Page 6 of Coerced Queen

“I want proof,” I say, my tone bitter.

Dante gives a tight nod.“I’ll find it.”

I grimace from the ache as I ease myself down the bed.“Good.”

“Can I get you anything?”he asks, his manner awkward.“Livy was here all the time.She went to the house to pack some clothes and essentials for you and the baby.”He points at a boutique bag on the nightstand.“In the meantime, I got you pj’s, a bath robe, and slippers from the gift shop downstairs in case you’d like to change out of that hospital gown.Livy helped me with the sizes.Hopefully, everything will fit.”

“I want to see my baby.”

“I’ll go get the nurse.”

As he turns away, I grab his wrist.“When Saverio comes out of surgery, put men in front of his room to watch the door.I want men on that floor twenty-four-seven.”

His expression is both troubled and resolved.He knows why it’s necessary.Like me, he’s worried.Raphael may send someone to finish the job he started.

There’s a knock on the door before Dante can reply.A tall man in scrubs opens it.

I let Dante go, an unspoken message passing between us when he gives me his agreement with a nod.

A wide, easy smile curves the man’s lips.“Ah.You’re awake, Ms.De Luca.”He comes forward.“I’m Dr.Loter, the chief surgeon who operated on your husband.”

I hold my breath, my heart pounding between my temples.

“Can we have a word in privacy?”Dr.Loter asks, glancing at Dante.

“He’s a family friend.I prefer that he stays.”

“Very well.”Despite the doctor’s smile, his tone is grim when he says, “I have an update for you.”

ChapterThree

Saverio

I’m awake, but I wish to God I wasn’t.

My back is on fire and my brain is about to explode.The pressure in my head is relentless.It makes me want to drive a screwdriver through my skull to decompress.I can only open one eye.I pat my face, fingers probing.My fingertips brush over gauze taped over the right side.Despite the dimness of the ceiling bulb, the light hurts my retina.

“Mr.De Luca.”

The sound comes from my left.I turn my face that way.In my right ear, I hear nothing.

A slender man in a white overcoat steps up.“I’m Dr.Loter, the head of the surgical team who operated on you.”

“What’s wrong with me?”

“You’re a very lucky man, Mr.De Luca.Few people in your situation would be alive.”

“Anya.”I fight to sit up.“The baby.”

“You just came out of surgery.”The doctor pushes me down.“You have to stay calm.”

Calm isn’t in the cards.Not until I know she’s all right.She and the baby.

“Where’s my wife?”

“In a recovery room in the maternity wing.”

“The baby.”

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