Page 32 of Lines Drawn
“It may be our ticket. I know,” he states smugly.
Eyeing him, I shake my head. “You may be smug about it now, but remember, Il Padrone is in a pissed off mood. And you went against direct orders. I don’t think it’ll matter that the risk paid off…”
“Shit,” Antonio curses. “Fine. Let’s at least get it over with. I want answers, and I need to know who they have locked up.”
We lapse into silence as we continue heading toward the mansion. I hope by the time we get back things will have calmed down. Unfortunately, I have a bad feeling that’s not going to be possible… Hopefully, we’re not completely fucked.
Cristian and I stare at one another, waiting for the other to break. Exhaustion weighs down on me as I sit across the room from him, but I refuse to be the first one to break the stalemate between us; I can be stubborn when I want to be.
“Did anyone tell Carter I need medical attention?” he finally asks.
I shrug. “I sent Rose to give him the news, but I don’t think you’ll be hearing from him tonight.”
“What’d he say, Doc?” His voice is tired, worn down, and I’ve only ever heard him like this when it comes to Roman.
“That you got what you deserved for being an overbearing asshole.” I smile a little, though even my joy of chaos is missing amongst all the bullshit. “Have to say, I didn’t expect this plot twist. You and Carter…I didn’t think anything could separate you.”
“Apparently, Roman can. Or more accurately, someone my son has no business loving.”
“That makes more sense,” I say with a nod. “You’re both very protective of Roman. Hell, we all are. I remember when you brought him home. How fragile and innocent he was, with hazy green eyes and that stock of dark hair. He’s grown into an incredible young man—one who probably needs therapy for his emotional instability, but don’t we all. He knows his own mind and heart, and just because you don’t like it, doesn’t mean you get to judge him for it.
“Come on, Cris. We’ve already discussed this. You want your kid happy, and if having multiple lovers makes him happy, you’re in no position to question him. He’s being safe. I doubt there’s anyone safer than Roman considering how many people care about the little shit.
“Besides, you have…whatever it is between you and Allesandro, means you have no room to pass judgment on anyone else, or to question Roman’s choices.”
He scowls. “Allesandro and I… We’ve just…”
“You bonded through your shared trauma, and now that you’re out, you’re both floundering and lost,” I tell him softly. “I’m not surprised, and if I thought it’d help, I’d shove you both into therapy, but?—”
“Absolutely fucking not.”
I roll my eyes. “I know, I know. No therapy, but you have to do something, Cris. You’ve already pissed your husband off enough that he’s decided sleeping with a toddler is better than staying with you. And you’ve injured two of your son’s lovers.”
He scoffs. “I’ve stabbed Ten before. It’s how we get over ourselves.”
I shake my head. “This time is different, Cris. I can’t help you if you don’t want to help yourself first. So, you need to decide what’s more important: your standing as a Boss and yourneed to protect your son, or the people you love—that includes Allesandro.”
Before he can say anything, my phone alarm goes off. At the same time, James bursts into the room. I look at my best friend while I pull my phone out, the alert still going off.
“Ash… That’s the fire alarm…”
I shake my head. “No…” With shaky hands I shut the alarm off and pull up Soren’s contact.
“I’ve already sent people out to the house…” James says.
Soren doesn’t answer, and instead of trying again, I put a call through to Dominic, and even try Donovan when I get no answer from his sibling.
“This can’t be happening…” I whisper when my calls go unanswered. “Go find Dima. He was working with Jude. I think they’re holed up somewhere so Jude can work without too much ambient noise.”
“I need to get there,” James says.
“I'm coming with you.” Taking a few steps to the door, Cristian stops me.
“Doc, no.”
I give him a withering glare. “You want to be useful? Ask your new family to help save mine.”
I follow James out of the medical wing, my heart in my throat, and all my thoughts are on how my Daddy can't leave me. Not like this…
