Page 13 of Savage Hearts

“Someone wants to kill me,” I grunted, shrugging my shoulders. “I’m an unwed mother to be. I’d say I’m peachy.”

A moment later, the door opened, and Dr. Kevin Luchasi strolled through. He arched an eyebrow at Michael.

“You are one indestructible mother fucker. Get over here and let me check you out.”

Michael grunted something unintelligible, but I could tell he wasn’t going to fight Antonio on being looked over. Hell, even Rachel was hovering around him, jostling their infant son in her arms.

“Alright, missy.” Kevin smiled as he set down his medical bag in front of me. “Let’s look at you. I hear you’re going to be adding a little ray of sunshine to the family.”

Rolling my eyes at him, I couldn’t help but snort.

“Something tells me this baby will be anything but sunshine, Doc. I know you haven’t known us long, but if she’s anything like my sister and me… well, the men in this family will definitely lock her up when she starts walking.”

He chuckled as he pressed the stethoscope to my chest, then moved it to my swollen belly. Kevin closed his eyes and listened intently. After a few minutes of the room being deadly silent, he lifted his head and smiled.

“No pain or cramping?”

“None so far.” I held his gaze. “Do I need to go to the ER?” The sudden fear of my daughter being hurt hit me and panic edged my voice.

“I don’t think so. You may be sore, but I think you’re in the clear. I want you to take it easy—maybe rest for a day or two.”

“There’s no issue with that.” Vincenzo stepped through the front door, his face a mask of rage. “She won’t be leaving this house until the threat has been neutralized.”

I pushed up and spun to face him. “You can’t lock me in this house like a fucking prisoner, Vin.”

“Manuel has shown his cards, Cee. The men were there to kidnap you. Do you understand what they would do to you… or your baby?”

“I should have never left the bar with him.” Emotions overwhelming me, and tears spilling from my eyes, I pushed past Kevin and bolted up the stairs.

I couldn’t stand there and listen to any more of their words. My life was no longer my own in more ways than one. Not only was I a prisoner in my own home, but I was having a daughter—alone. The fear of her being in danger because ofmeterrified me, unlike any fear I’d ever experienced. The click of the door didn’t register, and it wasn’t until Carmela climbed into the bed with me that I realized she was there.

“You’re scared, Cee, but you know damn well you’re still in love with this baby’s father. I know you—we’re just alike. Our hearts find the one it wants, and it doesn’t let go… no matter how hard we try.”

I rolled to face my twin. “Carm, are you telling me you’re still pining over a man who took from you what he didn’t deserve?”

Carmela closed her eyes and sighed. “This isn’t about me. This is about you doing the right thing for my niece. I know you’re terrified of being a single mom, but you aren’t alone. Every person downstairs would lay down their life for you.” She reached out and pressed her hand to my bump. “And her. We love her already. So… do us a favor and stay here with Antonio. He, Rachel, and Michael can protect you. This place is like a fucking fortress, Cee. No one can hurt you here.”

A fat drop rolled down my cheek, and I hiccupped a sob I was desperately trying to keep from escaping. Carmela tugged me against her and pressed her lips to my forehead. She didn’t speak, just held me close, rubbing my back in comfort. I hated everything that was happening to me, but I hated it more that my baby was being brought into this life—a life that would always carry a shadow of death around us.

My stomach let out a massive rumble, and Carmela laughed.

“Hungry?”

“Um.” I forced a smile. “Yeah… we sort of got interrupted on our way to lunch.”

She pressed one last kiss to my head and rolled off the bed.

“Okay. I’ll go have one of the guys round up some food. Stay here and rest. We’ll come get you when it’s ready.”

“Actually, I may take a shower.”

“Perfect. By the time you’re done, we can feed the little monster in your tummy.”

After she left, I climbed from the bed and headed toward the adjoining bathroom. Antonio and Michael’s house was big to begin with, but he’d added on to it once the babies were born. Until Carmela had moved in with Donny and Catarina, her room had connected to mine via the bathroom. Stripping off my clothes, I turned on the shower.

I wanted to just disappear from the world, but it wouldn’t be fair to my family. I’d seen what it did to everyone when Catarina ran away. Climbing beneath the hot spray of water, I let the drops wash over me. My mind wouldn’t stop running over the last year. One night left me alone… no, not alone. Lonely. I’d tasted love, and now, all I had was the bitter aftertaste. Pressing my hands against the wall, I dipped my head beneath the spray and gave into the utter sadness consuming my soul.

five

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