章 112: Chapter 112 - They Seemed Like Crows

"You always have me running to you huh."

His face lit up as his initial frown melted into a deep smile. He had small dimples from smiling so widely. I felt laughter bubble in my chest at his antics. "Even when I am in this state you still find a way to be flirty huh?"

I felt a bit self conscious over how I looked at the moment. I had seen a bit of my reflection in the window when some clouds passed by covering the glare. The bruising still looked horrendous but the swelling was basically gone. Thankfully I was able to shower earlier so I at least did not smell nor feel gross.

"Of course." He winked as he continued to play with my fingers. His touch was especially soft. I could tell it was because he did not want to cause me any discomfort. "What have you heard in terms of how I ended up here?"

As much as I was happy that he was here the one though that troubled me was what he knew. Not that I was trying to keep anything from him but rather I needed to know what he knew and update him if necessary.

"Oh your dad caught me up to speed. But we don't need to rehash that right now. Your only job right now is to heal." His hands moved from mine and went to my head to play with my hair instead.

It felt nice, having his hands run between the strands, as well as the light pressure he used as he massaged some areas. His eyes seemed a bit faded as he was deep in thought. I had just touched his fingers when as though I shocked him he broke out from his thoughts right away. "I have a question, do you know what the process for your family is to get married."

I was taken a bit aback. But I figured it must be related to the research he was doing on allowing us to be a thing. "Hmm well the last time we went over it was during my engagement to Felix. My Dad had Felix meet with him and have a one on one interview. If he gives the green light then my mother has to approve after. Basically once my parents approve then they draft up a contract allocating what each family will give and how assets will be split. The only thing aside from the contract would be dinner. My parents requested Felix and his family to eat with us so they can meet everyone."

His eyes seemed very focused and I could see the mixture of emotions he felt. He first seemed serious but then that became relief. "Why what process does your family have?" During my engagement with Felix, his family had only requested I show up to family events after the engagement to show that I was 'filial'. I knew Deans family would be more different than other guys because of how strict they are.

Growing up I remember the few events we had together as our families would be in the same social space. The few times I have seen the older generation of Cortez's I recall the way they seemed like crows. Just stoic and watching.

He sighed a bit before pulling his chair close to the bed and laying his head on my legs. He turned his head to face me as he spoke. "Honestly it is not that much different than yours but according to my Dad they just ask to meet you and then if they approve then the head of the family drafts the prenup. So that means my paternal side of the family. Once every asset is assigned and covered and the terms of the marriage is settled then the head attorneys from each family reads it over, approves it, and notarizes it."

He swirled his fingers across my thigh as he recalled his family. "I don't doubt that they would not like you. But my worry is based on just how badly they care about the law. Our parents seem cool with us individually but that could change if we ask for them to view us an an item."

It was a valid concern. This law has been in place for many generations, so just asking them to revoke it was a big ask. I brought my hands to his hair and began brushing it gently to not disturb his curls in an attempt to comfort him.

"The other issue is that my mom is still at getting me set up with someone. I told her I was talking to someone and to knock it off but I don't know if she did not believe me but she hired some matchmaker to see me."

He huffed angrily and brought his hands back like he was hugging my legs in anger. But when he said matchmaker I knew who he was talking about. "Wait you don't mean Kirsten Goodall do you?"

He sat up instantly. "Yeah its her, is she that famous or something?" He tilted his head in confusion. However before I could respond he abruptly pulled the seat away from the bed and sat back. He motioned for me to stop talking. The doors then opened to reveal my dad.

"As I was saying, I could handle the exhibition until you are cleared to come back. In terms of the funds going to the children's foundation we are pretty much keeping the same model from when you first left for vacation."

He spat out some work nonsense to cover his tracks. His instinct and sense of hearing was really good. I did not even hear any footsteps coming from outside.

"Hey honey the nurses will be coming in to check your vitals and lower the dosage for the medication." It was presumably Deans cue to leave. "In that case I will be heading out but l may stop by incase anything about work or our friends crop up."

He got up and waved me off. However as he was just about to round the corner of the door he waved his hand by his ear in a phone shape. He signaled me to call him when I was free. I gave him a discreet thumbs up while my Dads back was turned.