Chapter 85

Book:Falling For The Mafia Published:2024-6-2

In that agonizingly long second before the guy spoke, I reminded myself, “She’s not dead.”
“Emily is doing well. She will recover quickly. If you’re interested, you may visit her. ”
When I finally felt relief, I almost lost control of my legs. My feet were shaking as I followed the nurse to her hospital room, but I kept my balance and made it there without falling.
As soon as I entered her room, I rushed to her side and took her little hand in mine. That warmth assured me that she was still among us. However, her normally pink cheeks were a dull gray, and her big lips were chapped and pallid.
When I ran my hand across her palm, she woke up.
She murmured, “Nicola?” Not only did she not blink, but I had my doubts as to whether or not she was really conscious. Clearly, she wasn’t aware of anything going on around her. I knew she was delicate, but seeing her like this hurt.
“I’m right here, Sweetheart. I’m not leaving here anytime. ”
“Matthew? ” the words were slurred together by her.
My muscles rippled and flexed with rage, but I was careful not to grip her fragile hand.
I just responded, “Go to sleep, Sweetheart.”
Although the frown between her brows remained, it relaxed after a few of seconds. Her respiration became slow and steady.
The rays from the sun seared my eyes.
It’s on us.
My fault.
I shouldn’t have kept her all to myself.
It was too late to return her to the relative safety of her life. That dream died when my dad’s enemies found out she was hanging out with his son. Having brought her to Lasvagas, they realized her significance to me.
Since Mathew was the one who brought her.
I had felt anger toward him before, but never this destructive. The hatred it contained tore me apart from the inside out.
I may have to return Emily to the safety of his family’s estate, but the trust and friendship that I had with Mathew had been shattered. To me, he was no longer my brother, and Emily was never going to be his. She was exclusively mine.
Emily was still weak and easily exhausted three days after I’d returned to the estate with her. She should still be in the hospital, but I didn’t want to leave her there. When she was on Mathew’s property, behind the massive gates, she felt the most secure.
We had the doctor on call check on her twice daily. Aside from that, I was responsible for her well-being.
And, sensibly, Mathew maintained a respectful distance.
She had repeatedly asked where he was, but I had explained that he was in the city, looking for the scum who had tried to poison my dad. In any other scenario, we’d be the ones to start a war, and that’s something no one in the family would want. It was crucial that my dad win, keep the family together, and continue to be as successful as ever.
It was a relief to have Mathew away while we tracked down the traitor, but a part of me still wanted to pitch in. Mathew came back both times with blood on his hands and split knuckles. He needed to be in the world, dealing pain to Emily’s tormentors. And while I despised my bloodthirsty ways, I would have enjoyed beating the snot out of whoever had nearly stolen her away from me.
Until recently, the only time Mathew had been seen in the bedroom was when he brought Emily food. He put them on the nightstand and let me feed her, which was a smart move on his part. I would punch him again if he tried to pull any Daddy shenanigans in front of me and her. For whatever reason, he was unable to become her father. He was denied the opportunity to shoulder that load. The right was no longer his.
When he left, Emily seemed upset, but otherwise she spent most of her time sleeping.
This day she seemed more alert and lucid than usual. Nearly three hours into the afternoon, she was still sitting up in bed, propped up on pillows. I dragged a TV out of one of the spare rooms so we could all watch together. She laid her head on my shoulder as I sat on the bed next to her.
It was impossible for me to resist her soft skin, her gentle warmth, and her delicate floral aroma. When I held her in my arms, I had to remind myself that she was still alive.
Matthew waited for me to open the door to his room before he came in. As I opened the door, he came in, bearing two plates of hot pasta. To help Emily keep her food down while still getting enough nutrition, he’d been preparing blander dishes.
Without a word or a glance, he placed the dinnerware on the dresser between us.
Emily called out to Matthew in a low, pleading voice.” Please join us and have a seat.”
He stiffened, but jerked his head away in mute refusal. She extended a hand and took his wrist.
“Wait. Keep from leaving. I’d like to have a word with you.”
He said it in a rasp and jerked his hand out of her feeble grip.
“Return.” I knew she was trying to seem tough, but she just didn’t have the strength to back it up.
His stride was tight but resolute as he continued along.
“Please. I need your presence.”
There was a pause as he and I braced ourselves.
“It’s all right, honey. The goal was to provide a calming effect. It’s impossible for Matthew to remain. ” I made it more pointed to make it clear to Mathew that he was unwelcome.
She firmly stated, “No!”I really need you. Please don’t leave, Matthew. “