Page 142 of Carnal

"I already know. You could have told me," he claims.

A moment passes before I admit, "She didn't want you to treat her any differently."

"You could have told me," he states again.

"We were going to tell you before the wedding. Please. You need to find her," I beg, trying to sit up, but I'm too weak.

Papà holds me down again. "Tristano, stop moving. You're not in good condition."

"Why are you all here? It's Pina. Go find her," I bark.

Papà motions to my three brothers. "Your brother is awake now. He's right. Get with Luca and help in the search."

"It's Biagio. Pick him up," I growl.

Anger flares on Dante's expression. "Luca said he's got five guards around him at all times. You know his father's estate is off-limits. He's been hiding out and lying low."

"I don't care. Pick. Him. Up," I demand.

"Go. Now," Papà orders my brothers.

One by one, they all leave, stating phrases I don't even hear. When they're out of the room, I close my eyes, declaring, "I need to get out of here."

Papà leans closer. The smell of his expensive aftershave flares in my nostrils. "You had a nine-hour surgery. The medical team put you in an induced coma. I'm waiting for the doctor to give me the okay to have you moved home. It'll be an easier recovery for you if you're in your own bed. Plus, I can only control the security so much here."

I lick my lips, but everything is dry, including my tongue.

"Have some water," Papà orders, holding a Styrofoam cup with a straw a few inches from my face.

I take a few sips then get emotional, confessing, "I need her back. You can't let them hurt her."

Papà’s expression turns deadly. He vows, "We'll get her back, son."

"Now. You need to find her now."

"We're doing everything possible."

"Papà, I can't live without her."

He puts his hand over mine. "We'll find her. I promise."

Someone clears their throat. I glance at the doorway. A man I've never seen before, in a white coat, walks toward us.

"Doctor. Just who I wanted to speak with," Papà states.

The man says, "Good to see you're awake, Mr. Marino. I'm Dr. Keinman. How do you feel?"

"Fine. I'm ready to go home," I claim.

Seriousness fills his expression. "I'm sure you are, but you had a long operation and we just took you out of your induced coma. It would be best for you to stay for another few days under our observation."

"I've already talked with our primary physician. He has a medical team waiting at our house, along with the equipment required to monitor Tristano's recovery," Papà replies.

The doctor's eyes dart between us. He warns, "Your son's condition is very serious."

Papà rises. "I'm aware and can assure you that I wouldn't approve of him coming home if the situation at my house was not appropriate. Our family physician handpicked the team of doctors and nurses who are at my house as we speak. And they're all the best of the best."

Dr. Keinman arches his eyebrows.

---