Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“I see my message got through to you,” Antonio says.
“Everything is a blur, but I heard parts of what was said,” I tell him, unable to help the frown on my face.
Antonio nods, stretching out in the chair by the bed. He looks like he doesn’t have a care in the world right now with his legs spread and arm draped over the back. I wish I could be like that. Right now, I can’t remember how it ever felt.
“Do you know what has happened since you’ve been out?” he asks, carefully.
“You mean do I know Maxwell was killed?” I ask, grimly.
“Yeah,” he sighs, scratching his beard.
“I remember it,” I choke, stifling a cough. Trying to whisper to not wake her up is hard when my mouth is so parched, and my throat feels raw. My voice is harder to use than I can ever remember, it’s as if making any noise is next to impossible.
“What are the doctors saying?” Antonio asks.
“Dr. Monroe said rehab was the next plan of action. My legs are as weak as water. It feels as if they have thousand-pound weights on them. But I’ll make it work.”
“I have no doubt about that. You have too much to live for,” he says as I glance down at Emilia.
“Last thing I remember is she was pissed off at me and now….” I pause.
“And now?” Antonio prompts.
“And now she says she loves me.”
“Emilia has been through hell.”
I frown. “It didn’t look like it last night when Victorio carried her in here in his arms,” I respond, some of my jealousy leaking out. I guess I don’t have it under control after all.
“Last night was Maxwell’s private service for those of us closest to him. “
“Fuck.”
“She needs you. Tonight, will be harder. It’s his service for everyone else, including Maxwell’s family. Emilia hasn’t dealt with them since she found out.”
“Christ. I will be there.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You said your legs are weak as hell. If it wasn’t for the therapists working with your legs and arms while you were comatose, it’d be worse. How do you suppose you’ll walk in there in the shape you’re in?
Emilia stirs in my arms, so I reposition my hold as she pipes up. “He won’t.”
“It’s not nice to eavesdrop.” Antonio says.
“I woke up hearing Niko jealous and figured I would stay quiet because it’s about time that it’s him and not me.
“I don’t remember saying I was jealous.”
“True, but you are.”
I frown, but don’t argue. “Maybe.” She smiles, leaning up to kiss me. When we part, I look down at her. “I thought you were still mad at me from the last time we spoke.”
“I’ve learned time is too short, so you get a pass. Besides, your stupidity almost got you killed. I figure that’s payback enough.”
“Stupidity?” I ask. “Apparently you think you’re safe from punishment because I’m too weak, but I can assure you, you’re not.”
I can see the struggle to smile as she tries not to let the tears in her eyes fall. “I’ve forgotten nothing about you.” My heart squeezes in my chest at the feeling behind her words. “On that note,” she says turning to look at Antonio. “When do I get to talk to Katherine?”
I tense up at her saying her name. “What’s going on here? Why do you need to do that? I told you—”
She interrupts me with a kiss. It’s hard not to melt into her. I deepen the kiss, pushing my tongue into her mouth but I’m interrupted when Antonio clears his throat after a heavy sigh.
“Emilia has this idea that Katherine was lying. She thinks she showed up in Greece to help whoever it is that ambushed the two of you.”
Emilia flinches and I rub her back gently trying to help soothe her.
“Katherine is many things, but she’s not a killer. Why on earth would she have something to do with this?”
“Money?” Antonio asks. “She’s always been a mercenary.”
“Maybe…” I pause as I think it over. “But it’s not like I didn’t give her a severance check when we split ways.”
Emilia frowns, making sure to fully look at me. “If you think you can end things with us by paying me off, you best think again.”
“I told you. You’re never getting away.” I try to give her a look that dares her to argue, but I don’t think it works. “I still don’t know what Katherine would have to gain from this.”
“Why would she have to gain anything?” Emilia asks. “Haven’t you heard the old saying A woman scorned…”
“Yes, but she has no reason to be scorned. She got money and a home, and I got—”
“I know what she got,” Emilia says holding her hand against my mouth to stop me. “I’d rather not hear about it.”
Antonio laughs. “Now that is the Emilia I remember from the past.”