Page 28 of Consequences
“It’s okay,” I say, looking at the younger man. “I promise, Topolino, it’s okay.”
“How the fuck is that okay?” he argues.
Roman stops him when Benjamin takes a step forward. “Don’t interfere in things you don’t understand, Paperotto. The Martellis have their own style of punishment. This is ours—well, Hollis’s.”
Benjamin grimaces, and I can assume part of that expression is him realizing that soon enough, Hollis’s ire will be turned on his best friend. For now, though, I’m my Tesoro’s sole focus.
Hollis roughly grabs my chin and turns my face to his. “Leave the room for a moment, Benjamin, if you can’t watch; I won’t think any less of you. But please, do not interfere, this is between me and this asshole.” Hollis’s grip is bruising as he addresses my Topolino.
Benjamin decides to stay, and my admiration for him goes up a notch.
“You can’t do this to me, Ten,” Hollis says in a rough voice. “I can’t survive without you.”
I swallow and say, “I was doing my job, Tesoro. I will never apologize for that.”
Tears fill his dark eyes, and I hate knowing I did this to him. “I know. I will never fault you for that, but dammit, you are mine. The only one allowed to hurt you is me.” He moves his hand down to my side, pressing down just above the incision, making me wince. “I hate knowing someone else put their mark on you. It makes my skin itch. I want to carve you up and show the whole world that every bloody inch of you is mine.”
“I am yours, Tesoro. Always. Nemmeno la morte può portarmi via da te.”
“I’m worried that won’t be true one day.”
“No.” Reaching for him, I wince as the movement tugs at my wound, but don’t let it stop me from grabbing his too long hair and pulling him in. “I will always be yours, Hol. In this life and the next. Nothing can take me from you.”
“I’ll kill anyone who dares to try,” he whispers, before pressing his lips to mine.
I smile against his mouth. I can’t help it. Hollis isn’t a fighter, but anyone who thinks that is a disadvantage doesn’t know him at all. He is extremely possessive and protective, and I know nothing will be able to bank his fire should the unthinkable happen one day. Thankfully, that isn’t something we have to worry about right now.
It’ll take more than a bullet to take me out.
Hollis pulls back and rubs his fingers over my cheek. “That’s going to bruise,” he mutters.
“Good. I like it when you mark me.”
He smiles tiredly. “Haven’t done that in a long time. Soon.”
“Promise.”
One last kiss and then he moves away slightly, making room for someone else to get close. Jude is next. He raises an eyebrow at me and shakes his head. “Next time,” he signs slowly, an amused smile on his face. “I’m going to shoot you myself. You can’t leave me alone with these two.” He points at Roman and Hollis.
I laugh. “I was in charge of both of them by myself for over a year and a half, Agnellino. You can handle a few days.”
“I really, really can’t,” he voices. “There were tears, Tennant.” His eyes darken a little, his expression sobering. “I don’t like seeing Hollis cry. Don’t do it again.”
“I’ll do my best.”
He leans in and kisses me harshly. “I mean it, Ten. I maybe care about you a little. So don’t get yourself killed.”
I huff out a laugh, swallowing down my wince. “I’m sorry.”
His expression softens, and he presses a soft kiss to my cheek before taking a seat next to the bed, and gesturing to Roman and Benjamin. They come closer at the same time, one on either side of the bed.
Roman’s eyes are shiny with tears, but he doesn’t let them fall. “Why did you do that?” he asks as Benjamin takes my hand.
I reach for Roman and he comes easily, sitting on the bed next to my hip—on my good side—and taking my hand in both of his. “It’s my job, Roman. No,” I say before he can interrupt. “I know you don’t like it, but it’s true. There were six people in that room, but only four of them were important. I had to make a choice, and I did the best I could under the circumstances. If Icould have, I would have saved both you and Emilio, but I accept I am just one man.”
“It’s my fault,” he whispers. “I was too hasty, too emotional. I let my need to save Dad get the best of me, and I drew attention to us. You and Lio might have been okay if it wasn’t for me.”
Before I can offer more reassurances, Benjamin speaks up. “Save the pity party. The only one at fault was that asshole who died far too quickly. We don’t know the reasons behind his actions or motivations, and we maybe never will. Tennant and Lio don’t need your guilt or self-pity. They need someone who can take down their enemies while they’re unavailable.
