Page 88 of Ruthless Royalty

She doesn’t respond, just buries her face in my chest, her fingers clutching at my shirt as she lets out a broken sob. My heart shatters at the sound, and I tighten my hold on her, my own tears burning in the corners of my eyes as I realize just how close I came to losing her.

One fucking slip up and my heart got ripped from my chest.

“I’m never letting you go again,” I vow, my voice rough with emotion. “Never.”

The ride back to my estate is a blur, the men around us silent, respectful, as they drive us away from the nightmare we just escaped. I don’t let go of Chiara, not even for a second, my heart still pounding with fear, with anger, with the overwhelming need to make sure she’s okay.

When we finally reach the estate, Dmitri and my father are already waiting for us, Dmitri’s expression dark with worry as he sees the state Chiara’s in. He doesn’t say anything, just steps aside as I carry her inside.

“It was Volkov,” I say, and I watch the anger flare up in his eyes. “Nikolai has him.”

He nods and looks at my father before pulling out his cell phone. My father gives me a weird look before walking off with Dmitri— something tells me this war has just escalated.

“Get the doctor,” I say, my voice tight as I head for the stairs. “Now.”

One of the men nods and rushes off to make the call, and I continue up the stairs, my arms aching from holding Chiara so tightly, but I don’t care. I won’t let go of her until I’m sure she’s safe, until I’m sure she’s okay.

I carry her to one of the infirmary rooms, gently laying her down on the bed, and she lets out a small whimper as I pull back, her hand reaching out for mine.

“Don’t leave me,” she whispers, her voice trembling.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise, my heart aching as I seethe fear in her eyes. “I’m right here, baby, I’m not leaving you. Never again.”

Dr Marshall arrives a few minutes later, her expression grave as she examines Chiara. I have to force myself to stay calm, to stay in control as she checks her over, looking for any signs of lasting damage.

“She’ll be okay,” Dr Marshall finally says, her voice gentle as she turns to me. “Physically, she’ll recover. But emotionally … it’s going to take time. She’s been through a lot. I’ve done a kit and taken a few blood samples. I’ll be back later tonight.”

I nod, my throat tight as I look down at Chiara, her eyes already closed, her body limp with exhaustion. “Thank you,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

She nods and quietly leaves the room, and I sit down on the edge of the bed, taking her hand in mine.

“I’m here,” I whisper, my voice rough with emotion. “I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

I stay there for hours, just watching her sleep, my heart heavy with the weight of everything that’s happened. I’ve seen a lot of shit in my life, done a lot of things I’m not proud of, but this … this is something I’ll never forgive myself for. I should have been there. I should have protected her.

But I wasn’t. And now, all I can do is try to pick up the pieces, to help her heal from the nightmare Leo put her through.

“I’ll make it right,” I whisper. “I’ll make it right, Chiara. I promise you that.”

GIOVANNI

Ipace the room like a caged animal, my mind a swirling storm of anger, fear and a thirst for blood that I can barely contain. The walls feel like they’re closing in on me, the air too thick, too heavy.

Every time I close my eyes, I see her—Chiara, tied to that bed, her eyes wide with terror, Leo’s sick fucking grin as he hovered over her. The image is seared into my brain, and it’s all I can do not to tear this fucking place apart.

I want to rip Leo Volkov’s throat out with my bare hands. I want to make him suffer for every second of fear he put her through, for every ounce of pain he caused. But I can’t. Not yet.

The door opens, and I whirl around, my fists clenched, ready to lash out at anyone who dares to get in my way. But it’s Nikolai, Mihai, and Connor. They enter the room cautiously, like they know they’re walking into a fucking minefield.

“Gio,” Nikolai starts, his voice measured, trying to keep things calm, “you need to take a breath.”

“Fuck that,” I snap, my voice a low growl. “I’m going to tear that family apart, piece by fucking piece.”

Nikolai sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. “I know, man. Believe me, I know how much you want to kill the Volkovs. But you need to keep your head on straight. Right now, we need information more than we need blood.”

“Information?” I spit the word out like it’s poison. “What fucking information? I don’t need to know shit to put a bullet in Leo’s head.”

“And then what?” Mihai cuts in, his tone sharp. “You kill Leo, you get your revenge, and then what, G? You think that’ll solve everything? You think that’ll bring her peace?”

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