Page 70 of Enzo's Vow
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My eyes snapped open, and I straightened in the armchair, stiff muscles protesting.
Gemma blinked, her brows furrowed as she moved. “Enzo?” Her groggy voice sounded a tad raw.
I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. “Hey, how are you feeling?”
Her brows knit together, and she patted the hospital bed sheets. “I don’t understand. Why am I here?”
I encased her hand, my thumb tracing circles on her skin. “You were drugged last night, my mother…” I trailed off, not wanting to burden her with the details of what led Carina to pull such a stunt.
She sank back against the pillow. “She drugged me?”
“I poisoned her.”Carina’s words echoed in my mind. My grip tightened on her hand. Over my dead body. I stared at her, at the worry etched in her brow, those whisky eyes searching for answers. No more. I wouldn’t let anyone harm her. Not again.
A knock on the door interrupted our conversation, and Lucio entered, carrying a small duffel bag. He set it down without looking at me.
“Your car’s out front.” Lucio avoided my gaze and scratched at his neck, a nervous habit. “Ready when you are.”
He didn’t agree with my plan, begging me to reconsider. But what choice did I have?
He glanced at Gemma, his slight pout giving too much away. “I’m sorry about our mother. I hope you feel better.”
“Thanks, Lucio.” She smiled, the gesture strained. “I just feel... foggy.” She looked at me, her gaze searching once again. “What happened?”
I cleared my throat. “Lucio brought you some clean clothes. Why don’t you change? I’ll get the discharge papers sorted.” I gestured to the duffel bag on the bed.
She nodded slowly, still looking dazed.
As I rose, I caught Lucio’s eye. A silent message passed between us:Thank you. I owe you.
“Enzo…” Lucio caught up with me in the hallway.
“Stop.” I raised my hand. “Just stop… you’re not making this any easier.”
A nurse in scrubs passed us. “Excuse me, my wife needs help getting dressed.”
“Of course, Mr. Cammarata.” The nurse entered Gemma’s room.
Lucio shot me a pointed glare. “That’s right, Enzo.Your wife.”
My eyes fluttered close. Would I ever get used to not calling her that? Ignoring my brother, I went to the desk and asked for the discharge papers.
A few minutes later, the same nurse departed, arm linked with Gemma.
I finished signing her discharge papers and thanked the nurse who assisted her.
Lucio tossed and caught his car keys, his jaw set firm. “I’ll see you back at home, Enzo.” He passed Gemma one last fleeting look. “Take care, Gemma.”
She managed a weak wave, then winced as she hobbled to the exit.
I lifted a hand to stroke her hair, but dropped my arm by my side before making contact. “Are you feeling well enough to leave? I can talk to the doctor if not.”
She stifled a yawn, hooking my arm as we headed out of the exit. “No, I’m fine. Everything’s a bit hazy, but otherwise I’m good.”
“Just… promise me you’ll rest. And drink plenty of water, okay? I don’t want you getting dehydrated.” I helped zipped her jacket from the crisp morning air, and held her hand while she eased into the passenger seat.
“I’m sure you’ll see to it.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Now, get in the car and stop being such a worrywart.”
