Chapter 37 #2
My eyes moved toward Ales and Leo, and that was when I truly noticed the extent of their injuries, multiple bruises, cuts, and stab wounds. They had been through hell. “You two,” I said, pointing toward them. “Come with me. We’re getting you cleaned up and stitched.”
They both nodded without argument. As they followed me out of the room, I glanced back one last time and saw Adriano watching me. And despite everything that had happened today, he smiled. The little ones were gathered together, and the others had taken over.
"Mom, do you think Raf is gonna be okay?" Ales asked as she held her side while we walked down the now-cleared hallway.
I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "Rafael is strong. He’s going to be just fine, and we are all going to believe that."
They both nodded, but I could see the worry still lingering in their eyes.
Rafael was different from the rest of us. His strength didn't come from anger or rage like it did for so many in our family. It came from his heart. From his love, his compassion, and his ability to see the good in people even when the world around him was dark.
In a strange way, he reminded me of Gabriel.
Maybe that was why the thought of losing him hurt so much. Because Raf carried a light that this family desperately needed. He was proof that being a Basilio didn't mean losing every soft part of yourself.
He was going to be okay.
I knew that.
I just needed my heart to believe it too.
Yana Pov~
A couple of hours passed, and soon everyone was piled into cars, making our way to the hospital.
I knew it probably sounded selfish, especially because I loved all those boys as if they were my own, but a small part of me felt relieved knowing Marcio wasn't severely injured.
And immediately, guilt washed over me.
Was that wrong?
Shouldn't I be equally terrified for all of them? Shouldn't my heart be breaking for Raf, who was still unconscious and fighting to wake up? It didn't feel right to feel relieved when another mother was still waiting for her son to open his eyes.
But I couldn't help it.
Matteo held my hand the entire drive, his thumb brushing soothing circles against my skin. He knew me well enough to understand the battle happening inside my head without me saying a word.
When we finally arrived at the hospital wing, I immediately spotted Stefano and Luca standing guard outside the room.
A smile tugged at my lips. I had missed their annoying faces.
They noticed Matteo and me approaching and immediately smiled. Miliana walked beside us, with Adriano and Gianna behind us along with Ales and Leo.
We had managed to leave the younger children at home with Ano V and Gabriel, who had arrived after the threat was officially lifted. Adriano left Giovanni, some guards, and Leena behind to watch over Aldo and make sure he didn't have another trick waiting for us.
The second the door opened, Gianna and I wasted no time. We rushed forward and tackled Stefano and Luca into hugs. They stumbled back from the force but quickly caught us, laughing at our reactions.
"You two are going to be the death of us, I swear," Luca joked. We both rolled our eyes but couldn't stop smiling. After Ales greeted her uncles, we followed our husbands into the room.
And then I saw them, my boys scattered across several hospital beds, bruised, bandaged, and exhausted, but alive. That was all that mattered.
I didn't even give Marcio a chance to notice me before I rushed over and wrapped my arms around him, squeezing him tightly.
"Mom, you're hurting my wrist," he groaned. I pulled back immediately and gave him an annoyed glare. "Shut up and let me hug you!"
A small laugh escaped him, and for the first time all day, I felt like I could breathe again.
Gianna Pov~
I saw AJ leaning over Damien's bed when I entered the room. The second they noticed me approaching, both of their faces lit up with smiles.
"My babies!" I cried out, immediately walking over and pulling my son into my arms.
AJ was much taller than me now, but that didn't stop me from squeezing him. I was careful not to hurt him with his injuries, but I needed that moment. I needed to feel that he was really here.
"Mom, we're okay. Don't worry," AJ reassured me.
I pulled back and gave him a look. "I will always worry. No matter how big and bad you get." I lightly smacked his arm before moving over to Damien, immediately noticing his leg was wrapped in a cast.
His entire expression changed as he looked at me, extending his arms out dramatically. "It hurts, Mommy," he whined. I couldn't stop the laugh that escaped me.
"Oh, my poor baby." I happily wrapped my arms around him, and he immediately hugged me back.
"Such a big baby," AJ teased. Damien stuck his tongue out at his brother before tightening his arms around me.
I laughed, pulling back slightly to look at his leg. Adriano walked over, his eyes scanning over both of our boys. The worry was still there, even if he tried to hide it.
"You boys okay?"
AJ nodded. "Yeah, Dad. We're okay."
Damien, however, continued pouting like he had been personally betrayed by the universe. He held onto my waist, burying his face into my stomach while I kept my arms wrapped around his head.
And honestly? I was enjoying every second of it. My boys were growing up too fast. They were becoming men, training, fighting, and carrying responsibilities no child should ever have to carry.
So if a broken leg and a scary day meant I got extra affection from my son? I was going to take advantage of it.
I looked over at Adriano, and he gave me a look that clearly said, Are you serious right now? I simply shrugged.
Then Damien lifted his head, still wearing the same pout, and looked at his father with the exact same expression he had given me. I watched as Adriano's entire face softened. The terrifying Capo disappeared for a moment, and all I saw was a father looking at his son.
"Vieni qui, figlio." (Come here, son.)
I gave Adriano a smug look as he stepped forward and replaced me, pulling Damien into his arms. Damien stuck his tongue out at me over his father's shoulder. I rolled my eyes and winked back.
I walked away, leaving my boys to their moment, and made my way toward the other bed in the room.
Raf. My heart softened when I saw him. He had gained some color back, and thankfully, his eyes were open. He was awake and seemed to be talking quietly with his mother. After everything he had been through, seeing him awake felt like another miracle.
I rushed over the second I saw him moving, my eyes immediately filling with tears. Seeing Raf awake, talking, and actually looking like himself again felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest.
"You scared the crap out of me, little boy," I scolded, reaching down and holding onto his hand.
He managed a small chuckle, shrugging slightly despite the pain. "It's what I do best."
I rolled my eyes, but the smile on my face gave me away. I placed my other hand on Miliana's shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze. She had been terrified. We all had.
"You guys okay?" Raf asked, his eyes moving around the room as he took in everyone surrounding him.
AJ immediately scoffed as he made his way closer to the bed. "Are you kidding me? You're the one who was unconscious and almost died on me!"
Raf looked up at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks, man."
AJ nodded, his expression softening. "Anytime."
Adriano and Matteo walked over with Niccolo beside them, and Raf smiled when he saw them. "You’re going to be okay, Raf," Ales said with a cheerful smile. "You're just out of commission for a little bit."
A small grin appeared on Raf's face. "I'll survive."
"I heard you flipped a switch, Ales!" Marcio called out from across the room.
Ales looked over at him with a proud smirk. "Hell yeah, I did!" Everyone laughed, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the room felt normal again.
Almost. "So..." Raf started, glancing toward Adriano. "Now that you got that bastard, what are you going to do to him?"
The room quieted slightly. Everyone looked toward Adriano. My husband simply smiled, but there was something in his expression that told me he had been waiting for this moment.
"I have something special planned for Aldo," he said calmly. "Something that requires the presence of the entire Basilio Counsel."
His smile grew slightly. "I called a meeting for tomorrow.
" The room went silent. Everyone exchanged looks, curiosity and uncertainty filling the air.
Because when Adriano Basilio said he had something special planned...
it usually meant someone was about to lose everything.
And judging by the confidence in my husband's eyes, Aldo had no idea what was coming for him.