Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
For Val.
After my interrogation of Bibiana and finding her innocent, Val and I were on our way home. Rocco and even Giovanni had been suspicious. Bibiana’s story didn’t completely add up but my judgment was final and neither of my men would risk my wrath for someone like Tommaso. He hadn’t left anyone behind who actually missed him. That was my luck.
Val put her hand on my leg, smiling in relief. She was grateful for what I’d done. Her eyes shone brightly.
“Thank you for helping Bibi.”
“I did it for you.” I had hidden Bibiana’s involvement for Val, like I’d risked discontent among my men when I’d allowed her to work. I’d betrayed the Outfit’s interests for Carla and now I was doing the same for Val. How much further would I go for her?
Would I regret betraying the Outfit for Val? I doubted it. I’d never regretted my previous betrayals. Val was worth betraying my oath for.
During our next meeting, Giovanni and I listened as Rocco recounted what he’d gathered on the current mood among our soldiers after we’d found the traitors. A situation like this could either spiral out of control because my men considered me open for attack or it would solidify my power. Tommaso’s death had been an additional risk, one I shouldn’t have taken upon myself. Despite his disgusting nature, he’d been well liked among the Captains and soldiers because of his tendency to offer them free whores. His death had caused the most rumors, the most discord. It could have split the Outfit if the truth had gotten out.
Rocco was still suspicious. He was too cunning not to suspect something. He hadn’t been present during the torture so he was unaware of the details of the conspiracy. Maybe he would even have hidden the truth like he’d done with Jacopo but I had absolutely no intention of trusting him with another of my secrets.
Arturo knew that neither Raffaele nor Antonio had mentioned Tommaso as part of their plot, but his focus was very single-minded. As long as I allowed him to torture and kill, occasionally even an Outsider that rubbed him the wrong way, he was well entertained and not a threat. Rocco, too, wouldn’t investigate. He had everything he desired.
Things seemed to have gone smoothly, and yet I couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding.
“Help! Help!”
Rocco fell silent. I jumped up without hesitation, drawing my gun as I stormed out of my office. Rocco and Giovanni were close behind me.
The moment I saw Valentina cradling her belly, pure fear surged through me. I stormed toward her, pushing my gun away. “Valentina? What’s happening?”
“It’s nothing. I didn’t want to disturb your meeting.”
Valentina’s swaying betrayed her words for what they were, a lie. I steadied her and registered the fluid turning her pants darker. The baby.
Valentina could lose this baby before I’d ever told her how happy I was about her pregnancy. Because of me. Because of what I’d put her through?
Giovanni hurried toward us, his face reflecting the worry that threatened to paralyze me. “Valentina?”
“We need to get her to a hospital,” Bibiana said sharply.
I lifted Valentina into my arms.
“Your shirt. You’re getting it dirty.”
As if I gave a damn. I got us into my car and instructed Enzo and Taft to drive ahead, then I rushed off toward the hospital.
Valentina was in pain and there was nothing I could do about it, nothing but get her help as fast as possible. “We should have put a towel on the seat. I’m getting it wet,” she said.
Valentina’s skin was pale, her brows drawn together in concern and pain. “I don’t give a fuck about the seat, or the car, or anything right now. You are all that matters.” I needed to touch her, to feel her warm skin and assure myself that she’d still be there tomorrow. I clutched her hand. “We’re almost there. Are you in pain?”
“It’s not as bad as before. It is your baby, Dante. I never cheated and I never will.”
My suspicion became horrible reality at Valentina’s words. “Is that the reason for this?”
Val regarded me curiously. “You think my water broke because I was upset with you?”
“I don’t know.” I’d never forgive myself if Val lost our kid. “I’m a fucking bastard, Val. If you lose this child…”
Val squeezed my hand as if I was the one who needed reassurance. The moment we arrived at the hospital, doctors rushed toward the car. They threw me nervous glances, knowing full well who I was.
I followed them inside but stayed in the hallway when they rolled Valentina into a treatment room. She gave me another encouraging smile. The moment she was gone, I ran a hand through my hair and released a harsh breath. “Fuck.”
Enzo hurried my way. “We’re keeping an eye on the doors for suspicious activities, boss.” He paused, regarding me. A hint of compassion showed in his brown eyes. “Is she all right?”