Page 105 of Mafioso's Muse

Harrison continued to glare at him. ‘The only people my dancers need protecting from are the two of you. You’re the reason they’re in this place.’

‘Let’s not do this now,’ Lili said.

Harrison’s gaze was locked with Vaughn’s. ‘Your shoddy construction company is the reason Piper’s currently having surgery on her leg. She’s lucky to still have it.’

The weight of Harrison’s words hit Vaughn hard, but he didn’t let it show on the outside. ‘If you’re viewing this as some sort of opportunity, it’s not.’

Harrison frowned. ‘You have a very sick and twisted mind, Mr Gallo. Time for you to leave.’

Vaughn felt like he was swimming in red. Before it could seep out of him, Antonio gestured to the car and said, ‘Let’s go.’

Vaughn looked at Lili, who gave the smallest nod.

‘If I were you,’ Harrison said, ‘I’d go enjoy my freedom while I still have it.’

Antonio brushed a finger down his nose. ‘I’d watch your mouth,’ he warned. ‘I’m still standing here.’

Lili looked heavenwards. ‘Well, as fun as this has been, I’m going back inside to Willow.’ She looked at Harrison. ‘You coming?’

Vaughn could have sworn Harrison’s lips turned up slightly. He was clearly enjoying the moral high ground.

‘Yes,’ Harrison said. ‘I’m coming.’ He held Vaughn’s gaze as he turned away, then strode off in his small jeans and ridiculous sports coat.

Without saying another word, Lili followed after him.

Vaughn watched them disappear inside. It took all his remaining strength not to follow them. He looked down at the blood and stage make-up smeared across his shoulder and sleeve. It had taken twenty-four stitches to close her wounds. He was immune to the sight of blood and injuries of all kinds, but not when it came to Willow.

Finn had come around to open the car door for him, so he turned and went to climb in.

‘Vaughn,’ Antonio called to him. ‘Where are you going? We need to talk about this.’

‘Not here we don’t,’ Vaughn replied before ducking his head and slipping into the back seat. ‘I’ll see you at the house.’ The door shut behind him.

A moment later, they pulled away from the hospital entrance. Antonio remained on the footpath, watching the car drive away. Vaughn couldn’t bear to stand there listening to his excuses. He wanted a long shower to wash off Willow’s blood—and his guilt. There was every chance that the police would soon be paying them a visit. Since he was still listed as a director of the company, he would have to be a part of that conversation.

Vaughn leaned his head back on the headrest. The car smelled of blood, a brutal reminder that Willow was lying broken and injured in a hospital—and it was his fault. He was the one who had gotten DeLuca that contract. In fact, he’d insisted on it. If he hadn’t, Willow and the other dancers would have been out celebrating their last performance of the season.

‘Straight to the house?’ Finn asked.

Vaughn allowed his eyes to close. ‘Yeah.’ He swallowed. ‘Straight to the house.’

33

July 2024

Willow felt her sanity start to slip. She wasn’t good at sitting idle, even when her body demanded it of her. It was during her third day in hospital that the doctor finally announced that she could go home the following day. Willow phoned her mother to tell her the good news. Alice had been waiting for details of her discharge so she could book a flight to come and help her at home.

‘I have one landing at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow,’ Alice said. ‘I’ll book it now.’

‘Are you sure?’ Willow felt bad that her mother was going to waste her precious annual leave sitting around her apartment and sleeping on the sofa.

‘Of course I’m sure. I’m having two whole weeks with you.’

‘Because I can manage?—’

‘I know, but you’re my daughter, and you’re injured. Liam sends his love.’ Some keyboard tapping sounded through the phone as she continued to book her flight. ‘Harrison has been absolutely wonderful these past few days. He’s kept us up-to-date with everything.’

As though summoned by the mention of his name, Harrison walked into the room—without knocking.

---