She cocks her head and stares at me, and I feel like she’s seeing too much. Her mouth quirks up on one corner. “You really care about him, don’t you?”
With that one question, my jealousy fades, and I feel like I have an ally. I nod. “We have a complicated history.”
She squeezes my hand. “I’ve heard. I’m sorry.” Irritation flashes in her eyes. “He deserves better than a forced marriage to Giada fucking Zerilli.”
My stomach clenches at the mention of Giada’s name. I had almost forgotten about their marriage. Almost got lost in the fantasythat we could be together. The grief of what we could’ve had hits me in the chest, and I suddenly can’t breathe.
I jump up. “I’d like to go home now.” I grab my clothes and rush into the bathroom to change. I have to get out of here before I fall apart in front of Sandro and Dr. Sam.
When I come out, I’ve got myself under control but the bedroom is empty.
I find them talking in the living room. Both of them have their arms folded and heads bowed.
I grab my purse from the sofa and dig out my phone. “I can call an Uber. You don’t have to drive me.” My hands are shaking as I glance up at Sandro. He isn’t even trying to hide the devastation in his eyes, which makes the burn in my chest worse.
His voice is hoarse and low as he says, “I’m driving you.”
Just then Killian comes down the hall, pulling on the black T-shirt he wore last night, his cropped white-blond hair damp from a shower. “Morning…” he calls, and then stops in his tracks when his gaze catches on Dr. Sam. It’s only a hitch in his step but as I glance at her, her expression shifts to amusement. She noticed it too.
He finishes pulling down his shirt and stalks toward them with a growing smile. Ignoring Sandro, he extends a hand to Dr. Sam. “Killian Donnelly. And you are?”
She slips her hand into his and heat flares in her eyes as she holds his gaze. “Dr. Samatha Dal.”
Killian’s smile fades and his body stiffens. “A doctor.”
She shifts on her sandaled feet and cocks a shapely hip. “You got a problem with doctors, Irish?”
He forces a smile as his expression tightens. “Not all doctors.”
“Okay.” With a frown, she turns to me. “Lennon, it was nice to meet you. I hope we meet again under different circumstances.” Then to Sandro. “I don’t have to tell you how stupid it is to leave a hospital with a concussion. Limit screen time, rest, hydrate, avoid alcohol, and for god’s sake no physical activity for a few weeks. Call me if your symptoms get worse instead of better.” With one last puzzled glance at Killian, she swivels and heads to the elevator.
Killian’s gaze follows her from her swinging ponytail to her swaying hips. His arms are crossed, biceps tense and bulging, and his green eyes narrowed. A strange expression crosses his face, like he’s watching her against his will.
Sandro smirks at him.
Killian finally shakes his head when the elevator door closes behind Dr. Sam, like he’s coming out of a trance. “A bit of a fine thing for a doctor,” he mumbles.
Sandro pats him on the back. “If you’re thinking about making a move, I’ll save you the trouble. She doesn’t date. At all.” Then he turns to me. “Ready?”
Killian huffs, clearly irritated. “She’s not my type.” Then he glances at me. “I’m going with you, Lennon. We’ve got a lot to discuss.”
I nod. I have a ton of questions myself.
We’re riding the elevator down, and Sandro is explaining to Killian who Milo is,when the door slides open, and all hell breaks loose.
Chapter 38
Lennon
My brain barely registers the two men aiming semi-automatic rifles at us before Sandro shoves me behind him and raises his handgun.
"Drop it, LaRocca!” The tall, lanky man wearing jeans and a bullet-proof vest barks.
Everything moves in slow motion as I catalog the dark intent burning in their eyes, their finger sliding to the trigger. A scream is lodged in my throat.
“Step away from the girl. Now!” he commands.
“Over my fucking dead body,” Sandro growls, sweeping his barrel through the air to encompass them both. I’m pressed against his back, peering out beneath his arm so I feel the vibration of his voice in my own chest.
