Page 113 of Hot Momosa

Dahlia

I’d thought gettingshot was the low point of my day, but I was wrong.

Maybe dead wrong.

The man I loved threatening to go to a rival mafia capo for help made getting grazed by a bullet seem like no big deal. Add in the part where said rival mob family would likely use mine and Leo’s relationship to get to my father, and I had myself a category five shit-storm.

Leo glanced from Stuart, to Gunnar, holding the bodyguard’s hand, and finally to me. “You were discharged? Where’s your father?”

“No, I decided to take a stroll while waiting for the paperwork.” I planted my hands on my hips. “Dad left once the nurses came in with the paperwork. Now answer me. Is this what you’re going to do every time things get tough? Turn to the flippin’ mob?”

Marco held up his hands and took a step toward the waiting room. “I should go see if there’s any news on Enzo.”

“The doctors came in a few minutes ago. He’s in recovery and doing well. Shanna’s with him.” I turned my attention back to Leo. “You’re honestly considering going to Giancarlo for help? You promised me you’d never do such a thing.”

Except in self-defense or to protect me and Gunnar, but that wasn’t the point.

He winced. “We’ll talk about this at home.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you until you answer my question.”

Leo hung his head.

Stuart watched Marco go with such longing, I felt bad for the guy. “Take Gunnar back to Evelyn. I’ll be right in.”

Leo leaned closer and lowered his voice. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“I know Francesca Abruzzo had something to do with the shooting.”

“Yes, but there’s more.” He pressed his lips into a thin line. “She’s been working at Marchionni Corp for months under the name Julia Carpenter.”

“Carpenter… Isn’t that the woman you had investigating Harry?” Spots danced before my eyes and my head suddenly felt heavy. I took a step back to keep my balance.

Leo grabbed my shoulders to steady me, and my stitches pulled. I cried out before I could stop myself.

“Dahlia, let me take you home. I swear, I’ll answer all of your questions after you’re settled in.”

Sitting and catching my breath would have been the wise choice, but I wanted to get the hell out of the hospital. “You have to promise me you won’t go to the mob for help or justice or…” I lost my thoughts as quickly as they’d come. “Just promise me.”

“I’ll follow Marco’s lead, but I can’t let this go.” He waited until I looked him in the eye. “You won’t be safe until the person who did this is caught.”

“Maybe not even then.” I couldn’t decide if it was the pain meds, the stress, or on oncoming migraine making me feel so off-kilter. Whatever it was, it had very bad timing. “I don’t like that Marco’s involved, but it seems like he’s looking out for you.”

“He is, and I owe him an apology.” Frowning, Leo shook his head. “But right now, I need to get you and Gunnar home.”

It took a solid half hour for Leo to pry Gunnar away from his new grandmother. Surprisingly enough, Evelyn had no nasty comments or dirty looks for either of us. Then again, between Enzo getting shot and meeting her grandson for the first time, she had more important things on her mind.

She’s not going to let us off the hook for long.

Stuart escorted us to the main entrance where Leo had left his car. The tension rolling off of the bodyguard made me nervous. It made sense that he’d be extra vigilant considering what had happened to me and Enzo was on his watch, but I worried he’d stroke out if he didn’t relax.

“Thank, Christ.” Leo blew out a breath and tightened his grip on Gunnar. “The car’s still there.”

“So are the reporters, but there are less of them now.” Stuart frowned. “Give me five minutes to clear them out.”

“No, it’s okay.” I tried to smile but I was sure it’d come out more like a scowl. “I’d rather plow through them than wait.”

Leo nodded and slung his arm around my shoulder. “Stay close.”

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