only way to keep myself from breaking apart under the gravity of her insults.

And then, just as suddenly as the insult had started, it stopped. I blinked, confused until I noticed the shift in the woman's gaze. She was not looking at me anymore; her focus had shifted to something or rather someone across the room.

I followed her gaze and that's when I saw him.

He had just entered the party hall, and the atmosphere switched in an instant. The entire hall seemed to stand still as if time itself paused to acknowledge his presence.He was tall, impossibly tall, with broad shoulders that filled out his perfectly tailored black suit like he had been born to wear it.

His dark hair was combed back, revealing a face that could have been made from marble sharp, greek features that held a quiet aur. His eyes were what caught me first, though icy blue, cold and piercing, like they could see right through you. He had the kind of face that made you stare, a face so handsome that it was almost impossible to look away.

The man moved with a boldness that was not just noticeable it was commanding.

I released a deep breath, shaking off the shame I had felt earlier and turning my focus back to my work. The tray of champagne flutes still held,steady in my grip, but my heart had not quite calmed down from the encounter. I could not afford to mess up now. Not with so many wealthy people around, and definitely not after being lashed at, by some rich woman who probably didn't know what it was like to struggle for rent.

But no matter how hard I tried to shake the mystery man off my mind, my thoughts kept going back to him. The mysterious man with the cold blue eyes. He had moved deeper into the party now, his presence, a dark shadow in the glowing room. He had not spoken a word since his entry but everyone seemed to feel his presence.

The bodyguards followed him like silent ants, making sure no one got too close. Not that anyone would dare to, with the way he carried himself like he was both untouchable and dangerous at the same time.

Just as I gathered the last of the glasses, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. At first, I thought it was another guest looking for champagne but when I glanced up, I saw that it was the same woman who had bumped into me earlier, the blonde who had made me feel two inches small with her harsh words.

Her face looked calmer now, though. She wasn't looking at me anymore. Her gaze was fixed on him. She had that same look in her eyes that everyone else had...a mixture of awe and something stronger, something almost... fearful.

She was not alone either. A small group of women have gathered closeby, all of them whispering amongst themselves, their eyes never trailing off the man by the window. They weren't the only ones either. It seemed like half the room was still watching him, even as the party progressed around them.

I could not blame them. There was something about him that required attention, something more than just his looks or the power that reel off from him. It was as though he commands the very air in the room.

One of the women, a tall brunette with a bold red dress, finally worked up the courage to meet him. I watched as she walked over, confidence oozing from her every step. She smiled, moving her head flirtatiously as she reached out to touch his arm.

But he barely even looked at her. His gaze flicked over her, not interested, before he turned back to his companion, continuing their conversation as though she did not exist. The rejection was calm but unmistakable, and the brunette's face grew red with embarrassment before she quickly returned back to her friends

I did not know if I should feel sorry for her or happy that I wasn't the one being dismissed so easily. Either way, it was clear that this man was not here for unnecessary talk or flirtation. He had a purpose, and whatever it was, it had nothing to do with anyone in this room.

I busied myself again, trying to remain focused on my job, but the more I watched the scene happen, the more curious I get.Who is this man? Why did he have such an effect on everyone here?

But no matter how much I asked myself that, my eyes still found their way back to him.

He had moved again, now standing close to the bar with his friend, still accompanied by bodyguards, still demanding the attention of everyone in the room. And for a brief moment, just a second, his gaze flicked toward me.

Our eyes connected across the room, and it felt like the air had been knocked out of me. His blue eyes pierced onto mine, piercing through the crowd, through the noise and through everything.

He did not smile nor did his facial expression of indifference change,he just looked hard and long, like he was trying to see something inside me that even I didn't know existed.

And then, just as fast as it had began it ended. He looked away, turning back to his friend, and the moment was gone.

But I was left standing there, my heart beating fast, my pulse picking pace, and I could not help but wonder what had just happened?

And why did it feel like my life had just shifted in an irreplaceable way?

RIVER'S P.O.V

The knock on my door grew furious and demanding, the wooden hook threatening to let loose at the constant banging.

I groaned as I got up from the bed, angry at the interference and basking in the euphoric moment I was having in my dream. That person better have a good reason for cutting short the moment I was having with my mysterious man in the dream.

