“Not everything.” The words surprised me, more truth in them than I’d expected. “Your daughter’s in there fighting. These boys—” I nodded toward Cole and Tristan, their heads bent together in silent support. “They’re still here. Still fighting.”
“Why?” Conrad’s voice cracked. “After what I did to you? After what Carter did to them?”
I thought of Eva’s determination, her fierce protection of those she loved, her refusal to break no matter what Carter did to her. “Because that’s what family does.” I met Conrad’s gaze. “Even broken ones.”
60
TRISTAN
Hospital waitingrooms were all the same. Same antiseptic smell. Same uncomfortable chairs. Same fluorescent lights washing everything in sickly green. But this time felt different.
Cole’s hand was cold in mine, his grip tight enough to hurt. Eva’s father sat in the corner, hands clasped between his knees.
Alek paced by the windows like a caged animal. Every few minutes, his phone buzzed—probably Dmitri coordinating cleanup at Carter Industries. The police would have questions about Carter’s death, but that was a problem for later.
The team had been rotating through since we’d arrived. Massi and Haruto guarding the entrance, keeping reporters at bay. Rami bringing coffee. Sage arrived then left just as quickly, only to come back an hour later with two gruff-looking bikers who spelled Massi and Haruto guarding the cardiac wing. Rory and Violetta lit up all the group chats to arrange meal trains and support for after—their hope sustaining us. Even Andrzej had shown up, looking lost.Together, our friends formed a protective wall around her, aroundus.
My phone lit up with another message in the team’s group chat.
Massi
I called my cousins to help with the press. They’re contained. For now.
I swallowed. Massi didn’t like his mafia connections any more than Cole liked his connection to his father.
The double doors to the operating theatre swung open, and Dr. Kouassi emerged, still in his surgery scrubs. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, but his shoulders were relaxed.
“She’s stable.” Dr. Kouassi held up a hand as Cole surged forward. “The blood thinners are working. Her valve function is improving, but the next twenty-four hours are critical. We’ll be monitoring her closely for any signs of further clotting or bleeding.”
“The other injuries?” Alek’s voice was raw.
“Bruising, some internal bleeding we’ve addressed.” Dr. Kouassi’s gaze swept over us. “The stress and missed medications caused valve thrombosis. Her body’s been through hell these past months. What she needs now is rest. Healing. No stress.”
Conrad Jackson lifted his head. “My daughter—” His voice cracked. “Can I see her?”
Dr. Kouassi’s expression softened. “Of course.”
My phone buzzed again.
Cedric
Called in a favor with some scouts. Interested and want a call tomorrow.
Me
Eva’s in the hospital.
Cedric
Is she okay?
Me
*shrugging emoji*
We have a lot to catch up on.
Cedric
