Page 92 of Ruthless Guardian

From when he used his body as a human shield. For me. No wonder the man has a map of scars across his torso.

Emotion tightens my chest as dark crimson blood consumes my vision, and I’m catapulted back in time to another shootout, with another bodyguard that seems like a lifetime ago. My heart pitches against my ribs, and darkness creeps into the edges of my vision. Frankie. I’ve barely thought about him in months. Ishoved all the painful memories of my first bodyguard to the dark depths of my mind to deal with… never.

“Isabella…” Raf’s piercing eyes are on mine, the wildness in those coal-black orbs forcing me from the dark spiral. His hands are clamped around my shoulders, fingers digging into my bare skin. “Do not shut down on me now. You are much stronger than that. I’m okay, I swear.”

I suck in my bottom lip and blink quickly, chasing away the pools of blood consuming my thoughts. Then I hazard a glance at Raf’s wound and attempt to look at it critically, logically, and unemotionally, like the medical professional I’m supposed to be. It’s just a flesh wound. He’s going to be fine. “Okay,” I murmur.

The slap of heavy footfalls spins my head over my shoulder where one of the guards races toward us. He’s one of the men usually stationed outside so I’m not sure of his name. I think it’s Enzo. As he stops a few inches from us, I realize the storm of bullets has abruptly stopped, and a deadly silence has descended across the rooftop.

A few of the interns are still scattered across the space, hiding behind chairs and over-sized potted plants. Even the DJ is still crouched behind his booth. A few of the other guards are circling, checking for any wounded.

“The shooter took off, Raffaele,” says the big guard. “Alberto spotted him climbing down the fire escape over there.” He points to an adjacent building. “He’s trailing him now.”

Raf leaps up, a savage twist to his lips. “Good, I’m coming.”

“No!” I’m on my feet, tugging at Raf’s shirt. “Please, don’t go.” I’m fully aware of how pathetic I sound, but in this moment I just don’t care. I’m not worried about me, it’s him I can’t bear the thought of losing.

He levels his stormy gaze on mine, a tempest of emotions brewing beneath the glassy surface. “I have to, Isa. It’s my job.” He runs his hand down my arm and squeezes my hand soquickly I barely feel it. “You stay here with Serena and the other guards; you’ll be safe. I’ll be back in a few minutes. I promise.”

Serena moves beside me, swinging her arm across my shoulders. “Come on, cuz, let’s get inside. Everyone must be freaking out; it’s time for damage control.”

I hear her words, but I can’t quite process them, not with my eyes still fixed to Raf’s. All I want to do is wrap my arms around him and force him to stay with me. But I know I can’t.Cazzo, maybe he’s right, and I do need another bodyguard.

“Okay,” I whisper. “But be careful.”

“Always.”

Gently, Serena pries me away from Raf, and I can’t help but trail his familiar form as he and Enzo race toward the door that leads back into the apartment.

Serena offers a reassuring smile and tucks me into her side. “He’ll be fine, Bella. In case you hadn’t noticed, he’s kind of a badass.”

A half-hearted chuckle tumbles out as she steers me toward the door. All the remaining guests are heading in the same direction, the guards ushering everyone through the archway.

“Isabella!” The shout comes from up ahead as we walk down the steps to the second floor. Massimo appears from the crowd of people huddled in the stairwell. “Oh, thankDio, you are all right.”

Does he know about Carlo? My professor is already pale, sweat glistening on his brow. The poor man is probably in shock, but I can’t seem to find the words to comfort him. Not when I know Raf is out there chasing some psycho with a rifle.

“I am,” I finally answer, leaning against the wall. “Is anyone else injured downstairs?”

“Thankfully nothing serious.” His light brows pucker as he regards me. “What about on the roof?”

That guilt spirals through my chest, a steel band snaking around my lungs and heart.

Serena pokes her head over my shoulder, addressing my professor. “Carlo is dead.”

“Dio, no.” Massimo blanches, all the remaining blood rushing from his cheeks. “What is going on, Isabella? First the aperitivo and now here?”

“I’m not sure.” The shooting at the bar was one thing, but in my own home? Has one of the Kings’ enemies found me all the way in Rome? “But I sure as hell will find out.”

CHAPTER 45

MAKE ME FORGET

Raffaele

I glare at thepezzo di merdawho dared to hurt what’s mine, and raw fury pummels my veins. The asshole is cuffed to a chair, blindfolded and gagged in the basement laundry room of Isabella’s apartment. When Luca had started his search for a place in Rome, I’d insisted on a basement just in case. I never thought I would actually have to use it.

We caught the shooter trying to escape a few blocks away from the apartment, then I dragged his ass back here. Now, I simply have to find the calm before I start the interrogation because I’m afraid I’ll ring his neck before I can get any useful information out of him.

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