“He’s right,” Silvio adds. “Just the sound of your voice and touch soothed her, T.”
They know everything—all that transpired between Gina and me, that I’m in love with her, and what my plan is. They’re not just accomplices, though; they’re my conspirators, helping me execute it. Even my normally cautious brother Marco, is in on it.
Without taking my eyes off Gina, I ask them, “What are the updates on finding Caruso and Leandro?”
They both tense on either side of me, and Marco says, “Nothing yet.”
“Are they in Catanzaro?” I try to stop my teeth from grinding.
It’s one theory I have; that they fled to the Pisani palatial home in the countryside of Catanzaro, seeking refuge there as conspirators for whatever they were planning when they were here.
However, communication is nonexistent from the Pisanis, and word is that they’re limiting any comings and goings due to Emanuele’s rapidly declining health. Vincenzo has not returned any of my calls, and my father has been no help.
I can’t exactly tell him why I need to speak to Vincenzo or Emanuele on his sickbed, though, can I?
And my father is more concerned about pressuring me to move up the wedding date, claiming we need to secure this alliance as soon as possible.
My only saving grace is that Rosa is a vain woman who insists on an over-the-top, lavish affair, including a custom-made dress from some designer in France, and that all takes time.
So, I’ve bought myself a bit of time, but only three to four months, max.
Gina shifts on the bed, rubbing her forehead, and meets my eyes. Three to four months will have to be enough. It has to be. Because if anyone finds out about her and what I’m planning before I can fully protect her, they won’t hesitate to kill her because she’s a threat.
I give her a smile, keeping all the tumultuous worry and concern off my face, wearing my perfect Don mask. She gives me a timid smile back.
I hate that she’s timid. Unsure. Hesitant. She’s always been so bold and courageous.
And I’ll help her discover that woman again.
“However,” Silvio says, pulling me out of my head, “we did find Guila and Davide’s bodies.”
My jaw hardens. “How did they die?”
“Davide’s throat was cut,” Marco says.
“Guila’s neck was snapped,” Silvio adds.
My fists clench. Did Gina witness that? Is that, along with the head wound, what’s caused her memories to disappear? Did she witness something so traumatic that her mind is protecting her?
“Have the coroner keep Guila in preservation for now. We’ll give Davide a proper burial quietly.”
“For how long?” Silvio asks in surprise.
My head snaps to him. “As long as it fucking takes. Gina will be allowed to lay her mother to rest with a proper funeral.”When she’s able to face that.
He exhales slowly. “I’m not challenging you, Tommaso. But it’s risky keeping bodies on ice that are connected to us.”
I know, but I don’t give a shit.
I turn back to Gina. She looks exhausted as she talks to Reese, and her battered face makes me murderous. Johnathon meets my eyes as he walks to the door.
He steps out into the hallway and points down the hall, telling me he wants to talk out of view of the window.
I reluctantly follow him, but only a few steps, because I can’t bring myself to be any farther from Gina than that.
“You need to be patient with her,” he starts.
I fist the collar of his white doctor’s coat and slam him against the wall. “Was I not patient with her?”
