“I don’t need a nurse.”
He gives me one look, and I stop talking.
Stefano is already moving.
Maverick rubs his hand carefully over my foot, trying to warm my toes through the blanket.
“Maverick,” I say softly.
His thumb stills against my ankle.
“I’m okay.”
His eyes lift to mine.
“No,” he says quietly. “You’re alive. There’s a difference.”
My throat tightens.
Livy sniffles beside me. “Mav?”
His face softens instantly when he looks at her. “She’s gonna be okay,piccola. We’re gonna make sure of it.”
The nurse steps in with Stefano behind her, carrying another heated blanket.
Maverick moves only enough to let her work.
What he doesn’t do is let go of my foot.
“Okay,” Stefano says, “I have Luca bringing over wool socks, gloves, and sweaters. Come on, littleDon. Let’s get home and warm the house before your mama gets there.”
“All right, Steffy.” Livy looks back at me. “I’ll see you guys at home. Take care of my mama, Mav.”
“Only if you take care of my brother.”
“Deal,” she says, holding out her hand.
Maverick takes it with his free hand and shakes it once.
Then he kisses the back of her hand.
Livy’s eyes narrow. “That’s not how you make a deal with all the other people, is it?”
“No,” he says with a soft chuckle. “I don’t kiss their hands.”
“Good. That’s just for me.”
“Only you,piccola,” he promises.
Livy seems satisfied with that.
Stefano shifts her higher in his arms. “Come on,DonLivy. Let’s go boss around Luca.”
Her tired smile appears. “Finally. Someone understands my needs.”
The nurse steps forward and checks my toes, then my fingers. I told them earlier about my Raynaud’s, so she already knows why they’re pale.
“I think you’ll be fine,” she tells us. “Just get them warmed up as soon as you can.”
