The look in Sebastian’s eyes tells me all I need to know. The aftermath of this chaos will be a long road of recovery, but we will do it together. And that’s what matters in the end.
“He was badly hurt. Rory is with him now, and some doctor Breaker brought in. I do not know his condition. He managed to escape the house with his life but…whether he will survive his injuries remains to be seen.” he says, and my heart drops like lead.
“I don’t know that I really want to know the answer to this but…my dog? My house? They’re gone, aren't they?” I ask, burying my face in his chest.
“I don’t know the extent of the damage to your house, but Breaker said it was very substantial. It will likely be a total loss. I am so sorry you’ve lost your memories there, Bambina. But if you choose it, we can rebuild it just as it was.” He hooks a finger under my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes as a tear escapes over the edge of my lashes.
“And Doug?” I choke back a sob, not wanting to hear any more devastating news, but feeling like ripping the band-aid off all at once is really the best way to go.
“I wish I could give you an answer there, but I cannot. Matteo said he ran into the woods surrounding your home when they got out of the house. We haven’t seen any sign of him. I’m so sorry, Vanessa.” He wipes my tears, kissing my forehead gently and pulling me into him.
The thought of him wandering alone in the woods, scared and probably hurt, is more than I can handle. Sobs break through, pouring from my body in wave after wave. Adrenaline finally crashes in my system, and I feel unsteady on my feet. Fuck, if I pass out now in front of these men, I may never hear the end of it. I have to remain strong. Even though my body is begging for a moment’s peace. My parents are dead, my sister is hanging in the balance, my life as I’ve known it has been blownto pieces, but I have to hold it together. A queen does not falter, after all.
“You refused to let me fall. Let me spend every breath I have left returning that vow. You will never stand alone again, Vanessa. I swear it on my life. Let me hold you up now.” Sebastian whispers against my cheek, stroking my curls softly.
I lean into him, letting him support my weight as we walk out of the warehouse and into the light of day. Somehow, the sun on my skin feels different than it did even yesterday. It feels like a new beginning, like the dawn of a new era for Fortuna Nera, for Sebastian, and for me. For now, I just want to find the doctor who is working on Matteo and my sister and feel some semblance of reassurance for the first time today.
twenty-nine
The driveback to Grovewood is silent, both of us lost in our thoughts as we process the events of the day. I can’t stop touching her, my palm grazing her thigh, my thumb caressing the soft skin on the back of her hand.
“I’m sorry about your parents,” I speak into the silence, and she just stares out the window.
“I’m not.” She replies, not bothering to look my way but not letting my hand go either. “They deserved everything they got.”
“I don’t want this life to turn you into someone like me. Someone cold.” I tell her, worried it may already be too late.
She looks at me for several long moments, and I glance between her and the road, doing my best to keep us on course. A small smile lifts the corner of her mouth, and I could melt into it.
“You keep me safe, I’ll keep you warm. Deal?” She replies, and I laugh.
“Of course, Bambina. Keep me warm. For all the days of our lives.” I tell her, kissing the back of her hand as I pull into the long driveway at Breaker and Rory’s home.
“How the hell did Enzo get here so quickly?” She asks, and I scoff.
“Would you believe he was already on the way? He caught word of what Luca had planned and was on the first flight to us. He barely arrived in time to prevent an all out massacre.
Their compound sits on acre after acre of beautiful low-country, their home nestled in the middle of it. Breaker’s security is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, completely airtight. I’ve been trying to recruit him for years, even though I know he has no desire to work for the kind of enterprise I lead. So I will be happy with what I can get, accepting his help as often as he’s comfortable offering it.
Rory stands at the front door, a nervous look on her face. Several cars are parked haphazardly in the circle driveway, and I hope Enzo has beaten us here with Vanessa’s sister.
She rushes to Vanessa’s door, pulling it open and wrapping her in a hug so tight in not sure she can breathe. But Vanessa doesn’t complain, she squeezes her back just as tightly. I give them both their reunion, meeting Enzo on the front steps. His expression is grave, and my fear for Matteo grows exponentially. Bracing myself to hear the worst, I gesture for him to go ahead.
“Matteo is stabilized. That doctor patched him up really well. He’s going to have many scars, but he will survive this. Vanessa’s sister is in surgery now. Most of the wounds to her face were superficial, just requiring simple stitching. But the injuries to her torso were far more severe. Boss, I’ve seen torture before. Hell, I’ve inflicted beatings like that myself. But for that to come from her own parents? Her spleen was ruptured. It was horrible.” Enzo says, shaking his head. “On the other hand, it’s very convenient that Breaker’s compound is equipped with medical facilities that rival our own. Surprising, but useful.”
“I would like to speak with this doctor. Hear for myself about the updates on Matteo’s condition. I’m sure Vanessa willfeel the same way about Aria. Shall we?” I suggest, reaching for Vanessa’s hand.
“I have something I really think you’re gonna want to see,” Rory smiles a mischievous smile, and I quirk a brow at her.
She leads us inside, not bothering to stop in the living room where an older woman bearing a striking resemblance to her holds her son on the couch. I’m always so surprised by how normal they all find it when a group of mafia soldiers come marching through their living room, and they don’t ask any questions.
“Break is in the basement as usual, and Tate is in the medical building next door. She hasn’t sent word about your sister,” Rory says quietly. Vanessa’s face falls slightly, but I squeeze her against me. “But I promise you, Tate is the best surgeon we know. If there were anyone I wanted working on someone I love, it would be Sanaa. Aria is in the best hands. Matteo is recovering in the guest room if you want to see him. But I think there’s someone who may want to see you first.”
“Who else could possibly be more important?” I ask her, confused about who else she could be referring to.
A jingling sound echoes down the hallway, and Vanessa’s eyes snap up, a gasp caught in her throat.
“Son of a bitch, you’re kidding?!” I say, a smile breaking through for the first time today.
