Page 51 of On Ice

He studies me. “I hope Evan is worth all the hassle.”

“I guess we’ll see.” My phone buzzes and when I see it’s my sister, I exhale impatiently.

“Something wrong?” Marco asks.

I meet his gaze with a wry smile. “Isabella decided to introduce herself to Evan this morning, even though I told her not to. She just pushed her way into his room when she heard us arguing.”

“That definitely sounds like Isabella.”

“It’s annoying. I didn’t want the family meeting him until I’m sure he’s going to play nice. He’s too damn likeable. If he doesn’t go along with my plan, I don’t need them trying to protect him because he’s ingratiated himself to them.”

“Makes sense to keep them separated. Especially with Isabella. She get attached too easily.”

“That she does.” I laugh gruffly remembering their meeting. “Evan looked completely non-plussed when he met her. He couldn’t even speak.”

Marco also laughs and then winces, rubbing his ribs. “She does often leave people speechless.” His smile is affectionate.

“That’s Isabella.” I sigh. “A free spirited kook.”

“She belongs in a hippy commune more than a mafia family.” Marco appears tired now, and he distractedly rubs his fingers against his temple, as if he has a headache.

I don’t want to tire him out too much, so I stand. “Anyway, I should get going. I need to make that call and get the ball rolling.”

He nods. “Let me know if they accept the offer or not. It’s boring in here. I have nothing to do and the TV only has the Hallmark channel and a few news stations.”

I smirk. “You’re not into the Hallmark channel? Say it isn’t so.”

“Why is it always snowing in every movie? And why is everyone either a baker or a carpenter?” He quickly adds, “Not that I’ve watched many of the shows.”

“Uh, huh. Sure.” I lean over and awkwardly pat his arm. “I’ll come by tomorrow before your surgery.”

“Thanks.” He smiles, looking grateful. “I’d hate to croak with no one here to give a shit about it.”

I frown. “You’re going to be fine, Marco.”

He waves me off. “Oh, I know. I’m not worried.”

He’s being cavalier, but I know there’s a small part of him that’s anxious. Thoughts of death are inevitable when you have surgery. Things can go wrong. That’s just a fact. “I’m sure Isabella will insist on joining me.”

He looks pleased. “Yeah?”

“Well, you are her favorite person to rag on.”

“True.”

“Before I go, do you need anything? I can send Sal over with some goodies.” I glance around and lower my voice. “You want any porn or booze? You know, the essentials?”

He laughs. “No. Thanks. Though, if the head nurse didn’t remind me of Nurse Ratched, maybe I’d take you up on that.”

I chuckle and move to the door. “I’ll let you know if there are any developments.”

“Please do.” He leans his head back against his pillow. He’s pale and looks exhausted now, and I’m sure will sleep the minute I leave.

With a casual wave, I step into the hallway, the sterile smell of antiseptic and the distant hum of the hospital surround me. I enjoyed my visit with Marco, but there’s a gnawing anxiety in my gut about Evan. It’s important that he agree to my terms, but I know he’ll fight me. He can’t help it. And I can’t help the instinct to squash his rebellion. We’re not at all alike, which probably makes my plan even stupider. But I can’t seem to help my attraction to him, and I know this is the only way to keep him breathing.

Hopefully, his desire to live will override his desire to rebel against me.

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