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The thought makes me feel helpless. What’s the point of my life if everything is predestined? I hate the thought of not having a say in what’s happening, of being a slave to whatever is coming my way. But I have no choice but to walk the path I’m on. There is no going back… forward is the only option. And with Tiero on life support the faster the better.
The aircraft taxies to a stop. After over nine hours in the air, we’re on firm ground again, and everyone sighs with relief. I made it in one piece and without complications.
My heart fluttered uncomfortably when we started the descent on Rome. I wasn’t sure if it was the altitude change or my nerves coming alive about seeing Tiero.
In what state will I find him?
He’s been on my mind the entire flight. I kept praying that we weren’t too late, that he was still alive, that they found a set of lungs for him, that he was already in surgery and by the time I saw him, he was well on the way to a full recovery.
One can dream, right? Because I know it’s wishful thinking, my gut telling me nothing has changed.
Aiden scoops me up into his arms, and I protest. I don’t want anyone to see I’m not well.
“Please, put me down. I can walk.”
Aiden’s tone is stern. If the circumstances were different, I’d probably be turned on. “No exertion. Doctor’s orders.”
“I don’t want to be carried off this plane,” I insist.
“Now is not the time to be stubborn, Sunshine.” I roll my eyes at him but give in. He’s right. There are more important things than how I get to the car that’s going to take us straight to the hospital.
We both look out the window as four heavily tinted black SUVs roll up.
“Why is Mateo sending so many cars? That’s a little over the top.”
Aiden frowns. “Perhaps not. Remember, we have no idea what we’re walking into.” He pulls me a little closer to his chest. Is he even aware he’s doing that? Or is his instinct to protect me so ingrained? “I’m glad he’s taking precautions. Just imagine the shit show if something happens to you.”
Unease swirls in my stomach. Are we really in that much danger?
Being back in Italy awakens all sorts of repressed feelings inside me. The horror of waking up in a strange bed after being drugged, the kidnap attempts, watching Oriana die and Alonso… Oh my god, Alonso. I never asked Tiero if he made it, if he’s still alive.
The memories have my heart hammering against my chest, and I take a few deep breaths, willing myself to calm down.
I’m not going to be kidnapped again. I’ve got Aiden with me this time, and he won’t let anything happen to me. Besides, Molinaro is dead, and he was the one who was after me. All is well. I’m safe. I repeat this over and over in my mind as Aiden carries me surefooted down the stairs.
Santino is waiting for us by the car, frowning when he sees me in Aiden’s arms. I knew now was not the time to look like newlyweds, but there is no arguing with my fiancé when he only has my best interest at heart. He doesn’t give a damn what anybody thinks; I’m his only priority.
“Santino,” I say in greeting. “How is Tiero?”
“Miss O’Neil, Mr. Burg,” he acknowledges a little stiff. Turning to me, he says, “There has been no change. He’s in and out of consciousness.”
My stomach sinks, my heart missing a beat. I gasp at the sensation but shut my mouth, not wanting to alarm Aiden. But nothing escapes his notice, especially when it comes to my well-being. His jaw clenches, and he calls Doctor Simmons and Becky over to ride with us. He nods at them, and after he puts me gently down on the backseat of one of the middle cars, Becky takes my pulse while Santino watches on with a puzzled expression on his face.
“I’m fine,” I tell him, but he just raises an eyebrow before rounding the car and sliding into the passenger seat.
I look out the window as Rome rushes by like a movie. My hand in Aiden’s, I see nothing. I never wanted to return to this city, yet here I am.
I feel calmer than I should, but that could be the medication to keep my heart steady.
My medical team sits in the row in front of us, a constant eye on the travel heart monitor. Electrodes are taped to my chest and a wrist monitor measures my blood pressure. I know it’s necessary, but it feels like an invasion of my privacy. I can’t get upset without anybody knowing, and it bugs me.
After half an hour, we pull up at the hospital’s back entrance. Armed guards stand there, one coming over to open the car door for us. I’ve seen him before and give him a tentative smile. He nods and steps back.
As we enter the building, Mateo walks towards us. Dressed in a dark suit, he looks every bit the mob boss Tiero is. He must have taken over the reins until his brother recovers, and he looks the part. His normally easygoing, jovial face is serious, the dark rings beneath his eyes a sign of the sleepless nights he’s had to endure. My heart hurts for him. He and Tiero are close, just like Rhia and me.
Shit… Rhia. Nobody has told her I left Atlanta, and she’ll have arrived there only to find me gone.
I curse internally. I can’t ring her now; there’s no time for that. “Aiden, can you please tell Rhia where we are?” I ask, just before Mateo reaches us.
