16. Allesandro
“ W hen will he be here?” I demand from Sarah.
She presses her fingers against her temples, rubbing in small circles.
For a moment, regret hits me. She’s pale from stress and overworking.
I know this whole situation isn’t comfortable for her.
Keegan has already dropped a few hints on how things are for her, and while I’m not thrilled, all I want is my Caro here with me.
I bite back the harsh words, sighing as I touch her shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Padrone. While his vitals looked good this morning, they wanted to do one last MRI before the transfer.
The neurologist wanted to confirm the swelling in his brain has gone down.
I received word that we’re good to transfer, and I’ve made sure to hide the documentation as best I can, but it took time.
He should be here shortly. Doc’s staff are helping oversee the physical transfer, while I did all of the paperwork and took care of any loose ends. ”
I struggle not to pace the length of this damn hallway as I wait, but refuse to give into it. “I know you’ve done everything you can.”
I can’t bring myself to apologize for my high-handedness. It’s not in me. Not right now. I’m sure Emilio will have words for me, but until then, I can’t find it in myself to give a fuck.
Sarah sighs and says, “I need to get back in there. As soon as he’s here and settled, I’ll come get you.”
I wave her off, but don’t leave the hallway. There’s no way I’m going any further away and she knows it, even as she huffs and shakes her head before leaving.
“You’re not going to be any help to him if you wear yourself down, Padrone.” I jolt at Antonio’s voice.
Opening my eyes, I stare at my Ghost. I don’t say anything as he stands next to me. I’m not sure how long the silence lasts before he finally breaks it.
“Lio did a strong job while you were missing. It’s to your credit.”
My lips twist into a grimace. I know what he’s telling me, but it still pisses me off. Grumbling, I respond, “I know he handled it well. His training would have assured that, but fuck, what the hell happened? I come back and everything is a mess.”
Antonio shrugs one shoulder. “A mess? Maybe. Maybe not. We didn’t fall apart. We became stronger. Were there…unexpected revelations? Absolutely. But skinship has always been important to our Family. Emotions…happen.”
I quirk an eyebrow at my Boy. Part of me wants to push and find out if he too has fallen for this fucking Amato-Martelli curse, but I leave it—for now. I have enough on my mind.
“Did you find anything yesterday?”
“I’ve given everything to Hollis. I found a few more sheets, a log, some videos that they, for some reason, didn’t transfer off-site like all the others.
They're mainly of you and Cristian in that room. I’m sure we’ll find more as we go through everything.
Unfortunately, since the alphabet boy was killed, there isn’t really anyone I can go to for answers on this. ”
“What about the fucking guards?” I run a hand through my hair, pissed off that our captor got to take the easy way out.
Antonio doesn’t respond immediately, carefully choosing his words instead.
“Most—if not all—died during the siege. However, we have the lead to the apartment complex that the majority of them were either staying at or visiting. We’re keeping an eye out, and will grab anyone we find.
I’m getting the image of the doctor this morning, and I’ll investigate that.
You may want to ask the doctors to look it over as well, since they’re in the same field. ”
Pursing my lips, I can’t disagree. I don’t want to take them away from their task, though. “Fine. I’ll do that, after Emilio has been transferred.”
“Very well. I think that’s it on my end. Before I head out, I need to check on Nicolo.”
I touch his cheek lightly, worried. “I’m sorry to hear about what happened. Do you need anything?”
“No, Padrone. All of the doctors and physical therapists are keeping a close eye on him. Although…” I gesture impatiently for him to continue. “Perhaps you could stop by at some point? Let him know he did something right?”
When Antonio sighs gustily, I have to keep a chuckle in. “Struggling with that, aren’t you?”
“Fuck yes, I am. I don’t want him giving his life for me.” Antonio’s hands tense, as if he can rally against fate, but I merely shake my head.
“I know. It’s a tough situation. Be proud. It’s a high honor to have someone willing to jump in front of a bullet for you.” I pat Antonio on the head, smoothing his hair before he takes off.
All of my Boys have a special place in my heart—Antonio in more ways than one. If he didn’t, I would never have given the twins to him.
As he disappears, I close my eyes again, casting my mind back to a different time, to when one of my Boys thought he took a bullet for me—Emilio.
My heart beats harder knowing I almost lost him then, and now, once again, he’s suffering for me.
I should have realized then that it was more than possession…
Fuck, I’m not sure how I managed to fall for him, but damn if I’ll ever let him go.
Death…cannot separate us, because that is who he is—and he has embraced his name well.
“He’s ready if you’d like to see him.” Dr. Ranlen brings me out of my contemplation, and I don’t say anything as I follow her through the doors, to my Caro’s bedside.
Fuck knows I don’t pay any attention to anything else around me.
My entire being is only focused on my love.
“You can’t stay long, but I’ll come get you when it’s time. ”
I’d argue against her, but I know it would be useless. I trust her for a damn good reason.
Sitting down, I touch Emilio’s hand. It’s too cold. I panic for a moment, before listening to his heartbeat on the monitor. It’s solid once again, and I feel like I’ve finally taken an actual breath now that I’m next to him.
I stare at him, and despite his paleness, I’m reminded of when I first stole him.
Luca was correct. I had no right to him.
Still, that innocence…it was irresistible.
Despite what I—and others—did, he never broke.
He may have shed that innocence, embraced his inner demons and became Death, but he refused to lose that spark in him. Thank fuck. I need it now. And always.
Bending my head, I give thanks that he’s still alive. Now if he’ll only come back to me. We have plans to create, and vengeance to take, but most of all, I need him by my side. I found my soul in him, my salvation, my heart, and until he opens his eyes and returns to me, only ice surrounds me.
When a hand is laid on my shoulder, I almost groan. Holding it in, I turn, expecting Sarah. However, that’s not who is there. I growl in frustration at the man meeting my eyes.
“If you have news, it can wait. Let me have my time,” I snap at Hollis. There are times I need to be Il Padrone, but right now, I only need to be my Boy’s love, his Master and his Daddy.
Hollis shakes his head quietly. “That’s not why I’m here.”
It’s only when he stares at my Caro that I figure it out. The pain crashes over me and I shake my head in disbelief. This isn’t possible. He has a fucking harem of his own!
I desperately want to be wrong, but those eyes of his don’t waver when they turn back to me. The words hang in the balance, like a static charge next to gasoline. My lungs burn from the way I can’t take a breath in. Hollis opens his mouth, even though I wish he wouldn’t.
Fucking hell. Here it goes again…