Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
I could’ve lost Vittoria.
I let go of her hand, and gripping her shoulders, I pull her into my arms. Feeling how limp she is, shreds my soul into an unrecognizable mess.
“Christ, baby,” I groan. “Open your beautiful eyes.”
There’s a knock at the door, which has me laying her back down. I make sure she’s covered before I get up.
“Come in.”
Big Ricky opens the door, and Dr. Barnes comes into the room. I have the man on my payroll in case any of my men need medical assistance or to remove bullets.
“Afternoon, Mr. Rizzo. What can I do for you?”
I gesture at Vittoria. “My wife passed out three hours ago and hasn’t regained consciousness.”
He moves closer, and opening his medical bag, he removes a stethoscope. “Did Mrs. Rizzo show any signs of illness before she fainted?”
“She experienced something traumatic,” I answer vaguely.
“No injuries?” he asks as he listens to her breathing and heartbeat.
“No.”
“Is she pregnant?”
My eyes flick to Vittoria as I reply, “I don’t know. There’s a possibility, though.”
I watch as Dr. Barnes takes her blood pressure, and when he’s done examining her, he looks at me. “Her blood pressure is a little low. My guess is she’s exhausted and just needs rest.” He glances at Vittoria again. “I’ll set an IV to get some fluids into her.”
I stare at Vittoria as I ask, “Her blood pressure is a little low?”
He nods as he climbs to his feet. “She just needs rest and to take it easy for a few days, but I’ll check on her again. Let me know if her condition changes.” He locks eyes with me. “You said she suffered trauma, so I’d recommend she speak with a therapist.”
“That’s something I’ll worry about once she’s woken up.” I let out a sigh. “How long will she be on the IV?”
“The saline bag will be empty in forty-five minutes, then you can remove the needle.” He glances between Big Ricky and me. “You’ve done it before, right?”
We both nod. We’ve dealt with one of the guys being on an IV a few times in the past.
We watch as Dr. Barns sets up the IV, and I hate when the needle pricks her skin. He gestures for Big Ricky to keep the bag raised above Vittoria.
“Thanks, Doc.” I nod as I glance at Big Ricky. “Pay Dr. Barnes and show him out.” I take the IV bag from him and sit down next to Vittoria.
Dr. Barnes tips his head at me before he leaves the room with Big Ricky.
My phone starts to vibrate, and I quickly pull the device out of my pocket. Seeing Damiano’s name flashing on the screen, I answer, “Hey, I found Vittoria.”
“Good. When will you be back?”
“I’m already home,” I inform him.
“We’re coming over.”
Before I can tell him not to bother, he hangs up.
Letting out a tired sigh, I lean over my wife and press a kiss to her lips while making sure to hold the IV fluids above her like Dr. Barnes demonstrated.
Wake up, baby. My soul won’t rest until I see your beautiful smile again.
My eyes drift over every inch of her face, and intense pain slashes through my heart when I think how close I came to losing her.
I’m never leaving you alone again.
“Can I get you anything?” Big Ricky suddenly asks, his tone tense with worry.
I get up and shake my head. “I need you to stay with Vittoria. Damiano and the others are on their way.” I look at Vittoria again before I say, “Call me the second she wakes up.”
“Okay.” He takes the bag from me, and as I pause beside him, I place my hand on his shoulder and lock eyes with him. “Thank you.”
This man is one of the most important people in my life, and I’ll never be able to repay him for everything he’s done for me.
He nods as he murmurs, “Anything for you.”
Leaving the bedroom, I shrug out of my jacket as I head down the stairs.
With everything that’s happened the past two days, I feel unsettled and irritable as fuck.
I toss the jacket over the back of the couch, and before I can sit down, I hear the front door open.
Damiano, Renzo, Franco, and Dario rush into the living room, and I take a moment to shake their hands. Dario is the only fucker who hugs me. The main doesn’t give a shit about personal space.
“What the fuck happened?” Damiano asks.
Franco walks to the side table and pours five tumblers of whiskey. “Everyone helps themselves. I’m not a waiter.”
We all grab a tumbler, and I quickly down the burning liquid before pouring more into the glass.
I glance between my friends, then shake my head. “I don’t know the full story yet.” I walk to the couch and slump down on it. “Christ.”
They all take a seat, their eyes locked on my face.