Page 11 of Fierce Protector

He’s family.

Was family.

He’s gone.

A wave of nausea rolls over me and I struggle to suppress the sadness that’s threatening to pull me under.

“What about everyone else?”Please let everyone else be okay,I beg silently.Please let my bossy-as-fuck fake boyfriend be okay.

“Sinclair is on his way back now with Aurora, Benny, and Stefano. They’ll be able to fill us in more when they return.” My dad rubs my shoulder and hesitates before adding, “I’m not going to push this, you’re an adult andyou’re a part of this world, but if you put yourself in danger like that again you’re going to give your old man a heart attack.”

I can’t help but smile at his tone. It’s as warm and loving as it is stern. “You know I had to, Dad. I couldn’t not help.” He arches an eyebrow, obviously not satisfied with my answer, prompting me to continue, “I’ll be careful, Dad. I promise.”

He shakes his head and smiles, standing back up and then kissing my forehead. “I guess that’s all I can hope for. I need to head out, but I want you at home for the next family dinner. Your brother will be there. He’s going to need proof of life when he finds out about everything that went down today. And it’s been too long since you’ve joined us.”

I start to protest but when I register the implacable expression on my father’s face I nod. “I’ll be there, Dad.”

It’s not that I don’t want to see them, but half the time, family dinner includes my father’s best friend. It was easier to make an excuse that I was called into surgery than to torture myself spending time with a man I can’t have. I don’t imagine it’s going to be any less awkward sitting through family dinner now that I’m secretly fake dating Stefano. Either way, I’ll still be wishing he was mine, and knowing he can’t be.

“No excuses, Katerina,” he mutters as he heads back out the med-room door.

I continue with my sutures, each stitch lulling me into a sort of trance as I focus on only what’s in front of me. When I finish the last one, worry seeps back into my consciousness. Even though I know they’re on their wayback, I don’t think this feeling of dread will fade until I see them with my own eyes.

Until I see Stefano.

I’maware of Stefano’s presence at my back, the anxiety that’s taken up residence in my chest beginning to ebb.

“We need to debrief, and then I’m taking you home.” His warm breath skates along the slope of my neck while he rests a hand on my shoulder. It’s a small gesture, but it’s everything I need right now. It quashes the undercurrent of unease rippling through me and makes me feel more grounded. Protected. Supported. Whatever is going on around us, Stefano always knows just how to handle me.

The next hour passes in a blur. I listen to Aurora as she addresses the room. It’s a rousing speech, but it’s not meant for me. She’s taking control of her father’s organisation. Practically daring anyone present to challenge her while honouring the memories of those we’ve lost today.

It’s hard to fathom the implications of what she’s saying. Salvatore De Luca is dead, his son still lives, and we are declaring war on the De Luca family.

Today has changed everything. I started the day on shift at the hospital and I’m ending it witnessing the ascension of the first female don.

CHAPTER SIX

STEFANO

As I drive Katerina home, the tension is almost palpable and does nothing to suppress the unsettling feelings today’s events have stirred up. Everyone who lives this life knows the risks associated with it. We go into every confrontation knowing we might not come out of it but at the same time, assuming we’re the ones who’ll beat the odds. We’re not untouchable though. Sometimes we lose people who deserved to cheat death.

Enzo is one of those people.Wasone of those people.

Taking my eyes off the road, I glance at Katerina. She’s subdued, lost in thought, staring out of the passenger side window. I catch the slightest tremble of her lip, which is the only indication that she’s struggling. I’m not used to seeing her walls crack.

I haven’t seen her fall apart since Isa’s funeral. Years back, our don lost his eldest daughter. Both he andAurora were devastated, but Katerina… she lost her best friend and she’s never been the same since. Isa brought out her playfulness and joy and when she was murdered, a part of Katerina died with her.

Seeing her mournful expression reflected back at me on the darkened window, I know exactly where I’m taking her and it’s not back to her place. She’s not going to like it, but after the day she’s had, she needs someone to take care of her. She’s so lost in thought she doesn’t notice when I don’t take the turn towards her neighbourhood. In fact, she doesn’t figure it out until I pull into my driveway.

“What are we doing here?” Her tone is lacking its usual bite. Like the fight has left her.

I don’t answer, and she doesn’t force the issue. I’m not sure what I’d say if she did, but I don’t want to leave her alone. Today has been a long and terrible day. Neither of us deserves to be alone tonight.

We’re across the drive and into the house without saying a word. I don’t miss the look of surprise on her face as she studies her surroundings. I can’t remember the last time she was here, but a lot has changed.

When I first bought the place, it was a time capsule of all the worst decorating trends of the 70s. Every wall was panelled with hideous orange pine, while the floors were covered in a muted rainbow of discoloured shag carpets. Dante said I was crazy, buying the place, but it had always been my intention to buy a project. I needed something I could lose myself in after the worst of days. A place where the only thing I had to focus on was the task in front of me.

Therapy would have been cheaper.

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