Page 57 of Sacred Blood

I didn't miss the ring.

I didn't even miss the safety.

I missed him. Not because I was afraid of him, but because even though we were parted, I could feel him offering me comfort. His soothing presence surrounded me like a phantom embrace. I hugged myself, pretending mine were his arms, and finally succumbed to slumber.

Chapter Fourteen

Gaetano

The surgery had been long and difficult, the third I’d performed that day. Exhausted, I made my way back to my office for a drink and a quick nap before the last surgery for the day. Not for the first time, I wondered how I could continue this grueling pace with a soon-to-be new wife, or even if it was a wise choice.

I wasn’t the sort to enjoy idleness, but leaving the hospital and opening a private practice might be a better option, or perhaps I could retire as a surgeon and take on more administrative duties, or vice versa. So many options, but what was the right move? The question had been haunting me all day.

Although I had never given thought to marriage before meeting her, Gabriella had wormed her way into my heart, and I could no longer pretend my impending vows were unwanted. That smart mouth of hers and a host of other attributes, played through my mind in a loop. How responsive she was! Her desires aligned so well with mine, and her delightful body could take whatever I could dish out.

True, she had a rebellious nature. Her erratic behavior and insolence weren’t always amusing, but knowing when she was acting out to provoke me and when it was from a place of genuine irritation or fear was easy to figure out. Gaby had no game-face at all. Once I cracked her open, she’d held nothing back from me.

I’d been leaving her messages all day with no response. She was angry, but when I finally made it to the safe house, I planned on reminding her exactly how much she meant to me. Pulling my phone from my desk, I saw I had forty unheard messages. A sliver of fear pierced my heart. Before I could hit the playback key, my brother, Massimo, stormed into my office. The look on his face killed my fatigue and a shot of adrenaline spiked through my system.

“What the hell, Gaetano? Why haven’t you answered your damn phone?”

“It’s called surgery, brother,” I told the raging beast facing me. “What’s wrong?”

“Your girl is gone. Vince had to tell me when he couldn’t get a hold of you. She shut off the alarm system and managed to sneak past the two guards stationed outside. She does know they are there for her protection?”

I could understand his anger, but I refused to be its target. “You want to bitch at me about that or do you want to focus on what’s important?”

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” he sighed and dropped down in a chair. “Can you check your phone and see if she left you any messages that might give us a clue as to her whereabouts?”

Skipping through, I found only one message from Gaby and clicked the speaker. In the next moment, her small, frightened voice filled the room: “Tano, listen. I’m at the Cock & Tail Club with the girls, and something’s not right. I need help.” The sounds of a door being kicked in. Massimo and I exchanged looks. Gabby’s voice dropped to a whisper: “Tano, they’re here.” More sounds of violence, then Gaby’s cool, striving-for-calm voice: “Can I help you, boys? I think you’re in the wrong bathroom.”

My heart went out to my brave girl.

“You’re coming with us, Allegra Calabretta,” we heard, and then the message ended.

Silence settled over the office. For a moment I couldn't breathe. The fear wasn't loud. It wasn't panic.

It was worse.

Cold.

The same sensation that struck before a complicated surgery when everything rested on the next decision. Only this wasn't a patient. This was Gabriella.

I pictured her standing alone in that bathroom, trying to sound brave while fear tightened around her.

My fingers curled into fists.

I'd promised to keep her safe.

Promised her father.

Promised my family.

Promised myself.

Most importantly, I'd promised her.

And I'd failed.