“Thank you,” Gianna whispers while she lovingly drags her fingers through Riccardo’s dark brown hair.
He’s the spitting image of Dad, whereas my hair is a shade or so lighter. He also inherited Dad’s brown eyes. Bianca and I got a mixture from Mom and Dad and ended up with green eyes.
Riccardo drifts off to sleep, and needing to get to work so I can get revenge for what was done to my brother, I look at Gianna and say, “Don’t leave the hospital for any reason. Stayhere with Riccardo. Once the doctor clears him, I’ll have you both taken directly to the private jet.”
She nods before giving me a worried look. “Our luggage is still at the hotel.”
“I’ll send a guard to get everything. Don’t worry.” I move around the bed and wrap my arms around her. “Just stay here. I’m leaving Lorenzo and two guards to keep you safe. They’re stationed right outside the room.” She nods as she hugs me back. I press a kiss to her temple while looking at Riccardo.
Letting go of Gianna, I move closer to the bed and brush my hand over the side of my brother’s head.
I’ll make them pay.
Sucking in a deep breath, I walk to the doorway, and when I step into the quiet hallway, I lock eyes with Lorenzo. “Stay here with your team. Don’t let Gianna and Riccardo out of your sight.”
He nods, but then a worried look tightens his features. “What about you?”
“I have Raffaele, as well as Enzo and his guards. You make sure nothing happens to Riccardo and Gianna. Once the doctor clears Riccardo, get them to the private jet and go home. They’re your priority.”
He nods again, his gaze darting to the bed that’s visible from where we’re standing. “I’ll keep them safe.”
Glancing into the room, I watch as Enzo hugs his sister, and when he comes toward me, I give Lorenzo’s shoulder a squeeze. “Stay safe.”
My long-time friend and head of security nods before he steps into the hospital room.
“How are you holding up?” Enzo asks as we walk down the hallways.
“I’ll feel a fuck-ton better once Riccardo and Gianna are back in New York,” I grumble.
As we near the elevators, the doors open, and Dr. Milazzo, Simone, and a Japanese doctor step out.
“Mr. Vitale, this is Dr. Okubo. He’s the cardiothoracic doctor treating Riccardo,” Dr. Milazzo introduces me.
I shake Dr. Okubo’s hand as I ask, “How’s my brother doing?”
“He’s recovering as expected.” Even though the man has a heavy accent, his English is quite good. “I told Dr. Milazzo the surgery went well, but Mr. Vitale won’t be able to leave for another two days. It would be too risky.”
I nod, then look at Dr. Milazzo. “I want you and Simone to take turns to stay with Riccardo. If anything happens, call me immediately. Once he’s cleared to travel, Lorenzo will escort you all to the private jet and get you home safely.”
“Yes, sir.”
Enzo places his hand on Dr. Milazzo’s arm. “Keep an eye on Gianna. Her nerves are shot to hell.”
“I’ll prescribe Mrs. Vitale something to help set her at ease,” Dr. Okubo offers.
“I’d appreciate it,” Enzo says, giving the man a tight smile.
Done with the conversation, we step into the elevator while the doctors head toward Riccardo’s private room.
My angry gaze meets Enzo’s. “Jesus, Riccardo looks bad.”
“He’s strong.”
“I know,” I growl as the doors open, and we stalk into the hallway. “But this shouldn’t have happened. It’s their fucking honeymoon.”
“We’ll get our revenge.”
Just as we exit the hospital and Raffaele comes toward us, my phone begins to beep with one message after the other.
