Page 84 of Jackpot Joker

“Thank you, Doctor,” Gio says, and with a nod, she turns and heads back to keep the man I love alive.

It’s been five hours of babies wailing, teenagers hobbling, and grown men coughing, but Doctor Laurie finally pushes through the doors and walks over to us, a smile on her face.

I stand to greet her, no longer able to sit in the hard, plastic chairs. Gio stands beside me. He’s been between this floor and the one where Tank is currently lying in a coma.

“The surgery seems to have been a success,” she says, and I let out a breath, finally relaxing my tightened chest. “The bullet missed his spinal cord by millimeters. He must have an angel looking out for him.”

My cheeks flush, knowing the new nickname Dario has bestowed upon me is the Italian version of the word. “Were you able to retrieve the bullet?” I ask.

“We were,” she says with a smile. “We also repaired some damaged muscle and controlled the bleeding. We’re very optimistic that he’ll make a full recovery.”

“Can I see him?” I ask, but my shoulders slump as she shakes her head.

“He’s currently in recovery and still sedated. Tonight he’ll be transferred to the ICU, where we will monitor the swelling on his neck, and if everything looks good, we will wake him up gradually.”

I bite my bottom lip and look over at Gio, who wears a discernible expression. I look back at the doctor, praying she realizes how badly I need her to say yes to my next question.

“When he’s transferred to the ICU, then could I see him? I’d like to stay the night. I want to be there when he wakes up.”

The doctor sighs heavily, but before she can answer, Gio speaks.

“Yes.”

“I don’t think…”

“I said, ‘yes,’” Gio interrupts, not leaving any room for argument. “When he’s moved to the ICU, we are to be informed right away. I want a station set up for Miss Baker so she can rest peacefully beside him. My brother will want her there.”

The doctor looks like she wants to disagree, but a look crosses Gio’s face that causes her to reconsider. Without saying another word, she gives a nod and retreats through the swinging doors.

“Thank you, Gio.”

He nods. “Now that Dario’s in the clear, I need you to take care of him.”

“Where are you going?” I ask as Gio heads toward the elevators.

“I have another dying brother to take care of.”

Chapter 42

Jasmine

Ijolt at the movement that wakes me.

“Sorry,” Luca says as he places the blanket over me. “It fell off.”

I give him a small smile, and he sits down in the chair beside Dario’s head. I sit up on the small cot they rolled in here for me, thanks to Gio’s orders, and look at the big man.

A week ago, I would have told you that Luca was the scariest man I’ve ever met, but tonight he looks utterly broken.

“How’s Tank?” I ask.

Luca sucks in a shaky breath, and it nearly brings me to tears. “Umm, not great.”

“Gio said he’s in a coma?”

“Medically induced,” he answers.

“Will they do surgery?” I ask.