“What?” Gio’s heart sank to his stomach. “You said the surgery went better than expected.”
“It did. But the kick to his head caused some mild swelling in his brain, which was enough for the neurologist to induce a coma until the swelling subsides. She’s hopeful because he’s young, healthy, and strong, but we won’t know anything for sure until he wakes up. She’s monitoring him closely, and as soon as it’s safe, she’ll start reducing the sedation.”
“This can’t be happening,” Gio murmured, feeling lightheaded again.
“You need to watch your heart rate,” Colton offered softly.
“How am I supposed to do that? Sacha is myeverything, and he’s somewhere in this hospital in a coma because he was protecting me.” He shook his head again.
“No. You can’t blame yourself. You know Joker wouldn’t want that. No one could have predicted what happened. That gunman went through a lot to get into the event. King was on the phone the moment he heard the news. He’s been trying to get more information on the whole ordeal, who this bastard is, and who the intended target was, but it will take some time.”
Gio closed his eyes and focused on breathing. He’d never been so scared, not even when he’d been kidnapped, fought for his life in that jungle, or dealt with the infection that caused his autonomic neuropathy.
“You know,” Gio said quietly as he stared at the ceiling. “From the moment I heard his voice, I knew he was something special. I don’t know why I felt that way, just that I could feel it deep down. He changed my life. Saved it, more than once.”
“I think he would say the same thing about you,” Colton replied.
Gio smiled softly—his beautiful, grumpy Sacha. Gio had to stay hopeful. His heart couldn’t handle anything else.
CHAPTER THREE
Gio wasn’t dischargeduntil the following afternoon. He was grateful to have his baby brother and his best friend by his side. He didn’t know how he would have stayed calm without their support. The wait had been excruciating, but finally, he was dressed and out of the room. He asked to see Sacha.
“We’ll be in the waiting area if you need us,” Laz said gently. “Jack is in the room with Joker.”
“Thank you. Can you look after Cookie?”
Laz frowned. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? You just got discharged.”
“I’m in a hospital,” Gio replied gently. “I’ll be okay. Cookie, off duty.”
His baby brother wasn’t thrilled, but he nodded and bent down to remove Cookie’s vest. “Come on, Cookie.”
Since Cookie had been given the off-duty order, he went with Laz, though hesitantly. His boy didn’t like being away from him. Gio braced himself before opening the door to Sacha’s room and slipping inside. He closed the door behind him and turned around. It had been foolish of him to believe he was prepared to see Sacha hooked up to a ventilator. At his strangled cry, Jack’s head shot up. His hair was a mess from where he’d been runninghis hands through it repeatedly, his eyes were puffy and red, and they filled with tears when he saw Gio. Neither man said a word, they just crossed the room and held onto each other and cried. Jack was the first to collect himself and he encouraged Gio to sit in one of the two chairs beside the bed to continue their silent vigil.
It was all so surreal. How had they gone from teasing and laughing to this? Gio refused to watch any of the news footage from that night. He wasn’t ready to see Sacha getting shot in front of him and all the horror that followed. There was a good chance he’d never be able to watch it.
Exhaustion quickly overtook him, and eventually, Gio fell asleep. When he opened his eyes, he realized someone had covered him with a blanket. Most likely Jack, who still sat beside him, his head bowed, arms crossed over his chest, and eyes closed. As Gio sat up, Jack opened his eyes.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you,” Gio said.
“I wasn’t asleep,” Jack murmured, his gaze on Sacha.
“Any changes?”
Jack shook his head.
Gio stood and stretched. He rubbed his eyes and turned to Jack. “Would you be opposed to having him moved to a VIP room? I don’t plan on going anywhere until he’s awake, and a larger, more comfortable room would make it easier for our family.”
Jack shook his head. “No, of course not. That would be really great. Thanks.” He stood. “I’ll go ask one of the nurses. I’m sure someone can get you in touch with whoever’s in charge of those arrangements.”
“I appreciate it.” Gio sat and waited as Jack left. This was why Gio had followed the path he had. He might not have been able to ensure his father had the best care all those years ago, but now, he could provide for his family when they needed it most.Sacha would never endure the pain and suffering Gio’s father had. Never. Not if Gio had anything to do with it.
A couple of hours later, Gio thanked the hospital administrator for his help with the transfer. A VIP room was available, and soon, the staff would be in to move Sacha. Jack chuckled softly, and Gio smiled.
“What?”
“I can picture his face at being told he was being moved to a fancy hospital room.”