I took in my reflection in the mirror and winced slightly at my image. My dark hair was hanging out like a nest for birds and my eye bags were visible and my face looked swollen like I had just finished a fist fight.

"Coming" I shouted out to whoever was outside and dashed off to the bathroom, quickly brushing my hair and applying oil on it then I splashed water on my face, hurriedly dapping out the water with a towel and giving myself a once over before rushing out of the bathroom, palming my nightgown lightly.

I was not about to open the door and look like a zombie to whoever was going to behold my presence this morning.

I wished I had not opened the door because there before me is my very own nightmare, the man I have been trying so hard to avoid, there he was. My landlord.

"Good morning Mr Kent" I said, masking my discomfort with a charming smile, a smile that everyone who knows me always compliments.

"Miss River" he nodded at me, his lips pressed together, not giving me the reaction I expected my smile to have achieved.

"Your rent is due Miss, when will you make the payment" he questioned, staring deep into my eyes like he wanted to uproot the lie I was concocting in my head.

"Oh yes I remember Sir, give me two days and I will do the needful" I said nervously, hoping and praying inwardly that he considers me.

The soft-spoken man eyes me suspiciously then nodded slowly and made to leave his departing words "Two days dear, just two days"

I heaved a sigh of relief as I shut my door, resting my back on it and sliding down immediately, trying to think of what to do.

The waitress gig I had done was supposed to be the miracle that would have covered my rent but Miss Golden has insisted she won't pay until two days after and it's been two days now, no call from her.

Just then, I heard my ringtone from my bedroom and swiftly made my way towards my phone. It is Angel.

"Hey babes" her bubbly voice drowned my worries as I smiled at her words.

"How are you doing?" I asked, throwing myself lightly on the bed and facing the brown ceiling.

"I didn't see you at Miss Gold's, don't you want your money?" That alone got me sitting up as the reality of what she meant started sinking in.

"What do you mean, has she paid" confusion etched on my face, she said we should be present in the evening and not morning.

"Yeah yesterday, girl don't tell me you forgot" she asked, her voice sounding rushed.

"Let me dress up and go, maybe she will consider" I said hurrying up and taking my nightie off.

"Wish you luck babe,"

***

My heart constricted with pain as I recalled all the insults hurled at me today at Madonna's Hall. I had ditched the Uber that was supposed to take me home, preferring the peace of walking. The sting of Miss Gold's words still echoed in my head. She had refused to pay me the money I had worked for, calling me a poor girl with a lackadaisical attitude.Miss Gold kept me waiting outside her office for hours and when she finally came out, it was to hurl insult at me and rip me off the money I was supposed to earn.

As I walked down the lonely road, the setting sun cast a golden hue over everything, my only companion in this emotional moment. I wiped away the tears I hadn't realized were trickling down my face, remembering the moment my life had fallen apart.

My father's death, so sudden, had turned my world into one of struggles. My uncle Valentine wasted no time in stealing everything he had left for me, throwing me out like I was nothing. I had been surviving on the kindness of Angel, but she had her own life to live, her apartment too small for both of us.

The apartment I now called home wasn't what I was used to, but it was cozy, a small comfort in the chaos. Yet even that small solace was about to slip through my fingers, all because of a mistake I hadn't even fully caused. The thought of losing it was difficult and overbearing for me but I was jerked out of my thoughts by the unmistakable sound of a gunshot.

The loud noise shattered the silence dragging me from my solitude and startling me. My heart raced as I tried to figure out where it came from. Moments later, I heard a groan and muffled voices coming from a narrow space behind an abandoned building to my right.

I wanted to run, every sane thought in me,screamed for me to turn away and flee, but something kept me rooted to the spot. A wave of curiosity, or maybe stupidity, made me creep closer.

Peeking around the corner, I saw seven men circling another, their stance aggressive. The man they were wrestling with was taller than all of them, towering over his attackers despite being injured. His hand clutched his side, where blood oozed between his fingers, but even with the wound, he fought fiercely, his movements precise and lethal.

And then, just as fast as I could register, my breath caught in my throat as I recognized the injured man.

It was him.

RIVER'S P.O.V

The man with the icy blue eyes, the one who managed to captivate me just days ago, stands amidst the ambush, injured but still trying to fight his way out. His movements are strained, but his determination is strong.

