Page 65 of Sacred Blood

The moment I saw Gabriella trapped in that vehicle, I’d chosen.

Not my oath.

Not my profession.

Her.

I'd taken two lives to save one, and if placed in the same position tomorrow, I knew exactly what I would do. The realization should have horrified me. Instead, it brought an unexpected sense of clarity. Perhaps it wasn’t medicine I was questioning.

Perhaps it was the lie I'd told myself for years—that I could belong to the Vitale family without truly becoming part of what it meant to be a Vitale.

Gaby tried to move out of the way, but Vinny kept her in front of him, forcing her to be part of this little gathering.

“When you’re better, we’re having a serious talk about what happened yesterday.” Romeo’s eyes glittered and I was sure as soon as he deemed me well enough, I’d get an earful about safety and taking over his mission. “For now, all you need to know is, Ivan Knyazev is dead, and all his men with him.”

“All the men he brought here, you mean,” I croaked, trying to sit up.

“I mean all of them.”

“Apparently, he took out Peskov before he came here,” Massimo added. “Peskov’s friends in the Bratva didn’t like that. So Peskov is gone, Knyazev is gone. We have nothing to worry about for now, just focus on getting well.” Massimo patted my shoulder with a hand the size of a bear paw.

“Vincent saved your life. He’d be a good second-in-command for you, eh, brother?” Fausto, the quietest of us all, said with a hint of amusement in his expression. He knew me well enough to know I’d be questioning my life’s purpose after what happened.

Gio winked and nodded at Gaby, who stood far enough in the front to not see my brother’s approval.

“Well, at least we know you’re not completely useless,” Antonio added with a smirk.

I ignored his smart remark. “Who do we owe for saving my life?”

Vinny smiled, placing his hands on Gaby’s shoulders. “Your cattiva infermiera. She has nerves of steel, this one. Kept pressure on your wound the whole way back and wouldn't let anyone near you unless they were helping.

My naughty nurse. My eyes may have shown my surprise, drugged as I was and not having full faculty of my emotions. At least that is what I told myself.

“I’m impressed, piccina. After I recover and thrash you for running away, we’ll have to get you back into school to finish your degree the proper way.”

“If she were mine, she’d spend the week tied to the bed with her ass in the air, fresh ginger every hour while I left my marks,” Romeo said in a serious tone.

“Boring,” Fausto scoffed. “If she were mine, I’d drive her to the edge of orgasms and never let her tumble over the edge.”

“Really, and you think that’s bad?” Massimo drawled. “I’d spank her ass until she couldn’t take any more and then tie her to a punishment chair. When I finally let her up, she’d be grounded for a year.”

“You’re such a Daddy, Simo,” Vinny teased, and we all laughed, except Gabriella, whose cheeks were burning bright red.

“Let’s leave the doctor and nurse alone. Come on, guys.” Gio saluted before grabbing Antonio’s arm and dragging him along.

The remaining three followed suit, bumping and one-upping each other with what they would do if they were punishing Gaby.

When they were finally gone, I gave her a stern look. “And you thought I was the strict one, but they have a point. What should I do with such a naughty girl?”

Gaby looked anywhere but at me. “I should check your vitals.”

I reached for her and pulled her to the edge of the bed. Cupping her chin, I held her gaze. “As soon as I’m out of this bed, we’re getting married.”

She looked uncertain. “But Tano, now you don’t have to.”

“No. I’m marrying you because I want to. You belong with me, and I’ll spend the rest of my life proving to you that I am the right man for you.” Choosing her was the easiest decision I'd ever made.

The certainty settled deep in my chest.