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“Understood, Donna Isabella,” the voice said finally.
I reached out and stabbed the button on the display screen to end the call. Isabella relaxed into me, but as I flicked a glance at her face, I realized she had passed out. A small mercy. My gaze trained on her chest, watching each small rise and fall.
“So…who the hell are you?” the younger man demanded.
His distrust was palpable. If I wasn’t completely focused on the precious bundle in my lap, I would have given him an introduction he wouldn’t forget.
“I’m the one who’s going to fuck you, or anyone else, up very badly if you disrespect this woman,” I snarled.
“That doesn’t answer the question.”
I barked a harsh laugh. “It tells you everything you need to know.”
He wanted to argue, but we were already turning off the road. The red light flickered. The lad paused, looked around, and when a vehicle cleared the intersection, he slipped under its accusing glare. At least he understood the urgency to make it back. After running a few more lights, and going faster than allowed, we pulled up to the Moretti fortress.
The welcome committee was out in full force.
I popped the door handle and stood. Every hard stare held a challenge. I met them head-on.
One of the capos clipped out in Italian, “Who the fuck is that?”
Vincenzo, coming around the vehicle, shook his head. “Boss put him under her protection.”
There was no reason to clue them into my little secret. Let them talk behind my back; it was an edge. One I was going to exploit.
A second vehicle pulled through the gate behind where we stood, cutting off any interrogation.
The doctor, a spry man of about forty, jumped from his seat. He jumped into action, requesting details of the situation and location of the wound. His bright and direct accent probably meant that he was born on the Asian Continent or at least grew up with English as a second language. No matter his history, like the rest of us, he’d ended up entangled with the underworld. I liked his direct, no-nonsense approach immediately.
I let the soldiers explain the situation, brushing past them as I carried my treasure into the house. No one questioned the fact that I knew where her bedroom was. They were likely distracted by the terrible realization that she’d lost a lot of blood.
Tucking myself onto her bed, I removed her shoes just as the doctor pushed into the room and began handing out orders.
When he finally turned to me, I met his stare. “I’m holding her.”
That black stare, steady and calculating, studied me for a heartbeat. “I can work around you.”
Good man.
“I’m going to cut her clothing off so I can see what we’re dealing with,” the doctor began.
I glared at the Made Men hovering in the background. “Turn around.”
Their combined protest boiled.
“It’s not a suggestion,” I warned. If they made me get up to deal with their stubborn asses, they weren’t going to like the consequences.
The shuffle of feet wasn’t quick enough for my liking.
The doctor started by cutting away the collar of her dress, and I drew the blanket up to cover her body. There would be a bloody mess, but I would rather buy her new bedding than be downstairs. This was her space. There was something sacred about it.
“A clean shot,” the doctor murmured. “I’ll have it cleaned up in no time.”
As he began to lay out his tools on the table that was brought in, Vincenzo explained to the others the events of the night. I listened without looking at them. Mistrust was written on their faces, and they debated what to do with me.
It was a question on my mind as well. At least they were smart enough to realize I was sticking around.
The doctor worked quickly and efficiently. I held Isabella close, silently absorbing her pain and suffering. This was how it would be from now on. No more hiding in the shadows. I was a participant, not a watcher. She was mine to hold and cherish, and I would honor that with every action, every thought.
