Page 111 of A Bossy Proposal

Not such a big man now.

I turn to Gordon, anger bubbling up inside me. “Admit it. You brought danger into mine and West’s lives. You invited Vincenzo back to the US, knowing full well who he was and what he was capable of. And now your son is being operated on and fighting for his life.”

Gordon’s face pales as he realizes how much he is to blame. “I promise I never knew who he was. I never spoke to the man. I just had investigators asking around in Italy about you.”

I press on. “Because you knew I was hiding something. Something I wanted to remain hidden. And thanks to you, the man I was hiding from shot your son.” I drill home the effect of his meddling.

Gabe nods, his expression grim. “But don’t worry. Vincenzo and his men won’t be a problem anymore.” His voice lowers. “But if you speak to anyone about us—”

Realization dawns on Gordon’s face and he gasps, “I won’t. I promise.” He takes a step back, his eyes darting between Luca, Gabe, and me. And for the first time, I see fear in his eyes.

“You’re right and I’m sorry,” he starts. “I thought you were a gold digger. Felix Featherstone called me, telling me you were his girlfriend, and I—”

Bloody Felix.

“I love your son, Mr. Davenport. I’ve loved no man like I love him.”

Gordon opens his mouth, then closes it again. He looks at me, really looks at me, perhaps for the first time. But I see the moment he realizes just how badly he’s misjudged the situation—and me.

“I’ll make it up to you and West, I promise.”

The doctor’s arrival interrupts our tense conversation. “Miss Ross? Your fiancé is out of surgery. You can see him now.”

I want to correct him, tell him I’m a Morelli, but I don’t because right now West is far more important.

My heart leaps into my throat as I rush past Gordon, following the doctor down the hallway.

Footsteps sound against the hard floor as everyone follows behind me.

I glance at my ring and take a deep breath as I enter West’s room with my heart racing.

Maybe this is all too much for him. Perhaps he’ll finally realize my background, and the danger that follows me, is not worth it.

I take a deep but steady breath.

“West,” I whisper.

He looks so pale, so vulnerable lying there amidst a tangle of tubes and wires. I approach the bed and take his hand in mine. “Are you awake?”

His eyes flutter open, focusing on me. A weak smile tugs at his lips. “There’s my princess,” he whispers hoarsely.

My breath catches as tears spring to my eyes. “West, I’m so sorry—”

He squeezes my hand. “Shh. Not your fault. Love you.”

My heart squeezes.

I lean down, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. “I love you too.”

West’s tired gaze drifts around the room, taking in his family. His eyes open slightly. “Mom? Dad? Ari? You’re all here?”

“Of course we are, darling,” Catherine says, her voice thick with emotion.

West nods, then furrows his brow. “Amelia...wedding...we need...lilies of the valley.”

I blink in confusion. “What?”

He turns to his mother. “Mom, remember? Grandma’s favorite...always in the garden. Amelia needs them...for the bouquet.”

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