We all shared a look, because it was fucking clear as day that Vito had feelings for the girl. Not what we had expected by calling him and explaining the situation. “Vito.”
He ignored me and addressed Don. “What do you want? Name it and it’s yours. Give her to me.”
Don’s brows rose. Vito never fucking begged in his life, and a proposition from a Cosa Nostra boss such as he opened a wide range of prospects for him.
“Nothing.” Don seemed almost offended by the offer. “That poor child suffered enough. You think I’d ask you to kill her?”
Vito nodded then asked me, although without turning attention from Ciara. Was he afraid we’d attack her or snatch her right from under his nose, or what? “Nothing I’d say would make a difference to you. So I’m asking you as a man who knows what it’s like to lose the woman he loves. Allow me to take her without inflicting your revenge.” Everyone stilled, anticipating my reaction, as it was purely my call.
Ciara Rossi had brought pain and hurt to Rosa and me. Sometimes in the moments of my insanity, I’d struggled to survive and thought about putting a bullet in my head. Rosa had to live as Angelica Rossi and almost marry another man. What would have happened if I’d never found her? Scary to even think about.
The fuck, did she deserve my mercy?
But Ciara Rossi, the little girl, was abused as a child by the one person who was supposed to love and adore her the most. Who lived one of the most horrific nightmares every day for fucking years, just like us. Did she question what her purpose in life was? Did she wonder if death was a better solution while she sat in her room and waited for the worst to happen? And finally… was the thought of destroying Rosa the only thing keeping her alive?
That girl deserved not only my mercy, but my help. “She’s yours.” He exhaled in relief, as his shoulders sagged. “Help her, Vito. But if she ever shows up again… if she ever harms a hair on Rosa’s head… if she ever…. I will end her.” As much as it would pain me, I’d never allow anyone to hurt my woman ever again. He stood up, extended his hand to me, and I gave him mine, but instead, he closed me in a one-arm hug, squeezing tightly.
“Thank you, my friend. She’ll never bother you again. On that, you have my word.” With that, he picked her up in his arms while his men held the door open for him, and he exited the apartment.
“You did the right thing, brother.”
Only time would tell if I did, but I hoped she’d find peace, even if it was in Vito’s arms.
Collapsing onto the couch, I rested my sore neck on the pillow and closed my eyes.
The nightmare was finally over, and for the first time since losing Rosa a year ago, I breathed enough air into my lungs that it soothed my heart and calmed my soul.
Rosa
The machines beeped loudly as I exhaled another bored breath, wiggling my toes in the pink and purple cast with unicorns flying in the sky. Kristina had her uncle’s artistic talent it seemed. A ghost of a smile touched my lips as I remembered her jumping up and down in the hospital room while her parents left, telling me about the boy she had a crush on. She sure as hell was cute in her possessiveness over Jason.
“What are you thinking about with these sexy smiles of yours?”
My eyes travelled to the door, where Dominic stood, leaning against the wall with folded arms while he studied me. A five o’clock shadow graced his face as the T-shirt and jeans displayed his perfect body. All in all, he looked yummy while I lay in bed in a hospital gown, which opened from the back, and I hadn't showered in ages.
Not fair, people, not fair.
The nurse walked in, blushing slightly at the sight of my man, and removed the IV drip with vitamins from my hand. “How do you feel?”
“Good.”
She nodded, wrote something in her notebook, and dashed outside, probably to call for a doctor so he’d give an estimated day of my release. And why did these nurses wear such tight white uniforms? They gave one hell of a show to the male population in the hospital. Yeah, a woman in my position couldn't be rational.
“Must you be so handsome?” I snapped, as he acted too smug for his own good. “Frustrating all those nurses.” He raised his brow, taking steps toward me like a cat chasing his prey.
“Nurses? Or you?” he questioned, hovering above me and placing his palms on either side of my head while he focused his gaze on my lips, and I couldn't help but lick them. He groaned and mashed our mouths together, probing deep with his tongue, awakening electrifying emotions in my bones as everything feminine in me called to him. Too soon, it was over as he let me go and laughed at my protest. “Soon,krasavica. You have no idea how I’m dying to sink into that tight heat of yours.” Oh God, must he put this image in my head? I wouldn't be able to—
Someone clearing their throat from behind Dom’s back brought us back to reality, and my cheeks heated up as embarrassment settled in. Covering my eyes with my hands, I groaned into them. “Please pretend you didn't hear that.”
Damian chuckled while Sapphire winked. They wouldn't leave our sides until they made sure I was out of the hospital safely.
“I wish I could,” he said, right before Kristina rushed inside, plastering herself against Dominic’s leg.
She raised her hands, which was her signal for him to pick her up, and he did just that. She palmed his face and whispered through the side of her mouth, “They have candies.”
Dom barely restrained himself from laughing, but quietly playing her game, as he asked her seriously, “They do?”
Kristina nodded. “And since you are the only one who has rubles, I can’t ask Daddy.”
