Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
My body ached like a bitch and my head pounded, but I was determined. “No. Tell me everything first.”
“According to Gregory, Marianne somehow seduced Timothy. Turned him against Gregory. Gregory said when he spoke to Timothy, he ranted at him about being used and he should be in control. He’d been acting odd, and Gregory figured out what was going on. Confronted Timothy. Found Marianne with him. They argued, and Timothy threatened Gregory, knocked him out. When he came to, he called me.”
“And you found us.”
“Yes.”
“The site?”
He smiled grimly. “The men cleaned up the area right away. The story of a car repeatedly backfiring was confirmed by the graveyard manager. Who kindly dug a deeper grave than usual where two bodies will never be discovered.” A satisfied gleam filled his eyes. “I watched it happen to be certain. Earlier today, a coffin was placed on top, and the family had no clue. A donation was made in the man’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association. And the cemetery manager has a generous contribution to his retirement fund.”
“Alex?”
“His family have been notified and taken care of.”
I nodded grimly.
“How long have I been out?”
“Two days. The bitch nicked an artery. You lost a lot of blood, Roman. We got you here as fast as we could, and Dr. Sims started on you right away. Surgery happened immediately. I donated blood, as did Vi. There was a line of your men willing to do so as well. Effie wanted to, but the doc said no. She was very upset.” He frowned. “Another millimeter and I would be attending your funeral, not your bedside.”
I sighed, shutting my eyes, already exhausted. “Nonna?” I asked.
“Has been here. So has Luca. He took her home a short while ago. They’ll be thrilled to hear you woke up.” He smiled. “As will your wife, who refused to leave you.”
I turned my head, studying Effie. I didn’t like seeing her in a chair. “She needs to be recuperating as well.”
“I’ll let you pick that fight. She is stubborn and would not leave this room.” A grin pulled at his lips. “She even backtalked Nonna.”
“My little tiger.”
“She is.”
“When can I get out of here?”
“You just woke up,” Effie’s voice interrupted us. I turned my head, meeting her violet-blue gaze. There were circles under her eyes, and she looked upset. She glanced at Aldo. “Which means you should have woken me.”
Aldo looked at me with a wink. “I’ll go find the doctor now. Give you two a few moments.”
He left, and Effie unfurled herself from the chair. Her movements were stiff, and she tried to hide her grimace but failed.
“You should be in bed.”
“And you should be quiet and resting. Not interrogating Aldo.” She stood and tugged at the blanket. “What do you need?”
I smiled at her. “You.”
Instantly, her bravado failed, and her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Roman,” she whispered brokenly. “You have me.”
I lifted my arm, pulling her down gently so our faces were close. “I know.”
“You do?”
“I heard you, Effie. Before I passed out, while I was out. I kept hearing your voice telling me you loved me. Begging me to stay.” I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “How could I resist such a sweet plea?”
A sob escaped her lips, and I shook my head. “Hush. I’m fine. I’m right here.”
She nodded, tears coursing down her cheeks anyway. I wiped them away. “God, I want to kiss you.”
“Why aren’t you?”
“I’ve been out for two days. No doubt I smell horrible, and God knows how my breath—”
She cut me off, pressing her mouth to mine. We kissed gently, our lips moving and sliding, but neither of us deepened the caress. It was a moment of reconnection, of saying hello, of a new, intimate level in our relationship.
She pulled back. “I love you, Roman Costas.”
Her words healed every jagged tear of my heart. Brought life to the parts of it I thought were dead. Filled me with a buoyancy I had never experienced. Despite the pain and exhaustion, I felt alive. Truly alive for the first time in my life.
I stroked her cheek. “I love you, Effie Costas.”
The door opened, and Dr. Sims and Aldo walked in.
I touched her lips. “To be continued.”
EFFIE
The hospital room was finally quiet. Roman was resting, but his face still looked tense. The doctor was pleased he was awake. Aldo was beyond relieved. Roman had spoken with his nonna and brother, assuring them he was doing well. They planned a visit in the morning. Vi came and took Aldo home, bringing me a change of clothes. She helped me shower since my arm hurt to move too much and I still had a headache. She muttered a lot about my bitch of a sister shooting me, and I didn’t argue or defend Marianne.
Roman grumbled about not getting up or being disconnected from all the machines he was on, but Dr. Sims informed him they had removed some of them, and the rest would happen the next day once he was convinced Roman was stable. He was allowed to brush his teeth and have a sponge bath. He complained bitterly to the nurse who did it, informing her his wife would do a far better job. She told him to be quiet and that “his wife” was in no shape to put up with his smart mouth.