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I gasp, this time in relief rather than rage, as more tears spring from my eyes. “Does that mean I’m not… I’m not insane?” I sob and release their hands to covermy mouth.
“Insane? Is that what he told you? I’m going to kill that motherfu––”
“Miriam! We need to calm her down, not rile her up,” Addie lectures and turns her eyes back to me. “Why would you think you’re insane, Greta?”
My teeth chatter and my body shakes as copious amounts of endorphins and adrenaline dump into my blood. “H… he did. Sebastian did,” I clarify with a tremble in my voice. Closing my eyes, I take a deep inhale then exhale before speaking. “I remember waking up in a mental health hospital, strapped to a bed, and told I had had a psychotic break.” My brow furrows as I try to recall more memories, but the images are fuzzy. “I don’t remember what I did to land myself in a mental hospital, and when I asked Sebastian, he said it didn’t matter and that he’d take care of me. He also said we were married and showed me the marriage certificate.” An imaginary hand closes around my throat, and suddenly I can’t get enough air. My heart rate rises, and with it, the stabbing pain in myshoulder.
I wince and reach for the wound when Miriam grabs my hand and pulls it into hers. “Whoa, easy, sis. No more for now. Just know that you’re completely sane, and we’re here for youas always.” I giggle around another gasp, and more tears fall.
“Aw, don’t cry, sis. You know what I think will make you smile?” Miriam whistles loudly, and the next thing I know, light shines from the door opening, and the beast of a dog from before comes galloping through the door. My skull feels like it will split open any minute when like a bolt of lightning, the memory of me holding the runt of the litter of Dobermans abandoned on the street comes rushing forward. I sob with glee when he rushes to my bedside and waits patiently for the okay to jump on the bed with me. I pat my leg, and he jumps on the end of the bed before leaning over me and sniffing my injuredshoulder.
I pat his smooth head and kiss his cold, wet nose. “Rooster,” I sigh and breathe in his doggy smell. “I’m okay, baby. I missed you so much,” I cry into his sleek fur. My head pounds with more memories of my baby boy, but I couldn’t care less. He is in my arms, safeand sound.
Rooster yips, then circles at the foot of the hospital bed several times before plopping down with a happy grumble.
15
Emiliano
Pacing outside Greta’s room is driving the nurses and attending doctors crazy. And commandeering one of their workstations so I can get some work done while I’m banned from seeing her is getting metaphorical daggers thrown at me, but I don’t give a shit. I am not leaving this hospital without her by my side.
My fist comes down hard on the nurse’s station as I study the numbers in front of me. Sebastian was making out like a bandit with his flesh trade. Add in the luxury yacht-building business; his wealth nearly matches my own.
But notfor long.
After burning Vasile’s operation to the ground, I released everything having to do with the trafficking to Xander, who sent it to his bosses. He assured me MHS would work to find the women and children and close down shop. My attorney is currently taking out the trash in ways of anything illegal associated with the yacht business, which I plan to re-brand, restaff, and legitimatize within six months with one of my trusted men atthe helm.
“Emil,” Adelaide calls.
Standing, I give the petite little brunette nurse a wink before walking to Addie, where she stands outside Greta’s room. “Is everythingalright?”
“Yes, everything is fine. She… she remembers you from the day she was shot. She asked us if we knew who you were, and of course, we told her yes….” She trails off.
“And,” I prompt impatiently.
“She wants to thank you for saving her life. We told her she knew you previously but not in what capacity. Emil, I don’t know how you should handle this. All ask is that you use your best judgment.” She squeezes my bicep, a plea inher voice.
Nodding, I move around her and enter Greta’s room to infant cooing preceded by laughter. I stop just inside her room to watch her from the shadows, hoping it will be the last time I will have to watch from adistance.
“You’re so handsome. I can’t stand it,” she baby talks, then buries her face in the boy’s stomach, pretending to gobble him up.
My chest pinches, and I can’t stop the smile that stretches my lips watching her play with the little boy.
She’ll make a wonderful mother.
“Oh, hey there,” her lyrical voice floats in the stale hospital air to reach the deep longing inside me. “Emiliano, right?” She smiles and fuck me if my knees don’t go weak.
Ignoring Miriam’s scowl, I step from the shadows and walk to Greta’s bedside, stopping a few feet away with my hands tucked into my jeans, so I don’t reach out for her. “That’s correct, Emiliano Calvano. Though you may callme Emil.”
“Emil,” she tries my name on for size, and I have to keep my eyes from fluttering shut hearing her sweet voice say my name. Though, there is no help for my cock that stretches against my zipper. “Come to think of it, your name does sound familiar, but I just can’t place it. Would you mind filling in some blanks?”
“Greta, I’m not sure––”
“Miriam, it’s Greta’s decision,” Addie defends, and with a quiet growl and one last warning look from Miriam, they take the boyand leave.
Greta watches me, a slight smile on her beautiful face and a twinkle of curiosity in her sapphire eyes. “Before you begin, I believe a thank you is in order. You savedmy life.”
“Let’s not forget you saved me first,” I argue.
