Page 109 of On Ice

I narrow my eyes. “Watch your tone, Marco.”

He gives an exasperated growl. “Well, you’re not listening. You could black out at any moment. You’re supposed to be in bed, resting. The surgeon looked like he was going to have a stroke when you said you were self-discharging. I thought he was going to latch onto your leg and you’d have to drag him out the hospital with you.”

“He was overreacting.”

“Was he? Because you have abrain injury, Luca.” He shakes his head and pulls out onto the main road. “And if you really thought there was nothing wrong with leaving the hospital this early, why’d you wait until your family left before making your escape?”

I grimace. “You know how overly protective Mama is. I didn’t want to hear a lecture. I just want to sleep in my own bed.”

Preferably with Evan in it.

“Besides,” I continue, “I need to handle Maria and Tommy.”

“We’ll hunt Maria down soon enough. She’s more wily than Tommy. That dumbass headed straight to the airport. Vito and the guys snagged him the minute he arrived.” He grunts. “He’s already enjoying the fine accommodations in the Fun Room.”

I smirk at the name we use for our holding room-slash-torture chamber. It’s really just the basement of my home, soundproofed so no one can hear the screams. My father had it built decades ago, and many traitorous slobs have died in that cold, dank room. I look forward to Maria and Tommy joining those dearly departed souls.

“Vito said Tommy was sniveling and blaming everything on Maria,” Marco says.

I snort dismissively. “Of course he was. He’s a spineless weasel. He was thinking with his dick. I have no doubt that bitch came up with the idea, but he went along with it. He needs to pay for his disloyalty, same as her.”

“They will. But you don’t have to rush into that. You really do need to think about your health, boss.” He glances over, a line between his dark brows. “Once we get Maria too, then you can do your thing. But until then, your health is what matters.”

I close my eyes, resting my aching head against the back of the seat. I know he’s right. I don’t feel good. I’m weak and I can’t think clearly. I need sleep, but I’m too driven to be near Evan right now to rest. “Once I see Evan is okay, I’ll rest.”

“Promise?”

“Yeah.” I sigh. “I feel like shit.”

“I knew it,” he growls. “You’re so stubborn.”

“Pot calling the kettle black. You should be resting too.”

“Can’t.” He blows out a harsh breath as fat rain drops begin to pelt to windshield. “That shit was too close for comfort. I haven’t been that worried in a long time.”

I nod. “Yeah. Wasn’t sure we’d make it out alive. Danny’s okay, right? Isabella said he took a bullet to the shoulder.”

“He’s fine. It was more of a graze than anything. Could have been much worse if Vincent hadn’t caught wind of what Maria was up to. His guys arrived just in time.” Marco grimaces. “Hate to say it, but we owe him one.”

“That’s fine. He could have joined them, but he was loyal. He deserves to be rewarded for that loyalty.” The city blurs past the window, smeared with rain. My head pulses in time with every bump in the road, a slow, nauseating drumbeat. I lean my temple against the cool glass, though it does nothing to dull the ache stitched behind my eyes. The bandage itches, tight where the staples bite my scalp.

I just want to be home, but Marco’s driving like an old man. Ten and two, eyes locked on the wet road. I want to nag him to speed up, but I don’t. We get on each other’s nerves, but I owe my old friend my life. Without him in that car with me, I might be lying on a slab in the morgue. I misjudged Maria’s audacity. While I was uneasy about Maria’s relationship with Tommy, I’d trusted they were smart enough to know they got more out of being my friend rather than my enemy.

Apparently I was wrong.

That was a dangerous slip on my part. In my line of work, you don’t get many do-overs. I forgot, just for a moment, that greedy assholes always want more. Nothing is ever enough for a woman like Maria. I suspect that because she got away with murdering her husband, she thought she was untouchable. Smarter than the rest of us.

She’ll pay for that arrogance with her life.

When we finally pull into the long driveway of my home, I sit up straighter and nod to the guard at the gate. I need to project confidence and strength right now. The men will be uneasy, knowing someone dared make a move against me. That’s why I need to handle Maria and Tommy swiftly and without mercy. Everyone needs a reminder: you come for me, you die.

At the front door, Williams greets us, appearing surprised. “Mr. Luca, I didn’t expect you home this soon.” His gray eyes inspect me focusing on my bandaged head. “I hope you plan on lots of bedrest, sir. That’s the only way to heal quickly.”

“I won’t leave my bed the rest of the day. How’s that sound?” I’m hoping I can coax Evan to join me. His presence will make bedrest much more enjoyable. Not that I’m in any shape to have sex, but his nearness will help me relax.

“That sounds like an excellent plan.” Williams almost cracks a smile. Almost. “The rest of the family are napping. When they wake up, I’ll be sure they know you’re safely home.”

“Excellent.” I move slowly past him, doing my best to keep my balance. I’m definitely dizzy, but falling on my ass isn’t an option. “Marco, I think you should stay in one of the guest rooms. It’s safer here than at your place.”

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