Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
I walk to the large windows, looking out over the city skyline. The view, normally a source of comfort and power, does little to ease my mind today. Thoughts of Mira flit through my mind. She should be back by now.
I check the time on my watch and then my phone again, hoping for a message or a call to let me know they’re on their way. Nothing. My fingers tap a restless rhythm on the side table as I prowl the living room, every fiber of my being on edge.
Over the years, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, and every single molecule in my being is telling me something is wrong. I can feel it in my bones, a deep, primal instinct that’s kept me alive through countless battles and betrayals. The air seems heavier, charged with an electric tension that heightens my senses.
Where are they? Anxiety sharpens my thoughts into a focused concern.
I don’t care if I come off as an overprotective caveman, I’m texting her and telling her to get her gorgeous ass home. I pull out my phone as footsteps echo in the hallway. I turn just as Antonio strides in, his face a mask of urgency. His usual calm demeanor is replaced with a look of strained intensity, and instantly, my heart drops. Fucking hell. I can’t survive without Mira.
“What is it?” I demand, voice steely, every muscle in my body coiling as terror cuts through me.
“Lorenzo,” Antonio begins, his voice tight. “There’s been an incident.”
My mind races, a flurry of scenarios flashing through my head. “What the fuck happened?” I ask, trying to keep my voice level even as dread creeps into my veins.
Antonio steps closer, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that speaks volumes. “The SUV was sideswiped at a red light. Mira, Lila… they’ve been hurt.”
“Where are they?” My voice is barely more than a growl, raw and filled with fear I can’t hide. “Is she alive?” I need to know she’s still breathing. We can deal with anything else.
He places a hand on my shoulder as if to ground me. “They’re being taken to the nearest hospital. Renaldo and Mario are with them, and they appear to have minor injuries. I came to inform you immediately.”
My chest tightens, my world narrowing to a single point of focus. I need to get to Mira and reassure myself she’s okay. “Let’s go,” I say, already moving toward the door, every second feeling like an eternity.
The ride to the hospital is a blur of frantic thoughts and pounding adrenaline. Antonio drives with a sense of urgency that matches my own, weaving through the city streets with a precision born of necessity.
My mind is a storm of fear and determination. I can’t lose her. Not now. Not ever.
Arriving at the hospital, I barely wait for the car to stop before I’m out, striding through the entrance with Antonio at my heels. The sterile smell hits me immediately, the bright lights harsh and unforgiving.
“Where are they?” I bark at the nurse behind the desk, my voice commanding and leaving no room for hesitation.
“Who are you looking for?” Her bored, quiet professionalism makes me want to slam my fist through the goddamn window she’s standing behind.
“Fucking hell,” I growl as Antonio steps up and takes over for me.
“We’re here for Mira and Lila Jones.” Before the nurse can answer, Renaldo walks over and signals for us to follow him.
As we approach the last room at the end of the hall, I catch sight of Mario standing guard outside the room. His expression is grave, and he straightens as we approach.
“Are they okay?” I ask, my voice a blend of authority, barely contained terror, and rage.
“Stable, but Mira was unconscious for a while,” Renaldo says. “Lila is mostly unharmed, but they’re both shaken.”
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus. “I need to see her,” I say, pushing past and entering the room.
Mira lies on a hospital bed, her face pale but peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos I’m feeling inside. Lila is sitting in the chair next to the bed, awake but looking dazed, her eyes widening with relief when she sees me.
“Mira,” I say softly, crossing swiftly to her side and taking her hand in mine. She stirs slightly, her eyelids fluttering.
“Lorenzo,” she whispers, her voice weak but unmistakably hers. “I knew you’d come.”
“I’m here,” I say, my voice cracking with emotion. “I’m right here. You’re safe.”
She tries to smile, the effort both achingly beautiful and heartbreaking. I brush a strand of hair from her face, my heart swelling with a mixture of relief and fierce protectiveness.
Lila looks over, her eyes filling with tears. “She… she called out for you. It was all she could think about.”
I nod, choking back the lump in my throat. “I will always come for her.”