Page 74 of Sexting the Don

“Enzo?” she asks, her voice weak.

Florence positions herself on Mandy’s other side, her touch gentle, a mother’s touch. I watch her for a moment, admiring her strength and grace under such stress.

I'm about to speak, to tell Mandy everything that's on my mind—my fears, my relief, my plans to ensure this never happens again—but we're interrupted by a nurse.

"Mr. Martelli, there's someone here to see you," she announces, standing at the doorway. My first instinct is irritation. I don't want to leave Mandy, not now, not when she's just starting to wake.

Florence seems to sense my hesitation. She touches my arm, her voice soothing yet firm.

"Go, Enzo. I’ll stay with her. We'll be okay," she insists. Her reassurance, the strength I’ve come to expect from her, gives me the nudge I need.

Reluctantly, I squeeze Mandy's hand once more, feeling a tiny pressure in return, a sign she’s still with us, still fighting.

"I’ll be right back," I whisper, more a promise to myself than to her in her dazed state.

I cast one last look over my shoulder as I leave the room, the image of Mandy and her mother together, safe and sound for the moment, etching itself into my mind.

In the dimly lit hallway, confusion races through my mind. My steps slow as I spot Sean waiting, his posture rigid with urgency. He gives a quick nod as I approach, concern etching his features.

"How's Mandy?"

"She's stable," I reply shortly, my patience thin. "What's going on?"

Sean shifts, his gaze serious. "It's Garadino. He's here, in the hospital. Says he wants to talk. Says it’s important."

I raise an eyebrow. "Here? Now?"

"Yeah," Sean confirms, his tone suggesting he's as baffled as I am. "He's upstairs on the roof. Said it had to be face-to-face. Ican tell him now’s no good if you want.”

I think for a second, my curiosity piqued despite the situation. "No," I decide. "Let's see what he has to say."

We move silently through the hospital's maze-like corridors toward the banks of elevators, heading to the roof. The hospital at night is a different beast, quiet and spectral.

We reach the rooftop door and open it, the cool night air hitting me like a slap. The city spreads out below us, a carpet of lights and shadows. Garadino stands by the ledge, his silhouette stark against the cityscape, a lone bodyguard hovering a few steps behind.

As we step out, Garadino nods subtly to his man, a silent command that sees the bodyguard retreating to a respectful distance. I signal Sean with a glance to do the same.

I walk toward him, the gravel crunching underfoot, my mind racing with possibilities. What could he possibly say now, after everything that's happened? The night air feels charged, each step heavy with the weight of our recent dealings.

Garadino wastes no time. "How's the girl?"

"She's holding up," I reply tersely, not inclined to share too much.

"Good to hear," Garadino replies, then shifts gears with a slight smile. "Congratulations, by the way."

I let out a dry chuckle. "Thanks, but I'm guessing you didn't come all this way to give me a pat on the back or a cigar, did you?"

His responding laughter is just as dry, a brief acknowledgment of the absurdity. "No, though, it wouldn't be the worst idea. But let's get down to business."

I raise an eyebrow, curious despite myself. "What business?"

Garadino's gaze sharpens, all humor fading. "I want your territory, Enzo."

The bluntness catches me off guard. "Is this a declaration of war?" I ask, my voice low but warning.

He shakes his head, a serious look anchoring his features. "No, it's a proposal." He gestures to his bodyguard, who steps forward and hands me a folded piece of paper.

I unfold it, eyes scanning the contents. It's an offer—an obscene amount of money—enough to make even a man like me pause.

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