12. Ryder
I wake in a familiar room.
The consistent beep of a machine next to me brings me back. A sterile scent is in the air and the lights are dim. Not a hospital.
“It’s about time you joined us Mr. Totaro,” a familiar voice greets me. Nathan, the family doctor. Not our family, but still.
“What happened? How long have I been out?”
“Two days.” He comes closer to wrap something around my arm and pressure builds. “You have a concussion. I gave you something for the pain, but you will need to take it easy for a few more days,” he instructs.
Pieces of the past few nights play like a movie in my mind until I rewind back enough to remember her. Devina. She has no idea where I am.
Fuck, I have to get home.
Looking down, I realize I’m covered in dirt and blood. I reach for my phone on the desk next to the bed. A message from Luca lets me know that the young women were all taken to the hospital and would be cared for. With all of the connections we have in this city, the staff would be discreet.
“How did I get here?” I ask, remembering everyone leaving me.
“That would be me,” Declan answers as he enters the room with two mugs full of coffee. “You didn’t think I’d really let my sister become a widow already, did you?”
I chuckle. Maybe he isn’t a complete monster. But maybe isn’t enough to stop me from hating him.