Page 29 of Savage Vow (Mafia Marriages 3)

“Lucky you.”

Yeah, I don’t feel the least bit lucky. I have a twelve-hour workday on my feet after a wedding that wasn’t the least bit romantic or fueled by love.

“I’ll swing by with dinner,” Ivy says. “And I’ll get you a burner phone.”

“You’re the best. Oh, and one more thing. You’re going to have to use the side elevator near the emergency room department.”

“Why?”

“One of Aurielo’s men, a bodyguard, is staking out the lobby. If he sees you enter the building, he’ll think you’re me.”

“He doesn’t know you’re a twin?” Ivy asks with a laugh. “Even after the switcheroo?”

A faint smile tugs at the corner of my lips. “Aurielo didn’t tell his buddies about what happened.”

“Of course, he didn’t. Yeah, we can come in by the emergency room and take that elevator up to your floor.”

“Thank you.” I hang up the phone and shove the device back into Jocelyn’s locker before heading out onto the floor.

I’m already four hours behind, and I swear I can hear the dragon breathing through her nostrils.

* * *

The day drags on, and I’m relieved when I glance up at the nurses’ station, and Ashton is clutching his well-loved bear.

“Mommy!” Ashton squeals, running toward me.

I had already changed scrubs thanks to a toddler vomiting on me twenty minutes ago, so at least my clothes are clean when Ashton embraces me.

I hug him back, holding him tight against my chest. “I missed you so much,” I whisper.

It’s only been one day.

A lifetime without my son is a nightmare.

“I brought pot roast,” Ivy says, revealing the large plastic ware container.

“Thank you.” I stand, grabbing Ashton’s hand as I lead them to the breakroom for a little family dinner.

Jocelyn’s already left for the day, or I’d invite her to join us.

Slipping into the breakroom, I hit the lights and grab plastic plates and silverware to dine. There is so much that I want to tell my sister, but I can’t with Ashton in the room.

“How’s work?” Ivy asks. She opens the container of pot roast. She unzips her oversized purse and reveals a pre-made bag of salad, dressing included.

“Busy,” I say. I open the refrigerator stocked with drinks that I had Jocelyn grab from the cafeteria earlier in the day. I pull out two sodas and a container of milk for Ashton.

“How was the parent-teacher conference?” I ask.

Ivy shrugs. “Fine. Ashton plays well with others, colors in the lines, that sort of thing.” She waves dismissively.

Is there something that she’s not telling me?

Ashton sits at the table, sipping his milk while she dishes out his dinner onto his plate for him.

He’s quiet. Quieter than I’ve probably ever seen him before.

“Ashton?” I hand him a fork and napkin and finally sit down to eat.

---