I glance around, trying to figure out what I can do to help, and that's when I notice the men aren't just fighting him. They're all scrambling to grab something. Mr. Blue Eyes is doing a great job holding them off, but when I squint, I see what they are after. A gun.

I take in a deep breath, mustering every bit of courage I have, and tiptoe towards the gun, being as careful as possible. My hand vibrates as I pick it up. It is the first time I have ever held a gun. It feels new and scary. But I push through the fear.

The men are still distracted by their fight, but they won't be for long.

"Stop!" I yell.

All heads turn, confusion clear on their faces. I grip the gun tighter, hoping they won't notice how much my palms are sweating.

"Get out of here or I'll shoot," I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel. My tone is hard and commanding.

One of them, a guy with a long scar across his face, looks between me and the gun. His shoulders slump in resignation.

"Let's go, guys. But rest assured, Rico, we will be back," he says, spitting the name like venom. Then, just like that, they scatter.

So his name is Rico.

"At least try to hold the gun properly if you want to scare someone," a deep, cold voice snaps.

I blink, startled by the harshness. On a normal day, I would have brush off this rudeness, but not today. Not after what I have just done.

"Is that the thank you I'm supposed to get?" I fire back, my anger simmering.

"You didn't do shit," he growls, his voice laced with disdain.

"Are you serious right now? Do you even realize I'm still holding the gun?" I point it at him, more out of frustration than anything else.

Rico strides toward me, moving faster than I thought possible with his injury. Before I can react, he effortlessly snatches the gun from my hand.

"This is how easy it would've been for those cowards to take you down," he says darkly, "so don't go around doing stupid shit."

With that, he turns and starts limping away from me,leaving me standing there lost.

As much as I don't want to admit it, and probably wouldn't, he is right.That was foolish. There were seven of them. If they had been smart, they could have overpowered me. But does this guy really have to rub it in?

I glare at his retreating figure, my anger subsiding as I notice how much he is struggling to take a step. Yes, he is rude and ungrateful, but I can't just leave him like this.

I jog over to him, despite how he's limping away like I'm some kind of curse he needs to avoid. I tap his back lightly, and he turns around, glaring at me.

"Don't you fucking touch me," he snaps, his veins bulging with the effort of keeping himself up. I can tell he is in pain, so I ignore his attitude.

"My house is nearby. I could help you stop the bleeding before you go on your way," I offer, trying to sound cheerful, even though his arrogance is getting on my nerves.

"I don't need your help," he bites out, continuing his painful limp.

I roll my eyes at his pride. I'm not giving up that easily. I jog to catch up again. "But you do. I know how to remove a bullet. Trust me."

That seems to catch his attention. He pauses, and after a long, reluctant look, he gives a small nod.

---

My heart skips a beat as I take in his features up close,those blue eyes, now dark with pain. He grits his teeth, his hand gripping my bed sheets tightly.

"Can you get this over with and stop staring at me?" he snaps, breaking me out of my daze.

He is sprawled on my bed, completely at ease, despite the fact that his blood is soaking into my sheets. I tell him to sit up, but instead, he responds coldly.

"Straddle me and get it done, lady," he orders. If it were anyone else, I would think they were being a pervert. But this man? No, he couldn't flirt if his life depended on it. "Now," he growls.

Like a robot, I follow his command, straddling him without a second thought. I can't help but notice the intimate position we are in, and my body reacts against my will. I feel a warm pool gathering in my pants. Great River, turned on by an injured man. But he's not just any man he's a gorgeous, dangerous one. I try to justify it.

I quickly get to work, bringing out the bullet, disinfecting the wound, sewing it up, and bandaging it. Rico stays completely still, like a statue.

If it weren't for the obvious bulge pressing against my thigh, I'd think he was asleep.

So he's attracted to me too, huh?

I finish my work and climb off him, feeling both relieved and flustered. I gather the supplies and head to the bathroom to clean up, giving him a chance to rest. As I wash my hands, I remind myself that it won't hurt to let a stranger crash here for the night.

When I return to my room, planning to grab a duvet and sleep on the couch, I'm stopped in my tracks. Shocked at what I'm seeing now, the bed, left dry, my sheets are nowhere to be found and most importantly the bulky human I was willing to help is nowhere to be found.

Rico is gone.