Page 88 of Tainted Ties

The men attacking me grunted as they pummeled me to the ground.

There must’ve been a group of them, continuing their assault, and not allowing me a moment to stand or move.

The pain radiated throughout my body until it numbed me from their repeated blows.

It was over as soon as it began, or maybe I’d lost sense of time as I laid on the gravel, my mind drifting to green eyes and curly black hair.

“This is only the beginning,” one of them said, the voice unrecognizable.

I coughed, tasting the metallic tang of blood, unwilling to move until they had left.

When the silence echoed in the still night, I slowly pulled myself up, wincing from the discomfort.

I wasn’t unaware of the many people who’d love to see me six feet deep into the ground, but I cursed myself for not being more cautious.

Despite the last-minute plan, I should’ve alerted Ricardo and the team that I was at the club tonight.

As a Made man, I constantly had a target on my back.

I dragged myself into the car, needing to get home to check the damage done to my body.

During the short drive, the adrenaline wore off, replaced by the burning ache of my wounds.

I stepped out of my car and walked up the pathway to the front door.

Quietly, I unlocked it and entered, not wanting to wake Aurora. The last thing I wanted was for her to see me this way.

Pain erupted in my abdomen, increasing with each step. I grunted, clutching my side, and feeling a damp spot on my shirt.

“Roman?” Aurora called out.

I glanced up and saw her standing at the end of the dark hall, her silhouette outlined by the lamp nearby.Shit.

“You’re up.” It was all I could say without hinting at my discomfort from standing.

When she took a step toward me, I tensed.

“I couldn’t sleep without you.”

How could I not be helplessly in love with her when she said things like that?

“What happened to humbling me?” I joked through the searing throb in my side. “I’ll be up in a minute.”

I waited for her to round the corner and walk up the stairs, but dread filled me as she took another step and flipped the switch to the ceiling light on.

Her face blanched, switching between agony and aversion. “What happened to you? You’re bleedingeverywhere!” She was frantic and I was scared that at any moment, she’d faint.

“Look away from me,anima mia.” The dull ache vibrated along my entire body, causing me to clench my teeth. “I’ll call my doctor.”

Her gaze was fixated on me, ignoring my command.

The rise and fall of her chest turned rapid as she took another hesitating step toward me.

Insufferablewoman.

“Aurora,” I warned.

She shook her head, her jade eyes widening the closer she got to me.

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