Page 32 of His Broken Queen

“But I need to learn how to anticipate that kind of thing. That’s why I can’t be your guard anymore. I can’t risk your safety, and not just because Romero would kill me if something happened to you, but because I would never forgive myself. I’m sorry I let Vincent take you that day.”

“Despite what my husband thinks, I am my own person, and I got out of that car and walked into the restaurant because I wanted to. I should have respected that you had a job to do and I should have waited for you to park the car. I’m very sorry that you took the brunt of Romero’s anger.”

“It’s okay.”

“For what it’s worth, I do miss you as my guard. I miss our talks, and the time we used to spend together.”

“Me too.” He smiled. “Sam will take good care of you.”

“You’re staying on with us, right?”

“As long as Romero and Gio will have me, I’d like to stay.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” I stood from the floor, wishing I could reassure him, but I had no control over what Romero did when it came to his business. “I better go check on him.”

He nodded as he got up.

“Thanks for staying with me.”

“Anytime.”

I took my time heading to the bedroom. Ihad to take care of Romero tonight. He needed me, and I wanted to be there for him. I loved him more than I hated his world, but it was getting harder to understand why he chose this life.

* * *

A few hours later,I set my book down on the nightstand and crawled into bed next to Romero. He had been sleeping, but the pain meds were wearing off. He had become increasingly restless over the last thirty minutes.

As I cuddled against him, the heat from his body transferred to my skin. I sat up and put my palm to his forehead.

“You’re burning up.” I jumped out of bed and went to the bathroom to get a cool washcloth.

When I came back, he was reaching for my side of the bed.

“Luciana,” his gruff voice called for me.

“I’m here.” I got into bed, and then pressed the cloth to his head.

I took the bottle of water from the nightstand, removing the cap before I propped his head. “Take a sip of this.” I poured a small amount into his mouth.

He swallowed, and then held up his hand and shook his head.

“You have to stay hydrated.” I caressed his cheek. “I think you have a fever.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Everything.” His eyes were still closed, and I wasn’t sure if he was even awake. “I hurt you.”

“No, you didn’t.” I gently kissed his lips. “Try and relax.”

“I was mean to you when we met.” He ripped the washcloth from his head. “I married you even though I knew you didn’t want to marry me.”

“I want to be married to you.” I took the cloth from him and put it on his head. “I love you.”

He was quiet for a few minutes, and I thought maybe he had settled down.

“I don’t deserve you,” he mumbled. “But I can’t let you go.”

---