Page 42 of Lines Drawn
“That’s what I said.” Roman rolls his eyes. “But you know Ten, worst patient ever.”
“I’m fine,” I tell them both. I hold my arm out to Benjamin and he sighs, but closes the door and walks across the room to me.
His entire body is tense when he slips into my embrace, and I hate that there’s nothing I can do to ease it. I hold him as tightly as I can one-handedly, knowing he’ll growl at me if I try to use both, hoping that he gets some comfort from me.
“How’s Lio doing?” Roman asks.
Benjamin lets out a long sigh and shakes his head. “He’s…heartbroken. I’ve never seen him like this before. Il Padrone…he’s acting like an asshole. Even that word’s too tame for him, I think, but I don’t have any others.”
Roman’s face crumples. “Poor Lio. What the hell is Il Padrone thinking? I mean, I can guess where Dad’s head is at, but I haven’t spoken to him about it. I don’t agree with what he did. None of this makes sense.”
“Yeah…” Benjamin sighs again. “Which is why Lio wants to have a meeting after the rescue. He…has some things he wants to say, to run by everyone—not the Bosses. I know you’re both probably tired, and I hate doing it when you’re injured, but it’s important to Lio. Carter too, probably.”
“We’ll be there,” Roman says.
I’d protest, not wanting him to move around or to be anywhere near the shitshow I can guess is coming…because my head is currently filled with many thoughts, but I can see where this is going. Especially, since the Bosses aren’t invited to this meeting. But, the look in Roman’s eyes, and defiant tip of hischin, tells me he’s not speaking as Roman, but as the Amato heir, and following his order isn’t a hardship.
“Okay, we’ll be there,” I say softly.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t do that. You never have to thank me for anything, Topolino. I’d give you the world if I could, so going to a meeting is nothing in comparison.”
“Gross,” Roman grumbles. “Can I convalesce in peace?”
Benjamin lets out a small laugh. “Bet you'd like it if Ignacio said it to you.”
To my astonishment, the little shit blushes. I wasn't aware hecouldblush. Filing that information away for later, I focus back on Benjamin. “Do you or Emilio need anything? I'm not allowed to do much, but I'd like to support you in any way I can.”
Benjamin shakes his head. “I need to go track down Carter and Dr. Ranlen, to tell them about the meeting. Can you pass the message to Hollis and Jude?”
I nod. “Of course. I'll give you one guess where Carter is right now. Jude was with Antonio, last I heard, while Hol and Leandro are pulling information for the rescue.”
“Okay. I'll go talk to Sarah then.”
“I'd suggest asking Doc to attend, too.” If this meeting is what I think, I already know his answer, but he can help Emilio and Dr. Ranlen coordinate the medical team.
“Okay. I should probably consult with both of them about Ignacio, anyway. I need to get going, so I can get that done.”
“Are you going on the rescue mission?” Roman asks.
I tense, waiting for Benjamin's answer.
“No. Antonio got Jude to agree, so I'll stay here to finish the task Lio set me.”
“You can come sit with me, if you want,” Roman offers. “Normally, I hang out with Hollis when I'm not in the field, butthat's not possible now. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you stay with him and Leandro.”
“Thank you, I'll think about it.”
“If I can get away with it,” I tell Benjamin, “I'll be staying here with Roman during the rescue. So join us if you want—or need to.”
“Okay.” He kisses me, the touch full of passion, and for the first time since he walked into the room, I feel his tension ease a little. “I love you. Don't push yourself too hard, and I'll see you later. Okay?”
“Same to you. I don't want you to collapse from exhaustion, you'll be no good to Emilio then. Come see me when they're out, okay?”
“Yeah…” He presses one last kiss to my lips and pulls away.
After a moment's hesitation, he moves to Roman’s bedside and presses a kiss to his cheek. “Be careful. Lio and Carter both need you. Stop being stupid with your injuries.”
