Page 100 of Sins of the Son

Chaos and pain. It surrounded me. Chaos and pain. Pain and chaos.

Noise. Yelling. Pain.

Pain. Noise. Yelling. Chaos.

Pain. Aching. Throbbing. Pain.

I opened my eyes and quickly shut them again as a sharp stab of pure agony pierced my skull.

A warm hand cupped my cheek. “Milana, baby?”

I groaned.

“Baby, please. Open your eyes.”

I didn’t want to open my eyes. When I opened my eyes, there was only torture.

His arms wrapped around me tighter.

I could feel myself being lifted.

Cesare’s words rumbled in his chest as he shouted out orders. “Get out of my way. Out of my fucking way! Where’s the goddamn ambulanza?”

Someone else shouted, “Don Cavalieri says he and Amara will meet you at the ospedale and that he’s called your family’s physician and he’s meeting you there as well.”

My body was jostled as Cesare ran. He was breathless as he talked. “Hold on, Milana. Hold on, babygirl. It’s going to be okay. I’ve got you.”

I could hear the panic and fear in his voice. I wanted to tell him I was fine. I wanted to tell him not to worry, but I couldn’t form the words. I tried to open my eyes again, but groaned and turned my head into his chest as the bright sunlight caused another shaft of pain when we exited the building and entered the piazza.

Hearing my whimper, his large hand covered my eyes, protecting them from the horrible light.

I felt the high-pitched sound of screeching tires like a physical blow.

Then I heard Enzo’s voice. “The ambulanza is blocked down the lane by a double-parked car. Get in. We’ll take her ourselves.”

A voice I didn’t recognize said, “Hand her to me.”

Cesare ground out, “No fucking way.”

“Sir, you have to get into the car. Please!”

My body was jostled as I was handed off briefly. I then felt the familiar warmth and strength of Cesare’s embrace as I was nestled on his lap in the back seat of Enzo’s car.

The last thing I remembered before unconsciousness claimed me again was the feel of Cesare’s lips on my forehead and his voice whispering, “I love you, Milana.”

* * *

“The doctors say I’m fine!” I argued from my hospital bed several hours later.

Cesare, Barone, and Enzo stood at the end of the bed studying my medical chart as if all three suddenly had medical degrees.

Amara was holding my hand, while Gabriella rummaged in her purse looking for something to brighten me up after declaring I looked too pale.

Cesare shook his head. “I’m not comfortable with them just bandaging her up and handing us a couple aspirina and telling us to watch for cognitive symptoms over the next twelve hours.”

Enzo crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at me thoughtfully. “Maybe we should insist on another opinion?”

I squeezed Amara’s hand.

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