Page 29 of Massimo

She's still asleep when I stand with her in my arms and wrap her hair and body in a towel. I use the third towel to dry her arms and legs off, then carry her into the bedroom, not caring that I'm dripping water everywhere.

A two-piece pair of warm, soft pajamas lays on the bed that Jerome had gotten from the clothes I had bought in preparation for Nova's 'stay' here.

Once I have her dressed and tucked into bed, I go back to the ensuite, dry off, and get redressed. When I open the bedroom door, both Jerome and Gabe are waiting in the hallway.

Jerome has a medical background and has helped our family's doctor multiple times. His hands are quick and sure as he prepares Nova's IV and gets her hooked up.

Nova still hasn't stirred.

I push her wet hair back from her angelic face.

The pure and goodness oozes from her.

How could I have ever thought she was a viper like her father?

She's too good for this world. Too good for me.

"I didn't comb the tangles from her hair." I stare down at her, unable to look away. "I didn't put the conditioner in. I should have."

Gabe pulls me back from the bed and rests his hands on my shoulders. "She'll be okay, Mass."

He's speaking about more than the tangles in her hair. I swallow against the thick lump in my throat, not sure how I'll ever be able to redeem myself in Nova's eyes.

"Come on. Let her sleep," he urges me.

Jerome sits in a chair in the corner, opening a book. "I'll stay, sir. In case she needs anything."

I nod and leave the room with Gabe, but he stops me after he closes Nova's door. "I need your head on straight, Massimo."

"What's happened?"

"You have the Chamber meeting at one o'clock today."

"I'll be calling in virtually."

He regards me before he nods. "You must also prepare to leave for Catanzaro for the 'Ndranghetameeting."

"And?"

His jaw shifts. "Mancini… He's not hiding the fact that Nova is missing, nor is he buying the evidence that she ran. He's put out a bounty for her return. The French mafia have added to the coffers to double the reward."

My resolve stiffens.

Neither Silvestro Mancini nor Julien Moreau will ever touch Nova.

Ever.

She's my enemy's daughter. My captive. My revenge.

But she'smine.

Chapter 15

Nova

I'msowarmthatsweat pools between my breasts as I stretch under thick blankets and a pillow-soft mattress.

The bed feels like heaven.

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