Page 58 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

I nod, taking a deep breath before pushing open the door. The sight that greets me makes my stomach lurch. Jay lies motionless in the hospital bed, his skin ashen against the white sheets. An IV snakes from his arm, and the steady beep of the heart monitor fills the room. What truly breaks my heart is the handcuff securing his wrist to the bed rail and the stoic correctional officer in his navy Curran-Fromhold uniform standing guard by the window.

“Oh, Jay,” I whisper, moving to his bedside. His eyelids flutter open at the sound of my voice, unfocused and glassy.

“Claire?” His voice cracks. “That you?”

I take his free hand, careful not to disturb the IV. “It’s me, big brother. How are you feeling?”

Jay’s lips twitch in what might be an attempt at a smile. “Like I got hit by a truck. Twice.”

For the first time, I see my brother for what he truly is—a scared boy finally facing consequences of his choices. The bravado andcharm that usually mask his insecurities are stripped away, leaving only vulnerability in their wake.

“What happened?” I lean in closer, lowering my voice. “Who did this to you?”

His brow furrows as if trying to piece together a complicated puzzle. “I... I don’t...” He trails off, his lids drifting shut.

Valerian steps forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Let me try.” He moves to the other side of the bed, speaking to Jay in a low, firm voice. “Jay, it’s Valerian Rostova. I need you to focus. Who attacked you?”

Jay’s eyes snap open, fear flashing across his face before it’s replaced by confusion. “Valerian? I... I can’t remember. Everything’s fuzzy.”

Valerian studies him for a moment before turning to me. “He’s too weak right now, Claire. The pain medication is making it difficult for him to focus. We’ll try again when he’s stronger.”

I nod, disappointment and worry warring inside me. “Jay, you need to rest and get better, okay? I want you to come home someday.”

Jay’s fingers tighten around mine. “You mean that? After everything I’ve done?”

The conflicting emotions I’ve been carrying—anger, fear, love, and frustration—all surge to the surface. “Of course, I mean it. You’re my brother, Jay. I love you, even when you make monumentally stupid decisions.”

A ghost of his usual smirk appears. “Love you too, sis.”

As we leave his room, my parents are still in the waiting area. Mom’s pacing, wringing her hands, while Dad sits rigidly in an uncomfortable-looking chair. They both look up as we approach. Dad stands, his face a mask of concern. “Did he say anything about what happened? He couldn’t tell us a thing.”

I shake my head. “He’s too out of it right now. We’ll try again when he’s stronger.”

Mom reaches out, squeezing my hand. “You look exhausted, sweetheart. Why don’t you go home and rest? We’ll stay here with Jay.”

“Are you sure?” I glance between them, torn between wanting to stay and the bone-deep weariness settling over me.

Dad nods. “We’ve got this, Claire. You’ve done enough.”

Valerian, who has been a silent presence at my side, speaks up. “Let’s get you home.”

The words hang in the air for a moment. Mom’s eyes widen slightly as she looks between Valerian and me, a flicker of worry crossing her face. Maybe she’s just realized I’m living with him now and is probably hurt I didn’t tell her before. Dad’s expression remains impassive, but I notice the tightening of his jaw.

I hug them both tightly, suddenly desperate to reassure them. “I’m fine, really. I’m safe, and I’m doing okay at Valerian’s.”

The urge to tell them everything—about the pregnancy, about my growing feelings for Valerian, and even the possible threat from Matvey Petrov—gnaws at me, but I push it down. They have enough to worry about with Jay. I can shoulder this burden a little longer.

As Valerian guides me toward the elevator, I catch a glimpse of my mother’s concerned face watching us go. Everything I’m not telling them settles heavily, and I lean into Valerian’s solid presence beside me.

The elevator doors close, shutting out the antiseptic smell and the worried faces of my parents. I let out a shaky breath, feeling the events of the day catch up with me all at once.

He wraps an arm around my waist, steadying me. “You did well in there. Your brother is lucky to have you.”

I look up at him, struck by the genuine warmth in his eyes. “Th…thanks.”

As we step out of the hospital and into the cold night air, I realize that despite the danger, the uncertainty, and the secrets, I’m glad to have Valerian in my life. That realization terrifies me almost as much as it thrills me. I’m falling in love with him, and that’s maybe the stupidest thing I can do, but it’s impossible to stop now.

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