Page 8 of Heartless Mafia Prince 2: Rocco & Ryah

Art cupped his hands in front of him. Dressed in army fatigues, he looked like he was ready for battle. “Yes, he suffered a concussion. He needs to rest.”

I inched closer. “Art, the second he’s conscious, he won’t let his injuries stop him. He will be ready for battle.”

He shook his head. “Rocco’s just like his father he won’t let anything keep him down and out.”

“I’ll be ready, too.”

He rubbed his brows. “Ryah, go visit your boyfriend. I’ll bring back food and a change of clothes soon.”

I nodded before walking into Rocco’s room. The bad boy lay in bed clad in a blue hospital gown. Thick white gauze was wrapped around his long, inky hair. He appeared to be in a peaceful slumber for the second time today. Standing beside him, I brushed the pad of my thumb over his long, beautiful dark lashes.

“Rocco, it’s Ryah. I hope you wake up soon. I know you’d never bitch out on a war. Our first war at that. I’m ready to hit the street and fight side by side with you.” I stroked my fingers through his hair.

“Urbano wants you in Philly. So, you’re going home no matter what.” My lips pressed against his warm cheek.

“Your mafia princess will be right here, baby.”

After a long shower, I slipped into a baby blue t-shirt and matching running shorts.

I emerged from the bathroom. Art sat on the couch across from Rocco.

“How are you feeling?”

“Fine.”

He nodded on a chuckle. “I was on a mission in Yemen that didn’t go as planned. We’d taken out all the insurgents in a camp that was hidden behind a wall. After we walked the grounds, our platoon leader said we were clear to leave. We jumped on the helicopter. Hanging off the side, I peered down at the camp that now lay in ruins. A hidden door flew open and a machine gun emerged, pointing at us. Then the bullets rang out. We’re under attack, I yelled. We immediately returned fire. One of those bullets hit the helicopter. We were going down.”

I sank into the recliner, mouth agape.

His eyes met mine. “It felt like the floor was being ripped from under us.”

I clutched my heart. That feeling was so real.

“You know that dropping feeling you experience on an amusement park ride?”

“Yes.”

“That’s how it feels when you’re crashing. Only this time you know it’s going to end badly. A few of my buddies died. I walked away with minor injuries. I’ll never forget that day. Ryah, if you ever want to talk about your experience. I’m here.”

I stretched out my arm. We watched as it shook uncontrollably.

His eyes widened.

“Will that ever stop?”

“Yes, but it will take some time. Your body will readjust itself.”

I held my arm close to my stomach. “Good to know. That’s what the doctor said, too. As the plane was dropping out of the sky, all the loose objects on the plane were flying through the air. It felt like we were in a live hurricane. Rocco must’ve been hit by one of those objects.”

“I know you’re worried about him. But try to get some rest.” He stood.

“If you need me, I’ll be right outside the door.” Art’s hand hovered over the light switch.

“Leave one light on.”

He smirked. “No problem.”

Art’s words eased my mind a bit. Maybe I’d be able to forget about the crash. I didn’t know If I could. What if I heard Jennie’s endless whimpers? Would the horrors from today play on repeat in my dreams? My arm shook on the armrest. I’d done a good job of keeping it under wraps all day. It was nice to share how I was feeling with Art. I smiled.

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