Page 111 of Unspoken Vendetta

I can't believe everything that happened and in this moment it almost feels like a very bad dream. The worst nightmare I've ever had.

I almost lost her.

I almost had to watch her get cut up, torn apart, harvested for money.

I shake my head, heavy and tired with regret for what I put her through.

It's over.

I have to focus on the positive and the positive is that she has a new liver now.

My stomach twists, disgusted, because I know that downstairs, beneath this house Matteo is probably still alive.

Fuck him.

Fuck any sympathy I feel for him.

He's a fucking monster.

I lean forward, resting my head on the edge of Elle's bed and closing my eyes to stop the tears from escaping them.

I'm so tired.

I'm so tired I don't even feel human anymore.

I feel hands beneath my body. I'm being lifted. For a moment I think I'm still strapped to a hospital bed in a dark and scary building.

But I can smell a familiar cologne. I can smell warmth and something that feels like home.

My eyes flutter open and the arch of Stefano's neck drifts into focus.

His snake tattoo curled just above his collar.

I sigh softly and close them again because it's too difficult to open them.

But something is nagging in my memory.

I feel myself being lowered onto a soft bed, warm and welcoming. I want this.

He is tugging my shoes off, gently, carefully.

Elle.

Elle had the surgery.

My heart slams me awake when I remember everything that's happened.

"Elle," I say in panic.

"Lay down, Amelia. You have to sleep. I will call you as soon as Elle wakes up, I promise."

My eyes are so fucking heavy. My head is begging me to sleep. My body wants to give up because it's past the point of just being tired.

I try and fight it because, in my mind, all I want to do is go and sit with my daughter, but I can't. I need to rest.

I feel the pillow caress my head again and my eyes are shut.

Somewhere in a dream, I hear his voice, reassurance - gentle and calm.

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