Page 10 of Coerced Queen

“You have to call a meeting and keep up the morale,” I continue.“Tell them Saverio is doing great.”

“Anya,” he says, shaking his head.

I harden my voice.“Tell them he’s going to make the men responsible for the attack pay.They need to hear that.”

A muscle ticks in his jaw.

“Take money from the safe at After Dark.Go see the families of the men who died.They must be compensated.”

“Anya—”

“That’s how it works.”My tone is harsh.“Funerals have to be arranged.The women have children to take care of.I’ll visit the families myself when I’m discharged tomorrow.In the meantime, I want a list of the dead and the injured.I’ll pull the records with their next of kin and employment history at work.Luigi took out life insurance for every man who worked for him.I’ll deal with the insurance company.”

Spreading his hands, he says, “You just had a baby.It’s too soon.”

“Just do it, Dante.This is what Saverio would’ve ordered if he was in the right state of mind.Make sure the people you see know that Saverio sent you.Tell them he’s recovering but strong.Tell them he’s determined to make this right.”I hold his gaze.“We have to keep the organization together now more than ever.We can’t let the men believe Raphael weakened us.What our men need most now is hope.Luigi and Giorgio are gone.Someone needs to take over, and that someone is Saverio.Make sure everyone understands that.They trust him.They have faith in him.Make sure they know he’ll avenge every man who died.”

Dante purses his lips.

“The next few hours are critical,” I say.“If no one takes charge, there will be chaos.We have a better chance at protecting the territory if we align the men and communicate a clear strategy.”

His lips quirk.“You sound like Sav.”

“Then you know I’m right.”

“I’ll do what must be done.”

Tipping my head toward the door, I say, “Get some sleep when you’ve spoken to everyone.You’ve been up all night.”

The grin that stretches his lips looks creepy in a dangerous way.“We’ll get them.They’ll pay.”

I can’t help but shiver.

“Call me if you need me,” he says.“Or if there’s any changes with Sav.”

I try to smile.“You’ll be the first to know.”

I wait until he’s gone and then I slowly ease myself off the bed.It’s still uncomfortable to walk, but the sooner I exercise, the sooner I’ll grow stronger and heal.I pull on the pajamas and bath robe Dante got for me and stick my feet into the slippers.

When I pass the lounge, the men dump their paper cups in the trash can and follow me.

The progress to the ICU is slow.I have to take small steps and walk up the wheelchair ramp instead of using the stairs.At the nurse’s station, I explain who I am and ask for Saverio’s room number.

Two men stand at attention in the hallway not far from Saverio’s door.

One of them blocks my way.“Mr.De Luca doesn’t want visitors.”

“I’m his wife,” I bite out.

“I know who you are, Mrs.De Luca.”

“Then step aside.”

At my cutting look, he falters.He glances at his friend before lowering his head and letting me pass.

I open the door with my heart in my throat.And then I stop dead.Nothing could’ve prepared me for the sight of Saverio’s battered and bandaged body.A gauze covers the right side of his face.I think about what Dr.Loter told me but push those thoughts down when a sob threatens to tear from my chest.

At the click when I close the door, Saverio turns his head.His gaze flares for the briefest of moments before it hardens with the set of his mouth.

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