Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
NICO
My wife retreated to the corner of the sofa. She repeats, “They could come for us.”
I don’t know who they are. We killed her enemies. I assign Angel and Fitz to stay with her. I’m not sure how they’d react to her state of mind.
They enter the room. Angel’s jaw slacks.
Fitz circles the sofa, drops to his knees in front of her, and firmly takes her hands. “You’re here, boss.”
He looks over at me and quickly recites the code to unlock her phone.
“Her therapist’s name is Ms. Jonas.”
“Thanks,” I reply before rushing out the door.
Giving up on Serenity isn’t an option. I’m convinced she’s had a psychotic break—I had hoped that chapter was closed now that her enemies are gone.
While I wait for my wife’s therapy session to finish, I play basketball with Madden until he’s completely worn out. Then I bathe him and settle him down for a nap.
As I exit Maddens room, Fitz jogs up the steps. “Ms. Jonas is ready to see you.”
I check my watch—two hours have passed.
I nod and trail him downstairs.
“You’ve seen Serenity like that before?”
“Yes. Javier and I stood guard outside the padded room during her treatment.”
My heart sinks. I had no idea.
“It was clear Serenity was ashamed of her condition. I never treated her any differently. It’s not her fault some vile bastards tormented her and her family.”
He slides his hands into his pockets. “Five years ago, she was tormenting Steven.”
I recall Steven—the head of Cichello security, the gatekeeper for anyone wanting contact with the Cichello mafia family, one of Tizáno’s most trusted men.
He goes on. “She had lost touch with reality. Javier called her name, trying to bring her back. I slipped a pair of pliers into her hand and squeezed. Looking her in the eye, I said, ‘You’re here, boss. And you’re in control.’”
He smirks. “That snapped her back.”
I give his shoulder a squeeze. “Thanks for looking out for her.”
“Never a problem, boss,” he replies, heading toward the other bodyguards gathered in the living room.
I continue down the hallway. Dr. Jonas comes into view outside my office.
“Dr. Jonas, how is she doing?”
“You can call me Ms. Jonas.”
“But you’re a doctor,” I press.
“I haven’t practiced medicine in years. My license was revoked. Only a handful of patients still place their faith in me.” Her fingers tighten around her tablet.
“Serenity is calm now,” she adds, shifting the topic.
Its obvious something traumatic happened. I’ll dig deeper. I better not find out someone had done some dirty shit to my wife’s doctor.
“Good,” I respond.
“She’s resumed her medication. It’s crucial she takes it daily for two weeks. She’ll begin to feel like herself soon, but continuing the meds is recommended.”
“Understood.”
She smiles. “I never thought she’d have a child. Or get married, for that matter.”
“I didn’t give her a choice.” I smirk.
We laugh.
Her smile fades. “Thank you for standing by her. Most would’ve walked away.”
“Thank you for treating her.”
“Call me if you need anything,” she offers.
“I will,” I say, motioning for Angel.
“Escort Ms. Jonas to her vehicle.”
“Yes, Nico,” Angel answers.
I move closer to the door, taking a deep breath in and out.
This is the only woman I ever wanted to be with. I don’t care anymore that she stole our child. All that matters is we’re together. Pushing down my emotions, I step inside.
I walk to the sofa and sit beside her. She lies on her side, calmness sweeping her beautiful features.
“Serenity, we’ll get through it all together,” I tell her.
Her eyes flutter open. She lifts a hand to gently stroke my cheek.
“We’re moving forward, Mrs. Pitucco. I’m sorry for swapping your birth control pills. It was selfish. I just wanted all of you.”
A smile curves her lips. “I know. If you hadn’t done that, I’m not sure I’d have ever gotten pregnant or married. I love Madden more than anything. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Thank you for never giving up on me. I told you I was crazy, and still you wouldn’t let me go.”
“Fuck no,” I growl.
“Nico Pitucco, I’ve always loved you. I’m yours forever.”
A tear slips down my cheek. “You better believe you're mine. You’re the only woman who ever owned my heart. I love you, too.”
I press a kiss to her lips. “Come on. Let’s take a relaxing bath.”
She exhales, a soft smile blooming. “Now that sounds perfect.”