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“She’s in shock,” Dante said.
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not.” I scooped her into my arms and laid her on the bed. Immediately, she tried to get up. I stretched out my arm to keep her from doing more than sitting up. Fabian took a bottle of water out of the small refrigerator and handed it to me.
I twisted off the cap and pressed the mouth of the bottle against her lips. “Take small drinks. Just a few sips.”
She did as I asked her. She really wasn’t feeling herself. “Thank you for not arguing.”
Her chin came up, then immediately fell again. “I can’t right now. I...just can’t. But I’m fine. I just need a few minutes.”
I sat next to her on the bed. I’d know when she was ready, but I couldn’t stay.
“Sweetheart, I have to go, but if you—”
“Of course, you do,” she interrupted me. “Go.”
“I don’t want to leave if you need me.”
She lowered her eyes. “I’d love for you to stay, but I know you need to go.”
When I hesitated, she pushed me. “Go on. I’m fine. I’ll be right here. Go check on your people.”
As soon as I stood up, Noemi moved in and took my place.
“Do you mind if I join you?” Dante asked.
I paused in the doorway. “Would it matter if I said yes?”
“No.”
“Come on then. I don’t have the energy to argue with you. Fabian, lock the door behind me. Keep them here. If anything else happens, I want to know they’re safe.”
He nodded. Dante kissed Noemi and promised her he’d be back shortly.
At least he waited until the door closed behind us and we made it to the top of the stairs before he questioned me.
“What the fuck was that all about?” he asked quietly once we made it upstairs.
“I’m working on that. I have enemies just like you do.”
“I don’t know many people who are capable of that.”
“There are a few. I’m sure you know who they are.” My phone buzzed in my pocket. “Go. Yeah. That’s good. Already? I’ll be right there.” I turned back to Dante. “There are no serious injuries, just some cuts and bruises. There’s some footage I need to see.”
Dante stepped out of the way. “Lead on.”
“You’re being remarkably courteous, all things considered.” I said as we walked to my study. I’m not sure I would have been so considerate if the situation had been reversed.
“Two of the three women I care about more than anyone else on the planet were put in danger today. I don’t take that lightly.” His lethal tone returned. “I need more information.”
We stopped outside my office door. “And then?”
A dark glint flashed in his eyes. “And then I hold someone accountable.”
Five minutes later, my team joined me. Dante held back, assuming a casual position against the wall. I appreciated his respect.
Denny pulled up the video footage he wanted me to see and pushed a few bullet casings across the table.
