Page 7 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

“Before you say it, Dad, they were coming after me separately. They wanted to kill both heirs.”

“Who?” Mom growled through clenched teeth.

Dad massaged her neck. “Hey, we’ll discuss it when she and Rocco arrive.”

His eyes narrowed as they met mine. “See, Ryah, I’m trying.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Ryah, sweetheart, have you eaten?” he asked.

My stomach grumbled under my arm, right on queue. “No, I forgot about food after the day I had.”

“You have to eat something. When will you be here?” Mom bit the corner of her lip.

“I’m not sure, Mom. I’ll have Art let you guys know after I visit with Rocco. I wish you both were here.”

“We do, too, honey.” Mom was on the brink of losing it. She was ready to kill. I guess she was deeper into this life than I realized. The chair in the dungeon was indeed for her.

“Ryah, what’s wrong?” Her eyes widened.

“Mom, we can talk about it when I see you. I’d like the truth. Please neither one of you treat me like a child anymore.”

Mom slipped her fingers through her hair. “Yeah, ok.”

“I’ll eat while I visit with Rocco. See you soon.”

“You’re damn right you will.” Dad’s nostrils flared.

“If I have to come get you myself,” Dad bit out.

His anger poured over his words. Giving me space was a big step for Luciano Conti. He’d rather be standing here talking to me. I knew not being in control was eating him alive. He’d bent one too many times for me. Something told me this was his last time.

“Daddy, I understand.”

I hated to see him torn to shreds.

Mom, too. They almost lost their daughter today. I had to show more sympathy and be there for them.

“I’ll call you both before I fall asleep.”

Mom exhaled and the tips of her lips tipped up. “We’d like that. Goodbye, Ryah.”

“Bye, Mom and Dad.” I ended the call and hopped to my feet.

I stepped out the door and placed Art’s phone in his palm. “I’m ready to go.”

We strolled down the desolate hall.

“It’s quiet.”

“Genn had this wing closed. This keeps you and Rocco safe.”

I halted outside Rocco’s room.

“Ryah, we leave in the morning. Urbano ordered Genn and Agosto to bring Rocco home even if he isn’t ready for transport.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Do you know his prognosis?”

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