Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
“She’s special,” he said quietly when I arrived and found him seated beside her, answering emails on his phone.
“Did she wake up?”
“Yes. We talked a little. She is…” He smiled. “She is your other half, Aldo.”
I frowned, and he placed his hand on my shoulder. “You deserve it. You deserve her.”
“I just murdered a man in cold blood and enjoyed it. What kind of person does that?”
“A man protecting the woman he loves. It is part of the world we inhabit, Aldo. It doesn’t change the man you are. You are, I think, exactly what she needs.” He paused. “She is exactly what you need. Take care of her. Talk to her.”
“And tell her what when she asks?” I questioned. “Because she is going to ask.”
“She already did, and I told her. She was grateful. To both of us.”
That surprised me.
“She knows who you are. She still loves you. She told me that.”
“The two of you were having a good gab session about feelings, were you?” I asked.
He grinned. “Pain meds tend to make people talkative. And frankly, I was glad they did. I like her, Aldo. I like her a lot. Don’t fuck this up.”
I didn’t have a chance to retort since Dr. Sims had walked in, and shortly after, Vi woke up.
But now as I sat and watched her, I knew he was right. She was special, and she was mine. She was also hurt and needed my care, and she would have that.
My phone buzzed with a message, and I saw it was Roman.
BTW, I added to the guest list—you and a plus-one for the wedding. It’s in ten days, so she should be well enough to come. Luca is thrilled. He can’t wait to meet her. And you should take her to see Nonna again. I might have mentioned your new relationship status to her.
I had no response aside from a rude icon I sent him. I knew the bastard was laughing at me, enjoying all this. I sent him a return message.
Me
Wait until it is your turn. I am going to have a shit-ton of fun at your expense.
Roman
Will never happen.
Me
Never say never, you smug prick. I’ll remind you of this one day.
He returned my rude icon, and I set aside my phone, then picked it up again. I had things that needed to happen, and I needed help.
VI
I woke up to the sun filling the hospital room. Aldo was beside me, his head bent as he frowned at something on his phone. I cleared my sore throat, and he looked up, instantly alert. He slid his phone into his pocket and leaned over closer to me. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were a mass of emotions. Far too many to understand.
“Hey baby, how are you feeling?”
“Sore. Thirsty.”
“I got you this.” He placed a straw in my mouth, and I sipped the icy cold mango smoothie. It was delicious and felt good on my throat. He smiled as I gripped the cup, pulling it from his hands.
“Take it slow,” he advised.
I sipped the delicious beverage.
“When you’re done, they’ll check you out and discharge you.”
“It’s noon?”
He chuckled. “You remembered hearing that, did you?”
“Bits and pieces. Did I pass the CT?”
“Yes, and it’s almost twelve. I’ll take you home—you’ll be more comfortable.” He paused. “My place.”
I nodded in agreement. “The hotel will be more comfortable.”
He shook his head. “My house. I’m taking you to my house.”
I stopped sipping and looked at him. “Why?”
“Because I can care for you there easier. You’ll have the privacy and space you need to heal.” He cleared his throat. “As long as you’re okay with that.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. “You’ve never—I mean, I didn’t think—”
He smiled and tapped my cheek. “I’m sure, baby. It’s time. More than time, really. I want you to see where I’m just Aldo. See how you feel about him.”
I took his hand, feeling the rough edges of his fingers. The heat of his skin. The way he wrapped his large palm around mine protectively. Carefully.
“I’d like that.”
“Good. I got some of your things brought over. Brian and Fran know you’re staying with me. Your shifts are covered for the next while. I’ve handled everything.” He fixed me with a look. “Even the tip-sharing for Derek. You should have told me about that. I would have helped.”
“It was my thing, not yours.”
“Well, he is covered. Tips and extra hours.” He smiled at me, tenderness softening his face. “You’re too good a person for me, Vi.”
“No. We’re perfect for each other.”
He stood, then kissed me softly. “I’ll tell the doc you’re ready.”
I watched him go, worry and pain battling for dominance. Aldo seemed too calm. Was he really okay?
What did his taking me to his house signify? Was it as important a step as I thought, or was he reacting to my being attacked?