Page 38 of Bound By Honor

The heart monitor screams as my pulse races. Everyone knows what happens to women who enter the Rossi compound. Franco’s reputation for cruelty is legendary, and his last two wives both died under mysterious circumstances.

“I made a counter-offer,” Dominic cuts in. “But the price...” He finally meets my eyes. “The price might be worse than what Franco wants.”

As Dominic and the others leave, he holds back a moment. “I’m meeting with the Rossis tonight to finalize the terms. I’ll let you know what’s to happen.”

15

AURORA POV

The steady beep of the monitor cuts through the hazy darkness, anchoring me to consciousness. Each breath sends a dull ache through my side, a constant reminder of how close I came to death. Sunlight filters through the hospital window, casting a gentle glow across the sterile room. I turn my head, and my breath catches.

Luciano lies in the bed next to mine, his usual power softened by sleep and hospital sheets. Surgical dressings peek out from beneath his gown, and confusion clouds my mind.Why is he here, in a hospital bed beside me?

The last thing I remember is the shooting, his voice calling my name as darkness took me. My fingers drift to my own bandages, trying to piece together what happened in the fragments of time I’ve lost.

Something feels different—beyond the physical pain of my wounds. There’s an odd emptiness in his expression, even in sleep, that makes my heart clench.What happened while I was unconscious?

“Good morning, Ms. Salvatore.” A nurse appears, checking my vitals with practiced efficiency. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I got shot.” My voice comes out raspy. “

“You’re lucky to be alive,” she says, adjusting my IV. “The bullet wound was severe, but it was the kidney failure that nearly...” She trails off, glancing at Luciano’s sleeping form. “When the doctors discovered your kidneys were failing, Mr. Vitale didn’t even hesitate.”

“What do you mean?”

“The doctors strongly advised against him donating, given his recent gunshot wound. Said the surgery could kill him in his weakened state.” She shakes her head. “But he wouldn’t listen. Demanded to be tested for compatibility immediately.”

My throat tightens. “How bad was the risk?”

“Bad enough that three different doctors refused to do the surgery.” She checks my blood pressure, her movements gentle. “He had to sign multiple waivers acknowledging he understood the risks. Dr. Romano said he’d never seen anyone so determined.”

“That sounds like Luciano,” I manage, my voice thick.

“Mr. Vitale insisted on the surgery, despite his own recent injuries. Quite remarkable, really. Perfect match too – almost unheard of for non-relatives.” She smiles softly. “The staff’s all calling you our miracle couple. He shouldn’t have survived the surgery in his condition, but somehow... love finds a way, I suppose.”

Non-relatives. Perfect match.The implications swirl in my foggy mind as I watch Luciano’s chest rise and fall.

“He’s been asking about you,” the nurse continues softly. “Every time he wakes up. The doctors had to threaten to sedate him to keep him in bed.”

A laugh bubbles up, turning into a wince. “That sounds like him.”

“I’ll let you rest.” She pauses at the door, her expression softening. “You know, in all my years of nursing, I’ve never seensomeone risk their life like that for another person. Whatever’s between you two... it’s something special.”

Once we’re alone, I study his face in the morning light. Without his usual mask of self-discipline, he looks younger, almost vulnerable. Dark circles shadow his eyes, and his jaw shows several days of stubble. But he’s alive. We both are.

“Stop staring,Principessa.” His voice, rough with sleep, makes me jump. “It’s creepy.”

“Says the man who literally gave me a kidney.” I reach for his hand, ignoring the pull of tubes and wires. “Why didn’t you listen to the doctors about the risks?”

His fingers intertwine with mine, his thumb tracing the delicate lines of my palm. “A thousand surgeries, a thousand bullets, a thousand risks—I’d face them all again just to see you breathing beside me.” His voice drops to a whisper that sends shivers down my spine. “You’re worth every scar, Aurora. Every pain. Every sacrifice.”

“Luciano—” My voice catches as tears threaten to fall.

“Don’t.” He turns to face me, and despite the wince of pain, his dark eyes burn with an intensity that steals my breath. His hand tightens on mine. “Don’t make me explain why I couldn’t let you die. Why I’d tear myself apart to keep your heart beating.” His voice roughens. “Because the truth is,Principessa, a world without you in it isn’t one I’m willing to live in.”

“You gave me your kidney while recovering from a gunshot wound.” I squeeze his hand.

He’s quiet for a moment, his eyes distant. “I couldn’t lose you too. Not like—“ He breaks off, but I hear the unspoken name. Maria.

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