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“Who did this?” Caterina asks, in complete and utter shock.
“I don’t know, Bunny. I don’t know.”
“Sir,” the little girl asks from the back seat. I turn to look at her tear-streaked cheeks. “Will my mother be alright?”
“She’ll be fine, little dove,” I say, even though I don’t know if that’s true.
Just then, my phone rings. I glance at the caller ID—it’s Ivan. I answer in a rush, unable to take my eyes off the road.
“Ivan,” I bark into the receiver. “Caterina and Emiliana need help. Are you all okay?”
“We’re fine. Caterina and Emiliana are hurt?”
“Caterina is shot. Emiliana is fine, physically.”
“Listen to me. Bring them back to our estate. We can treat her in the private clinic and care for the child. Vanya and Sergei are with me. We’ll be waiting, ready for you.”
“Thank you, brother.”
Chapter 10 - Caterina
The searing pain rips through my abdomen, causing waves of agony. I bite my lip to stop from crying out, clutching Emiliana tighter to my chest. My breaths come in short, raspy gasps as I fight to stay conscious.
Emiliana’s wide eyes search my face, her small hand reaching up to stroke my cheek. “Mamma?” Her voice quivers.
I force a smile through the haze of pain. “I’m okay,piccolina,” I lie, my voice barely a whisper. Gritting my teeth, I shift to cradle her to the other side, where I’m not shot. She nuzzles against me, her warmth and baby scent comforting despite the fire in my stomach.
I won’t let her see my fear. My brave little girl. I blink back tears, focusing on her rosebud mouth and long lashes. So like her father’s. A spasm racks my body and I moan involuntarily. Emiliana clutches my shirt. “Hurts?”
“Just a scratch, my love.” My vision blurs, but I keep my eyes locked on hers. So long as she needs me, I can do this. I stroke her hair, humming a lullaby between labored breaths. She is my whole world. I’ll be strong for her, no matter what comes.
Mikhail’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror, his jaw clenched tight. He reaches back to squeeze my hand, rough palm pressing warmth into my cold fingers.
“We’re almost there, Bunny. Hold on.” His voice is strained but steady. This is how I remember him. Always the rock in any storm.
I manage a weak nod, keeping my focus on Emiliana. Her eyelids droop as I caress her cheek, my humming growing moredisjointed. Darkness creeps at the edge of my vision. No. I force my eyes open wide, blinking back the threat of unconsciousness.
The car swerves around a corner and I gasp as pain shoots across my wound. Up ahead, the wrought iron gates of the Zolotov compound come into view. We’re so close.
Mikhail hits the brakes hard, tires screeching as we halt haphazardly in the drive. Doors are flung open before we even stop moving. Ivan and Vanya rush to my side, their faces creased with worry. Even Sergei lingers behind them, uncharacteristically somber.
“Hurry, get her inside!” Ivan barks. Strong arms slide under me, lifting me from the leather seat. Vanya reaches for Emiliana, murmuring soothing words.
As they pull me from the car, I surrender to the darkness. We’re here. We’re safe. I let go, trusting them to take care of my little girl.
Mikhail’s family. Emiliana’s family too. My body goes limp as I finally give in to the pain, the world fading away.
***
The haze of pain threatens to overwhelm me as I’m wheeled down the long hallway toward the basement medical facility. Each bump in the concrete floor sends white-hot agony through my body, but I grit my teeth, determined not to show weakness.
As we descend in the rickety elevator, the sterile smell of antiseptic hits me.
The nurses spring into action as I’m transferred to the operating table, their movements quick and efficient. Oneinserts an IV while another tapes heart monitors to my chest. I’m vaguely aware of the doctor briefing Mikhail in hushed, urgent tones. His brows are furrowed, his jaw tense. Our eyes meet and his expression softens.
“Be strong, Bunny. I’ll be right here when you wake,” he murmurs, squeezing my hand.
The nurse fits a mask over my face and within seconds everything starts to blur. As the anesthesia takes hold, the bright lights overhead smear into a glowing halo. The voices around me fade to a soothing hum.
