Page 78 of Ruthless Vow

The gun.

“I got shot,” I whisper.

“The bullet was meant for me,” Leo says. “You took the bullet meant for me.”

It was. And I did. It wasn’t even a decision, not a thought, not a plan. I simply acted, putting myself between Bianca’s gun and Leo as if it was the most natural choice in the world. Because it was.

“You nearly died,” he says, his voice raw. “So close, Nicki. So fucking close.”

Nicki. I like the way that sounds. No one calls me Nicki. Leo’s never called me anything but Nicole.

“Where’s my aunt?”

“She’s dead,” he says. “I killed her.”

The answer doesn’t surprise me. I wait to feel a whisper of grief, but there’s only relief.

“Okay,” I say. I don’t ask for details. I don’t want to know, not now anyway.

“When did the hospital release me?” I ask.Whydid they release me if I wasn’t even conscious?

“No hospital,” Leo says. “I have a doctor and three nurses here taking care of you around the clock.”

Of course that made sense. Hospitals would ask too many questions, create too much paperwork. If there’s one thing I know about, it’s paperwork.

There’s a flash of movement at the door as Sabina enters carrying a large, colorful bouquet of roses.

“I don’t know what she likes, but I got a bunch of roses,” she says. “Everybody loves roses, right?”

“She’s awake,” Leo says.

Sabina’s eyes widen and she comes to my side, staring down at me.

“Welcome back,” she says.

At this point, I’m convinced I’m dreaming. Why else would Sabina Russo look concerned for my wellbeing?

“I love roses,” I tell her.

“I’m glad. It’s a shit way of saying thank you for saving my brother’s life, but it will have to do for now.”

“Sabina…” I begin, frowning.

“No, save your strength. Seriously. We’re good, okay? That day on the yacht is something I want to forget ever happened, one of the worst days of my life, right after my father’s death, butwhat you did…what you were willing to sacrifice for Leo.” She draws in a shaky breath. “We’re good.”

My eyes fill with tears and I just nod.

Then Sabina shocks the hell out of me when she leans over and kisses my forehead. “I’ll see you later. Both of you.”

As she leaves, I take note of all of the flowers surrounding my bed.

“It looks like a florist exploded in here,” I murmur.

“There’s an arrangement from everyone—Sabina’s, of course. Damian and Alina. Cassio. Luca. And Dante…he didn’t send flowers, but he brought something else. A very special gift that’s been waiting until you woke up.”

I study his face, frowning. My head is still muddy so I’m not able to put together what he’s hinting at.

At least, not until she enters the room.

---