Page 99 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

“Not this time.” I grabbed the remote. “We can watch TV. I might be asleep in fifteen-minutes though.”

I flipped through the channels.

“That’s ok, honey.” Dad slipped out of his suit jacket, tossing it across the end of my bed, before pulling a chair beside mom.

This would be a long night.

Later that night, curled into my pillow, I heard whispering.

Keeping the blanket close to my face, I peeked at the two shadowy figures near the door.

He grasped her arms, bringing her closer. “Just stay with her tonight. I want to keep her out of trouble.”

“Nothing good can come of this, Luciano.”

He crushed her lips. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you, too.”

***P***

Around four in the morning, I glanced at Mom, sleeping on her arm with the blanket pulled under her neck. Slowly, I rolled over, then mustered all the strength I could manage to sit up. Pressing one foot against the cold floor, the other followed. Felt like my legs would give out at any time. Gripping the IV poll, I leaned into it as I stood. A low groan released from my throat as the searing pain shot through my stomach. Teeth clenched, I placed one foot out then the other. I continued on. I peeked over my shoulder. Mom’s light snoring filled the room. Thank goodness.

Just a few more steps, Ryah.

I opened the closet and fished around in the dark for my phone. Luckily, there was a shelf in front of me. I didn’t have to bend down. Doubt I would’ve made it back on my feet.

My fingers traced over a plastic bag. I shoved my hand inside and grabbed my phone. Stepping to the left, I closed the closet door quietly.

I walked into the bathroom and lowered myself onto the toilet. Light illuminated on the cracked screen. It had a low battery.

Shit. Of course, it did.

I unlocked my phone, rummaging through contacts until I located my cousin’s number. I pressed his number and brought the phone to my ear.

Please answer. My heart beat in my ears.

“Hello.” His voice was deep and groggy.

“Dominic, this is your cousin, Ryah. Sorry to wake you, but I’m in trouble.”

“What’s going on?” He sounded more alert.

“I think my father killed my boyfriend.” My voice wavered.

“I’m at Temple University Hospital. No one will tell me what’s going on. I don’t have anyone I can trust,” I whispered.

“You’ve got me,” he reassured.

A sense of peace washed over me, and so did the fresh tears streaking my cheeks. I cleaned my face with the edge of my palm.

“I’ll be there as soon as I can. Your new guards will arrive before me. Don’t you worry. I have your back. Ditch the phone. I’ll see you soon.”

He disconnected the call before I could say thank you.

I removed the sim card from the phone and dropped it in the toilet. Bracing the sink, I flushed the toilet, then turned on the faucet. I bent over and excruciating pain struck my stomach. Fuck. I felt like I’d pass out in any second.

I placed the phone in the empty wastepaper basket, then shoved tons of tissue on top in an effort to hide it.

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