Page 44 of Vicious Rule

“Not sure. I have Salvatore on it now. He just left, so I expect to hear something by the end of the day. Don’t worry. I’m fine. It wasn’t meant to kill me. Just a little ding to my shoulder.”

I’m acting like it’s no big deal while my shoulder feels like it’s on fucking fire. I should have asked Sasha to bring an ice pack back with her. Where the fuck is that doctor?

“You pissed someone off, it seems. Find out who and take care of them. And then take care of the Olivettis. That’s what I was calling about last night. I’m guessing you didn’t handle that yet?”

Sure, I killed an entire family off and then on the way home I got shot. Wouldn’t I start the goddamned conversation off with that if I had finished that job?

“It’ll get done. No worries. It’s not like my injury will get in my way.”

He doesn’t pick up on the sarcasm dripping off every word I utter. All the better. Helix Rule has never been very good with any kind of attitude from me anyway.

“If your mother hears you’re hurt, she’s going to want to come there to see you, so I’m thinking I shouldn’t tell her. You know how she gets.”

My mother visiting wouldn’t actually be a terrible idea. I may not be her favorite, but she does like babying me sometimes, and right now, I could use some TLC.

“Feel free to tell her what happened. She can come see me if she wants. It’s not the best timing, but considering what I do for a living, no time is going to be perfect. So send her over.”

“Fine. I doubt anyone’s going to be shooting at you for the next few days, so maybe she could stay for a little while. She was going to visit for your birthday in a few months, but this will give her a chance to see you and then go down to your brother’s place to see how he and Aria are doing. Just be sure to get the Olivettis taken care of. Understand?”

I hum my understanding even as I remember my father telling me how he hated when his father would use that phrase. As if either of us are complete morons who can’t understand an order.

“Okay. Do as the doctor says. Getting shot in the shoulder isn’t the worst thing that could happen, but it hurts like a son of a bitch for a few days, so stay strong.”

That’s Helix Rule’s attempt at a pep talk, so I take it for what it’s meant to be and thank him.

Sasha comes running in after I yell for her, and as I hand her the phone, I tell her the news. “Guess who’s coming to visit? My mother. Have the housekeepers make up the biggest guest room. And get some of those flowers she likes. What are they? Not roses but those pink flowers.”

“I think you mean lilies. I’ll call the florist and order some. When is she coming?”

Shaking my head, I silently chastise myself for not asking. “Not sure. Probably this week, so have them delivered as soon as possible.”

“I will,” Sasha answers, and I sense she’s not happy about something.

“What’s wrong?”

She frowns and then shrugs. “I’m worried. If your mother is coming, that means you must be worse off than I thought.”

“I’m not. I actually think my father wants to have some time to himself, if I’m being honest. Don’t worry. She’ll only be here for a few days at most. The interesting part of her visit waits for her south of here.”

“Oh, she’s coming to see Gideon and Aria too?”

I nod, already tired of talking about my family. “Yeah. You know, there’s a baby getting ready to make its appearance, so everyone’s very excited.”

Sasha smiles at my less than enthusiastic comment about my future niece or nephew. “You don’t sound too thrilled.”

“Doesn’t matter to me one way or another what Gideon and Aria do when it comes to reproducing. Have kids. Don’t have kids. It’s not my life. All I know is I don’t want any kids running around my villa, so keep the little rugrat at the hotel.”

She turns on her heel to leave as she says, “I don’t think they’ll care you’re not jockeying to be Uncle of the Year. I suspect your parents being thrilled about the new baby is enough for them. By the way, the doctor is due here in an hour.”

I flop back on the pillows and close my eyes as the thought of my father saying coochie coochie coo and getting all excited about a baby floats through my brain. First Gideon gets to live his life and be left alone, unlike the rest of us, and now he gets to give my father his first grandchild.

If it’s a boy, my parents will probably buy him and Aria a fucking island.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Sasha

A few hours after the doctor left Alex resting comfortably and doped up high as a kite, I see Kerry walk through the front door to the villa carrying two suitcases. That doesn’t look like she’s only staying a few days. Then I remember this trip isn’t only to see Alex but to visit Gideon and Aria too.

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