My eyes close, and I don’t fight the fatigue.
But I hear him as sleep pulls me under. “Just always know that you’re not just my sun; you’re my life. My queen. And nothing or no one will ever change that.”
I’m not able to ask what he meant by that last part before I’m completely pulled under into a dreamless sleep.
Chapter 19
Tommaso
I’msittingbehindmydesk in my home office, cradling a glass of bourbon, trying to figure out my next step in protecting and keeping Gina.
I laid with her for an hour after the terrifying ordeal of watching her suffer as the memories tried to resurface. When she didn’t stir, I finally left her so my relentlessness wouldn’t disturb her.
This is the first time in days that I haven’t been more than a few steps from her side. In the hospital, Marco or Silvio brought me what I needed, including food and fresh clothes. I’ve only just now showered.
However, I’m obsessed with Gina’s safety and well-being. Even though she’s with me, here in this fortified estate, I have the security feed from our bedroom pulled up on the monitor. I had the camera installed before we came home from the hospital because I’m an obsessed bastard.
I’ve been watching it, thankful she’s resting peacefully rather than being ravaged in a nightmare with whatever memories want to push forth.
My door opens, and Marco closes it behind him. “How is she?”
“Still sleeping.”
He walks over and sits in the chair on the other side of my desk. “What did Reese and Johnathon say?”
I had called her doctors to report what had happened, needing guidance on what I should do.
“Unfortunately, it might just be part of the process.” I take a sip of my drink, feeling it add to the burn within my chest. “Everyone responds and heals differently, so they couldn’t say with conviction.”
“And what do you think?”
“I think whatever she witnessed is horrific, and her mind doesn’t want to remember or face it.”
He inhales deeply and slowly releases it. “She likely witnessed her mother’s death. Maybe Davide’s as well.”
I nod, staring at the monitor again.
“We’ve just discovered that there’s chatter about her, Tommaso. Someone is trying to find her.”
My eyes snap to Marco, who looks pensive and concerned. “Caruso is putting feelers out?”
“That’s what I’m thinking. But if people are looking for her and find—”
“They won’t find her.” I grind my teeth, forcing myself to relax. “They won’t.”
“She’s not protected yet.”
My nostrils flare as I glare at him. “I’m aware.”
“How do you propose that you actually marry Gina without her questioning it, since she thinks you’re already married? And she needs to be pregnant with your heir—”
“I know,” I bark, and rake my fingers through my hair.
If she’s my wifeandcarrying my heir, then no one can touch her. Not my father, or because of the laws within the ‘Ndrangheta, no other families, including the Alteras, who I’ll be breaking the forged marriage contract with.
It’s bending the rules, and it’s dodgy as fuck, but I don’t give a shit.
“I’m figuring it out. I just need time, Marco.”
