A gasp at her door alerted her to someone. She turned to see Mrs. Lions standing there with a hand to her mouth.
“Dear child, what the hell happened to you?” She walked into the room, and reached out for her chin, holding her face, turning her this way, and that. “I told the police you were in danger, but did they listen? No. they didn’t.”
“Mrs. Lions—”
“No, you don’t call me that any more. It’s Franny, dear, and I will not have you trying to push me away.”
Anna was confused. “But you hate me.”
“I don’t hate you. What gave you that impression?”
“You always seemed so annoyed with me.”
“I’m not allowed to pick favorites with my employees, and I didn’t like how much you worked. You’re a young woman, and beautiful. You shouldn’t be working every single day but enjoying life. We live it once, and we don’t have the time for regrets. Work, work, work, work, it’s all you do.”
Franny waved her hand in the air.
“I needed to work.”
“Pfft, I don’t believe that for a second. You don’t need to work all the time.” Franny grabbed a large bag, and opened it up. “Now, I don’t believe hospital food will make you better, so I’ve decided to take care of you.” She started pulling out plastic clear tubs of food. “You didn’t turn up for work, and I panicked. I just started cooking. I’ve been driving my family crazy.”
A plate filled to bursting with food was placed in front of her. Franny moved around the room, putting everything into place before taking a seat beside her, eating a large portion herself.
The food was good, and Anna appreciated everything that her boss was doing for her. “Do you know what happened?” Anna asked.
“I don’t know everything. The news reported what happened, and they included a picture of your friend. I’m so sorry about Karen, dear.”
Anna stopped eating as another wave of sadness struck her. “I feel guilty.”
“Because you lived and she didn’t?”
“Yes.”
“It’s okay to feel that way. You did survive, and Karen wouldn’t want you feeling guilty. I saw the friendship between the two of you.”
Biting her lip, Anna forced the tears down. She couldn’t keep crying like this.
“When you’re out of here, we’ll give her a proper burial, honey.”
“I’d like that.” She had enough money saved up for her friend. The money they had saved to start a future together would be used to give Karen the perfect sendoff.
Anna would no longer be trying for her own business. There was no point.
After she finished her food, Franny packed away the empty tubs, and then went in search of a nurse to learn when she was scheduled to be released. Sitting back in the bed, Anna rubbed her stomach, happy to no longer be hungry.
“Hey, Anna,” Russell said. He was leaning against the doorframe.
“You came back.”
“You’re not being released yet, and I thought you’d like some company.” He walked into the room, and this time he was wearing a very expensive business suit.
“I don’t get the suit. I thought you were part of an MC. Leather right?” She gave him a smile. “Is it new?”
“No. It’s not new. I had to stop into my office on the way over here, and yes, I’m part of an MC.”
“Office?”
“I’m a businessman.” He pulled a card out of his pocket, and handed it to her.
She read his name. “Wyatt Corporations?”
“Yes.”
“You’re a millionaire?” she asked, feeling rather uncomfortable.
“Try billionaire and you’ll be on track.”
“Oh.” She preferred him when he was good old Russ. “What were you doing rescuing us last night, and why are you part of an MC?”
Russell settled down in a chair, and she tried not to tense at how close he was. “It’s complicated.”
“You said you were part of an MC. Since when has a billionaire been part of a club like that?”
“The club has been in existence for five years. There’re ten members, and all of those members were present last night when we rescued you and the other women.”
“Wow, ten men. B. B.? Billionaire something?”
“Billionaire Bikers Motorcycle club. We came together as we’ve all had business dealings at some point. Each of us had a love of bikes, and some of us had come into contact with a couple of clubs before. Lewis and I, we came up with the idea for the club, and we share our dream with another eight brothers. Before we knew what was happening, the club was born. It’s a place where we can be ourselves outside of work. It’s in our blood.”