Page 101 of Ruined

I nod, my fingers still intertwined with Noah's. "But he'll be okay?"

"With proper rest and care, yes." The doctor makes a note on his chart. "He's strong. Most men wouldn't have survived that bullet."

After the doctor leaves I sit alone with my thoughts, watching Noah sleep. Something has shifted inside me duringthese chaotic days. The woman who cowered under her father's demands, who signed away her freedom to Ivan, who initially feared Noah—she's fading away.

In her place stands someone stronger. Someone who walked into Ivan's house knowing the danger. Someone who survived.

My father. The thought comes unbidden but with surprising clarity. I need to see him. Not because I miss him or desire his approval but because I need him to see what he's done. How his controlling nature, his relentless pursuit of perfection through me, led me straight into Ivan's trap. How he made me the perfect victim—obedient, eager to please, unable to recognize predators.

For years I've dreamed of standing up to him, of finding my voice. Now, with Noah fighting for his life because of a situation my father helped create, I finally have the strength to do it.

When Noah recovers I'll go to my father's house. Not as the dutiful daughter returning to the fold but as a woman who has survived the worst consequences of his controlling behavior. I'll make him see what his ambition has wrought—not just on me, but on everyone caught in this bloody aftermath.

For the first time in my life I'm not afraid of Alexander Anderson.

I check my phone again, a small smile forming as I see another text from Jessica. Matteo brought my phone two days ago, having recovered my car after everything went down at Ivan's. It's been my lifeline to Jessica ever since.

Alessio showed me around the gardens todayher latest message reads.Did you know he speaks four languages? He's teaching me Italian phrases.

I shake my head, amused at how quickly Jessica has adapted to life at the Feretti mansion. While I've been keeping vigil at Noah's bedside my sister has apparently been thriving under the protection of the Feretti family.

That's the third time you've mentioned Alessio todayI text back.Should I be concerned?

Her response comes quickly:He's just being nice! Besides, after everything that happened, it's good to have something... normal to focus on.

I understand what she means. After the trauma of being kidnapped, finding something—or someone—that makes you feel safe again is precious. For Jessica that seems to be Alessio's steady presence. Weird, considering that he is as scary as any man in that huge house.

Lucrezia invited me to join her yoga class tomorrow, Jessica continues in another text.And Zoe asked if I'd help her organize the baby's closet. They're being so kind.

It's strange how quickly the Ferettis have folded Jessica into their world. The dangerous mafia family I feared has shown my sister nothing but kindness and hospitality. Lucrezia especially has taken Jessica under her wing, treating her like another new sister.

Alessio says they consider us under their protection now,Jessica's next message reads.He explained that's a big deal in their world.

I glance at Noah's sleeping form. His chest rises and falls steadily, the bandages stark white against his olive skin. Because of him—because he chose to save me—we've been drawn into the Feretti orbit permanently. I'm not sure how I feel about that yet.

When are you coming back?Jessica asks.Alessio says he can drive me down to visit tomorrow if you're staying there.Alessio again. I smile despite myself, wondering if my fearless little sister has developed a crush on the stoic Feretti enforcer.

CHAPTER 30

Istare at the ceiling of my room for what feels like the millionth time. Three days of this shit is enough to drive anyone insane. The same white tiles, the same beeping machines, the same fucking antiseptic smell that burns my nostrils.

I'm done.

"Mr. Rivera, I strongly advise against this." The doctor's voice grates on my last nerve as I sit up, ignoring the pull of stitches in my chest.

"Noted." I grab the clipboard with the discharge papers and scrawl my signature across the bottom. "Now get me my clothes."

The doctor sighs, looking to Evelyn for support. She's been here every day, barely leaving my side except to check onher sister. Something shifts in my chest when I look at her—something that has nothing to do with my wound.

"Noah, you need to stay for the full week." Evelyn's voice is soft but firm. "The bullet nearly hit your heart."

"I'm aware." I swing my legs over the side of the bed, gritting my teeth against the pain. "I'm also aware that I'm leaving."

The doctor makes a frustrated sound before dropping a plastic bag of my personal belongings on the bed. "I'll get your discharge paperwork ready.Againstmedical advice."

When he leaves Evelyn crosses her arms over her chest. "You're acting like a baby who doesn't want to take his medicine."

I pull my shirt from the bag, wincing as I try to get my arm through the sleeve. "A baby?"

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