Chapter 24
Destroyed
Rico
My entire body feels like I’ve been hit by a truck. My head has been throbbing, and this shit they have dripping into my arm isn’t doing a damn thing for the pain. However, the pain in my chest is what’s unbearable.
Something is wrong. Since I became conscious, no one will tell me anything about Oni. I need to know she’s okay.
My father entered my room with his head bandaged and his face bruised, but he wouldn’t look me in the eyes. That isn’t like Pop. I know he’s not telling me something.
“Good, you’re up,” Uncle Emilio says as he enters my hospital room.
“I’ve been in and out,” I murmur.
“How are you feeling? You need anything?”
“Yeah, I need to know what’s going on with Oni. Why is everyone avoiding giving me answers about her?”
He sighs and moves to sit in the chair. I follow him with my gaze as I swallow hard. There’s a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
My heart is pounding double time, causing the machine to beep faster. My uncle looks at the monitor and frowns then turns his eyes to me. I clench my fists as it’s all I can do.
“Rico, I wanted to be the one to tell you. I will forever be grateful to Oni. Because of her, Emilia is still with us.
“I wasn’t expecting what I witnessed with my own eyes. You were right, she was one of your soldiers. She had your back—”
“Was? Had? What are you saying?” I bark out a laugh because he has to be fucking joking. “Stop playing with me.”
He clears his throat. “I’m sorry. She took a bullet for Emilia. She saved your cousin’s life with her own.”
My veins fill with ice. He can’t be saying what I think he is. This shit isn’t happening.
I shake my head because this can’t be real. I don’t believe it. Uncle Emilio stands and stumbles over to me.
Tears are soaking my face, but I don’t care. She didn’t deserve this. Why didn’t I send her back home when I had the chance?
“I’m sorry, nipote. I’m so sorry.”
I shrug my uncle off, not wanting him near me. He’s as guilty as I am. Juliana was here because of him. Oni was nearly raped because of her and I’m pretty sure those motherfuckers ambushed us because of her.
“Don’t touch me. Get away from me. She’s gone because of you. She didn’t deserve this,” I bellow.
“In time, you will see this will only make you stronger.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? Get out. Get the fuck out.”
“Rico,” he says firmly.
“What? I’ve done everything you have wanted from me since I was a little boy. For the first time, I had someone who made me happy.
“Something you didn’t have a hand in. Now she’s gone because of your bullshit. What is there left to say?
“I’m happy Emilia is alive, but I just lost everything. Is that what you want to hear from me? You didn’t want me to have a weakness … now I have none.”
“Rico, I want to be here for you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I just died with her. You will have your heartless soldier. Congratulations.”
“This is fresh. Take some time. I will return later.”
“Don’t bother.”
He frowns and leaves the room. When he’s gone, I sink down in the bed and cover my face with my arms as I sob like a baby. I’ve never cried like this in my life.
I can’t believe she’s gone. I wanted so much more for her. This is all my fault.
“I’m so sorry, baby. I’m sorry. I was supposed to protect you. I’m sorry,” I sob.