Page 29 of Vows of Betrayal

“Nah, I'm too tough. Couldn't let fuckin' Sergio win.”

Her body shook with more sobs. “I was so scared. Seeing you on the ground in the stables.” She held onto me tighter. “I was so scared, Stefan. I thought for sure we lost you forever.”

I kissed her forehead and tipped her head back. “You didn't lose me. I'm right here.” Then I kissed her lips briefly.

She sighed while I wiped her cheeks. “Am I still allowed to kiss you? Your lips looked pretty busy a few minutes ago,” she teased.

I quickly kissed her again. “I told her I kiss you and Giselle.”

Her eyebrows rose, and she bit her lip. “And did you tell her what else you do with me and Giselle?”

I laughed and kissed her again. “I don't think she's ready to hear all that.”

She laughed—which was a whole lot better than having her cry. “She's beautiful, Stefan. I can't wait to bring her into the family. Nick and Carlo are looking forward to it, too.” She looked up at me with wet eyelashes.

Hearing her say that was like a punch to the gut.

“That's not going to happen.” And it wasn't. There was no fucking way I was letting Nick—or my goddamn brother—near Francesca.

Eve shrugged and gave me a sad smile. “Can't blame a girl for trying.”

I decided to change the topic. “Thanks for bringing Dani down. I miss that kid.”

Eve laid her head on my shoulder and snuggled in. Just like she had many times before. “She was jealous that the babies got to go but not her. Nick and I took her with us to that gymnastics place. She's so good with our kids. They all had a blast. But when we got home and told her that her mom and dad took the babies to visit you here—she freaked out. Like literally lost it.”

I shook my head. “She's dramatic, that one,” I agreed.

Eve laughed. “Honey, she was purple. My kids can scream, but they've never turned that shade before. Dani wasmad.” Eve lengthened the last word considerably.

“So, I promised her as soon as her parents got back, I'd take her up to see you. Besides, Giselle and Carlo owe me for dealing with that momentous temper tantrum.”

I hated the fact that Dani's temper tantrum made me feel good. But it did. Knowing how badly she wanted to come and visit made my heart crumble.

“So, the new girl,” Eve said in a hushed tone as she nodded toward the door. “Is she a keeper? Please tell me she's a keeper. Giselle really loves her. Even though Francesca essentially told her off in the hallway.”

I looked down at Eve. “What are you talking about?” My hackles raised, wondering what the hell had gone on in the hallway.

Eve sat up and moved off the bed. “When Carlo was in here talking with you. Giselle ran into Francesca in the hallway. Giselle wanted to welcome her, but I guess it didn't go as planned. I'm not sure. But Giselle still loves her. She said she's tough—but kind. She said that's exactly the type of woman you should have.” Eve grinned down at me. “Oh, and the guys love her, too. Carlo said she's got great tits and an incredible ass. Nick agrees with Carlo's assessment and also said that she'd make a superb addition to our little—group.”

I wasn't sure what emotion had washed over me. But whatever the fuck it was—made me want to snap Nick and Carlo's necks.

“They're not touching Francesca. Ever,” I said firmly. And I fucking meant it. “There's no way in hell that's ever going to happen, Eve. So, get it out of your mind.”

Instead of being intimidated—Eve giggled.

Yeah.

She laughed her guts out. She doubled over and held onto the bed. When she could finally catch her breath, she leaned over me, breasts against my chest. “You should see yourself, honey.” Her eyes looked directly into mine. Then she kissed me. “You're in love,” she whispered against my lips. She moved back when Dani came tearing into the room again. “I'm so happy for you. And for us.” Eve winked at me and waggled her eyebrows.

Fuck me.

9

Stefan

“You should have died,” the doctor standing in front of me said frankly. “There is no medical reason you should still be alive. Other than pure stubbornness. You got to the ER too late. By the time Francesca convinced me to try a hail Mary—” he shook his head and wrote something into my chart, “you hardly had a drop of blood left in your body. I wasn't sure how I'd patch you up. We took you back into surgery three times to fix bleeders.” He set the chart on my bed. “There's no medical reason you should be breathing here talking to me right now. I want you to appreciate that. And live your life accordingly. Because if this happens again,” he tapped his finger on the chart,“I can guarantee you that the outcome won't be as much fun. Whatever—” he cleared his throat and glared at me, “activities got you here, I advise you stop them immediately. Or next time, this will be an entirely different ending.”

I nodded and thanked the doctor before he left. I was grateful he'd saved my life. But he didn't appear all that pleased about it himself.

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