Page 47 of Aldo

“You should leave her until the morning,” the unfamiliar voice said.

“It is morning. It’s four a.m.,” Aldo said dryly.

“Is she in danger?” Roman asked, sounding like the voice of reason.

“She needs to be watched. We’re monitoring her here.”

I recalled being woken a few times. A gentle voice asking me questions before I was allowed to fall asleep again. Each time, I was given some water to sip. I needed some of that now.

“I’ll ask again. If I take her, is she in danger?”

“I want her here.”

“Fine. Then I’m staying.”

“Aldo?” I called, although my voice sounded more like a whisper. A rough one at that.

He was beside me quickly. “Vi, baby, I’m right here.”

I blinked open my eyes and met his dark, penetrating gaze.

“Thirsty,” I managed to get out.

He pressed the water cup to my mouth, and I sipped, grateful as the cool water helped soothe the burn in my throat. He stepped aside so the doctor could examine me, but Aldo kept his gaze locked with mine and his hand on my arm.

Dr. Sims straightened. “All looks good.”

“So, she can go?”

The doctor sighed. “In eight hours. I want another CT scan, and if she is okay at noon, you can take her.”

Aldo nodded, looking grim. Roman gripped his arm and said something to him. Then he turned to me and offered me a smile. He touched my cheek. “I’ll see you later, doll. Remember what I said?”

I nodded cautiously since it hurt to move my head too much.

Aldo glared at him, and Roman laughed and left with the doctor. I sighed as I felt Aldo cup my face. “What do you need?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you in pain?”

“Is he dead?”

Aldo looked startled.

“I know you were gone. I woke up, and Roman told me.”

He looked displeased, so I asked again. “Is he dead?”

“Very. I made sure of it.”

“How?”

“Vi—”

I interrupted him. “How?”

He leaned over me, rage simmering in his gaze. “First, with my hands until he begged, and then I shot him. Six times. I started with his feet. I ended with his head.”