Page 152 of Ruthless Redemption

“He’s been in and out of consciousness for the last hour,” Lorenzo murmurs behind me.

“He was awake?” I shift, taking in the shadowed room, the lights dimmed.

Lorenzo leans against the surgical table, dressed in a fresh suit. “Not entirely. He’s trying to get back to you,bella. I think the drugs are making it difficult.”

I grasp Matthew’s hand and bring his fingers to my lips. “I’m here.” I kiss his knuckles like he’s done so many times to mine. I do it over and over. Not daring to blink in case I miss a sign that he’s returning to me. “I’m with you.”

There’s no response. Not even a flicker of consciousness.

“How do you say, ‘I need you’ in Italian?” I ask Lorenzo.

“Ho bisogno di te.”

I groan. “Trust me to pick a difficult translation.”

“I don’t think he has to hear it in Italian. He’ll value whatever you say no matter the language.”

I nod, my eyes watering as I lean close, my cheek brushing Matthew’s. “Please come back to me.” I kiss his jaw. His chin. The corner of his lips. “I’m right here waiting for you.”

I hold my breath, impatient for something. Anything.

“I’m begging,” I whisper.

His fingers twitch against mine. The movement ricochets through me. I pull back as his brows furrow.

There’s a moan.

“Matthew?” I inch closer.

“La mia stella polare,” he croaks.

Relief steals my breath as those dark eyes flicker open, his lips lifting in a faint smile.

“Mia dea.” I cup his face.

“That means ‘my goddess’ but I’ll take it.” He snickers, wincing. “Do you have any water?”

I grab for the bottle Remy brought and crack the lid. “Here. Take it slow.” I help raise his head while he takes a sip, then slowly rest him back against the pillows.

“Now I need that mouth.” He wraps a weak arm around me, dragging me close. Our kiss is delicate, fragile, before his hand falls back to the bed. “How long have I been out?”

“It feels like a lifetime. But maybe seven or eight hours.” I scoot back to the chair. “It must be night by now.”

“It is,” Lorenzo confirms.

“Fuck.” Matthew rakes a shaky hand through his hair. “Have you heard from Bishop?”

Shit.I forgot about him. And Abri. “No. I haven’t heard a word.” I turn my attention to Lorenzo. “But I bet you have.”

“Bella,” Lorenzo murmurs the endearment, his tone holding a warning.

“You haven’t then?” I raise a brow. “I would’ve thought you’d be the next person he’d call if he couldn’t get hold of Matthew.”

He doesn’t answer, just stares at me, his expression masked.

“What’s going on?” Matthew cups my jaw, his thumb delicately brushing my cheek to draw my attention back to his. “Has something happened?”

I hold his gaze, questioning what good can come from being honest when he’s bedridden. ButGod,do I feel territorial. Matthew was messed over by his real father. Lorenzo was meant to be the devoted replacement.

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