Page 109 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

“I have to nurse my big strong man back to health. The medications between us could probably sedate a cow.”

He grabbed his stomach and laughed. “That’s true.”

My fingers skated across my phone keys as I typed out the text to West.

“Since you’re on a soup diet, let’s start with store bought chicken noodle soup. You’ll have to work your way up to Minestrone.”

He shook his head as the water filled the tub. “This shit blows. But all I can do is suck food down the middle of my mouth. I can’t chew shit. I can’t wait to beat the shit out of your dad again.”

His brows shot up when he noticed my sad facial expression.

I tried changing the subject. “Good thing you kept clothes at the warehouse. Let me help you out of the filthy underwear. They need to be burned.”

“Ryah, I-”

“Rocco, there’s nothing to apologize for. What my father did is unforgivable.”

My fingers lingered over his distorted face. Hard to believe a week ago this man was drop dead gorgeous. Now my boyfriend looked like Frankenstein. Thanks to dear old asshole Dad. I reached over and poured bubble gel bath under the piping hot stream of water.

I helped Rocco sit on the side of the tub. Kneeling before him, I peeled off his clothes. His skin reeked of musk and urine. Rocco always smelled delicious. Well, except for the time he was at war.

Rocco slipped into the steaming hot water. I added Epsom salt to his bath.

“Tell me what happened on our way to Pat’s, Ryah.”

“Ok.”

After shedding my clothes, I stepped into the shower. The steaming hot water rained on my back. I was careful not to get my stitches wet.

“I froze at the light because I saw Art parked at the intersection. He was following us. I don’t know why I panicked. That’s how all this shit unfolded. After the plane crash when Art met us in Virginia, he said he knew we were pulling heists. I denied everything. Pretty sure he reported to my dad what he uncovered. That’s how all this shit unfolded.”

“While your dad beat in my face, he said he knew you dangled from the side of an eighteen-wheeler.”

“Shit, Smitty must’ve ratted us out.” I punched the wall.

“Seems that way.”

“I’m happy you have your own men. No more worrying about your dad when we handle business. Even though, I’d rather you not handle jobs.”

“Rocco,” I bit out.

“Yeah, I know. You still want in.”

Silence fell between us.

“Rocco, your turn.”

“I knew your dad would blame me for your accident. Once you were settled in your hospital room, I whispered in your ear. I told you I’d wait downstairs, and that I loved you. The machines went crazy. It was like you couldn’t bear the thought of me leaving you.”

Holding the wash cloth to my lips, I pondered on the sound of his voice at that moment. “You said, I love you, Princess.”

He turned, his puffy lips parting. “You heard me?”

“Yeah, I thought it was a dream.”

I heard my phone buzz across the tub.

“West said he’s back. He’s cooking the soup.”

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