Page 46 of Cherished Union

“What was that about?” I ask. I’m ready to find the bastard and snap his neck for making her angry. There was no need for him to fucking say a word about me.

“He told me to be careful, that you could hurt me while I’m in a vulnerable state.” She shakes her head, her fingers combing through Vivian’s hair. I want to pull her away, but I know she’ll not let me. She’d fight me if I even try. “I told him that you’d never hurt me.” She shrugs as though her faith in me means nothing. Whereas it means everything. We’ve been barely married for three months, and she’s got complete faith in me. Something I know takes a lot for her to do.

“Hayden,” she whispers into the silence. My men are hanging back, letting us have space, but are also watchful. “Will you find out who’s done this?”

“Without a doubt,” I respond instantly. “Whoever did this—" I already know it’s the Masters. It’s just a matter of time of figuring out which cunt did it. “They’re going to pay for it.”

She nods. “I’m sorry about Killian. I know how close you were. That he was more than an uncle.”

He was. To me, to Jade, and to Makenna, Killian was more than just our uncle. He was like a second father.

“Boss, the ambulance is here,” Cody tells me, and I nod, letting him know that I heard him. “I’ll direct them here.”

“I’m going to torture and murder who killed him and Vivi, Dove. There’s no remorse for them.” I vow. There’s no such thing as remorse in my world. I couldn’t give a fuck if you’ve had a change of heart and feel guilty for what you’ve done. Actions lead to consequences, and the ones I’ll dish out are going to be painful and bloody.

“Good,” she tells me, her head lulling against my chest. “Make them hurt for what they’ve done.”

“I will,” I vow, pressing a kiss against her head.

“Where is she?” Elio demands as he and Dario walk into the hospital.

“Resting,” I snap at him, and his brow raises. “She’s been sedated. She lost her mind when they tried to pull her from Vivi.”

Both men’s faces blanch at my words. “Fuck,” Elio hisses as he scrubs his hand down his face. “Jade will be released tomorrow,” he tells me.

“If she lasts that long. My sister’s hard-headed and hates hospitals at the best of times.”

They laugh, the tension in their bodies easing slightly. “Our father has finally given everything to Rocco. Next week, the rest of the soldiers will find out that Rocco is the boss of la Famiglia.”

I nod. It’s about fucking time. “Good, then you’ll be moving out here. Something I know Addie will be happy about.”

Having her brother be close to her will help her with her grief, knowing that she’s not alone.

“It will mean that we’ll be working close together. That something you’re okay with?” Elio asks me, disbelief etched in his words.

“I’m the one who told your brother that if you moved here and expanded, you’d be well received. The Italians here in Indiana are in need of a leader, and, Elio, you are the one to do that.” It made the most sense. My sister will eventually take over from our father. With her married to Rocco, they’ll lead Illinois with an iron fist. To be able to become the best leaders, you need respect, men, and power. Expanding into other states gives you even more power and men. Indiana has many Italian men, but there’s no organized crime boss to lead them. They’d never join forces with me, nor will they join forces with the Motorcycle club that’s here—Dirty Demons Motorcycle Club. They need someone to lead them and Elio is the perfect candidate to do that, with Rocco at the helm.

“That’ll be good,” he says. “How bad is the laceration?”

I know that he’s talking about Addie’s face. “Bad. The plastic surgeon said she’ll always have a scar, there’s nothing that could have been done about it, but that it’s the best it could be.” I haven’t seen it since the doctor stitched her up, but I know that however it looks, it won’t change how beautiful she is.

“I’m going to call Rocco,” Elio says. “Let me know if she wakes.”

I give him a tight nod. The sooner she wakes the bloody better. I need to see that she’s okay, that she’s alive.

“All her life,” Dario begins when we’re alone, “she’s been told that she’s nothing without her looks. That her beauty will be the only thing that’ll get her through life.” He glances around and drops his voice. “We both know that’s not true. She’s smart as fuck and she’s funny. But it’s been drilled into her so much that she actually believes it. That wound could send her spiraling.”

“Your parents are fucking cunts,” I snarl at him.

He nods in agreement. “I, more than the others, know that. Just let her know that it doesn’t matter.”

I glare at the fucker. What the hell did he think I’d do? She’s my wife, someone I cherish above all else. A scar would not affect that. Ever.

“Mr. Gallagher,” a nurse calls out. “Mrs. Gallagher is awake and calling for you.”

I nod and start to move forward. “Tell your brother she’s awake.”

Tonight, I will see to my wife. Tomorrow, I start to plan the downfall of the Masters.

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