Page 94 of Tainted Obsession 1
The thought torments me.
She was shot because of her proximity to me. I should let her go, send her back to her safe life in America.
I’m not sure if I’m strong enough to bear it. The prospect of being separated from her makes my stomach twist into knots.
If Evelyn survives, I’ll do anything to ensure her safety, even if that means letting her go.
Chapter 36
Evelyn
Idrift in a cottony haze, vacillating between dull pain and weightless bliss. Every time the pain begins to crest, warmth suffuses my system, cocooning me in peace. Silver eyes fill my dreams, watching over me. Massimo’s deep voice rumbles through my disjointed thoughts, soothing me in low, steady streams of Italian.
During short periods of lucidity, his comforting scent enfolds me.
“You need to eat,farfallina.”
His arm wraps around me, and my back is propped against his hard chest. I feel his steady heartbeat, and mine matches it, beating in tandem.
His other hand lifts a chunk of melon to my lips, and I part them to accept the sweet fruit.
My eyelids are so heavy, so I allow them to drift closed as I release a low hum of contentment. Dull pain throbs near my right hip, but I’m in Massimo’s careful embrace.
I love when he holds me like this: like I’m precious and delicate. A treasure to be cherished.
“Good girl,” he murmurs as I eat from his hand. “You’re doing so well,dolcezza.”
His praise warms my chest, and I sink into him with a sigh. Nothing bad can touch me now. Even the pain ebbs, receding to a soft twinge.
I finish the meal with his low, coaxing words rumbling over me, and then I drift down into sleep again.
His arms are around me, lifting me. I hiss a pained breath as the movement jars my hip, and he shushes me gently. He cradles me against his chest and carries me, his steps steady and sure, careful not to jostle me.
The cool tub replaces the heat of his body, but his hands don’t stray from my skin. He maintains tender contact, stroking and reassuring. Warm water cascades over my hair, the weight like a gentle massage that eases all tension from my muscles. I relax against the tub and tip my head back, allowing the weight of it to fall into his hands as he lathers my hair with shampoo.
“That’s it,” he encourages. “Let me take care of you.”
I obey, sinking into warm bliss as he rubs my scalp in soothing circular motions. I trust him completely, and I know he’ll always care for me. I don’t have to worry about anything as long as I’m with him.
I stir, stretching stiff muscles. Pain flares at my hip, a sharp twinge.
But Massimo is holding me, his arm draped around my shoulders and his hand skimming up and down my arm. I release a long breath, and the pain fades.
I blink up at him, my mind clearer than it has been in…longer than I know.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been drifting in and out of consciousness.
The last thing I remember before the hazy days is the violence that exploded through Stefano’s club. Massimo had raced toward me, his beautiful face a mask of fear.
But we aren’t in the club. I’m safely cuddled against him. The bedroom is still and quiet, with no sounds of gunfire or shouts of panic.
“What happened?” My voice comes out slow and slightly slurred, my mind still a bit fuzzy.
Massimo’s jaw ticks, but his touch remains gentle. “You don’t need to worry about anything. Just rest.”
“But the fight at the club…”
Fear punches me, and I jolt in his arms.
