“That is the second time someone’s called me an idiot today,” I manage to say through gritted teeth as I struggle to stand. I glance at the person in the doorway and my heart sinks. He has a wheelchair with him, and the most unimpressed face I’ve seen, which, considering all the times Il Padrone put me in the black room, is fucking impressive. “Jayden.”
“Good. You know me. Then you won’t be surprised when I put you through hell. Now, get your ass in this wheelchair and I’ll show you where we’ll be starting.”
He wheels it over to me and I try to gracefully sit down, but fail miserably. I’m already breathing heavily, but at least he doesn’t ask if I’m alright.
He doesn’t say a word as he wheels me out of the medical suite with strong strides. I’m taken aback by where we are. It’s a mindfuck knowing I've left the only home I’ve known for years, to end up in the middle of a house that I can’t even recognize. And I have a feeling Jayden isn’t going to give me the tour anytime soon.
I lose track of the hallways until he finally stops in front of a bedroom suite. I study my surroundings as he rolls me in. There’s not much to it, but at least the bed looks comfortable. It’s missing my books, and I hope to fuck someone grabbed them from the Martelli house before leaving. Some of those are priceless to me.
“Do we have specific times to meet? And where?” I break the silence and his chuckle gives me goosebumps—and not fucking good ones.
“I’ll be up your ass so frequently that won’t even be a question. As for where, you’re looking at your home until I clear you. It’s going to be a while before you’re actually in the gym.” I open my mouth to complain, but he merely puts the brakes on the wheelchair and comes around to stand in front of me. He cocks an eyebrow and stares down at me. “Don’t fuck with me. Just follow the rules I set up. Now, let’s get you into bed. I’ll be back later to evaluate you. Right now, it’d be worthless to do.”
With that, he leans down and practically lifts me up, manhandling me onto the bed. I’d be impressed that someone can do that to me, if it didn’t make me realize how fucking far I have to go. As soon as I’m stretched out on the bed, he gives me a firm nod before moving the wheelchair over to the side and heading out.
“That’s it?” I call, flabbergasted.
He stops at the door, turning toward me. “My apologies. I’ll see you later, Princess. Get ready to work.”
Before I can manage a retort, he’s out the door. Fucking hell. And of course my stomach takes that moment to remind me I didn’t finish my breakfast. It’s going to be a long day.
Whimpering, I lean my head back against the pillow and try to get comfortable. Hopefully, a nap will let the time pass more quickly. If anything, I’ll need the energy to deal with that asshole. And I thought Benjamin was a fucking sadist. Yet, fuck if Jayden isn’t hot as all get out when he’s barking orders… At least, the eye candy will be good.
Pain like I’ve never felt before is the first thing that registers. Even moaning my discomfort hurts like hell. Slowly, I open my eyes, blinking a few times because even the soft glow of whatever light is in the room is too much.
A hand in mine drags my brain online a little after I close my eyes again. Forcing myself to blink, I turn my head to find Roman watching me carefully. Big green eyes that are red-rimmed and filled with tears meet mine.
“D—don’t cry,” I croak out through my dry throat.
He gives me a half smile and lets out a sob. Removing his hand from mine, he reaches over and grabs a water cup.
The liquid is cool, and I moan in pleasure at the feel of it going down my throat. Roman doesn’t let me drink much, but what I did manage is enough for now.
“You don’t have to cry for me, Figlio,” I whisper.
Roman wipes his eyes with his sleeves and tries to smile. “You scared me…” His bottom lip quivers, and I raise my hand to him, only to wince in pain.
“Don’t do that,” he reprimands. “You just went through major surgery and almost died on me. I’ll be fine.”
“It wasn’t my intention to die.”
He scowls. “Could have fucking fooled me.” Anger flashes in his eyes before more tears fall. “Why? Why would you do that? You’re the only parent I have left, and you so easily could have died. One of the bullets could have hit your heart, or a lung, or some other piece of you that can’t be repaired. If Sarah wasn’t such a good doctor… If Vonny wasn’t here to assist… Doc isn’t here yet, because he and Luca are watching Allesandro while Tennant plays with Cristian. What if…what if I lost you?”
“Hey. Shhh. It’s okay, Figlio Mio. I’m okay. Non ti lascio. Prometto che starò qui per molto tempo.”
He shakes his head and takes my hand in his again. “You almost died.” He sets his other hand on my chest. “Here. Dr. Ranlen said a few more inches and it would have killed you instantly. Several bullets were dug out of your stomach. One nicked your intestines, but she’s fairly confident she stopped the bleeding. Though, you’re on strict orders to stay still and let it heal, as internal bleeding is not what we want.” Roman swallows. “Why did you do that?”
“Because I love him,” I reply, like it’s the simplest thing in the world, when that’s farthest from the truth.
Loving Marcus and Keegan…it’s more complicated than being a bodyguard who fell for his Boss. Now,I’mthe Boss, and they’re two of the most important people in my life. To lose one of them…even if we’re only ever friends, would be a death sentence for me.
Roman’s mouth drops open a little. “Are you three…”
I try to shrug and instantly regret it as pain runs white-hot through me. “No. We’re friends—family. And I don’t know if they have any romantic feelings for me, but whatever we end up…it’ll be as it was meant to. The four of you are my family.”
“Ti voglio bene,” he whispers.
I give him a small smile. “I love you too, Figlio. So fucking much. And I’m sorry I scared you.”
