Page 21 of Savage Hearts

“Oh, Cee.” Madison leaned forward and drew me in for a hug. “Massimo and I are fine, I promise you. The wedding in Italy will happen when it’s supposed to. When I agreed to be his, I knew what it entailed. He is an important man, and the family needs him right now.”

I smiled up at my sister-in-law-to-be. “My brother hit the jackpot when he met you.”

“I feel the same way. He saved me in more ways than one. Now, what about you? How are you feeling…really?”

“Truth?” I glanced at her, and she nodded. “Sometimes, the pain is so unbearable, I want to crawl under a rock and never come out. My best friend is missing… no, best friend isn’t right. My other half. I caused this family to lose two people because I was selfish, and that knowledge eats away at my soul like poisonous vermin wreaking havoc inside me.”

Madison’s eyes filled with tears. “You can’t blame yourself for a madman who’s hellbent on getting even.”

“No, but Icanblame myself for putting us in the line of fire. If I hadn’t snuck out, two people would be here. Now one is dead, and my sister is missing.” My daughter wiggled in my hold, her bright blue eyes blinking awake. “This little girl is the only thing rooting me to this earth… andthatscares me.”

“Why does it scare you?”

“Because it’s not enough, Madison. She deserves a mother who’s whole. A mother who doesn’t use her as a crutch, but without her, I would cease to exist. She holds the only part of my heart that’s still beating.”

A noise at the entrance had us turning around. The sight of Vincenzo walking through with a murderous rage made my spine stiffen. Madison stood and glanced around the empty bar.

“What is it, Vin? What’s happened?”

“Donny and Catarina’s place was attacked.”

My intake of breath made Emilia jump in my hold.

“Are they…” I couldn’t get the words out.

“They’re fine. Donny subdued the motherfucker, then got them out. They’re at Michael’s now, but I need to get you two out of here. Massimo is with Antonio at the scene, doing damage control.”

“Okay.” I slid off the wooden seat and adjusted my daughter against me.

The sound of the footsteps in the hall put Vin on high alert as he drew his weapon. Madison wrapped her arms around me and Emilia, shielding us. I closed my eyes and prayed, waiting for the gunfire I was sure to follow.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

I leaned into Madison and took a deep breath. Emilia was restless in my hold and let out a wail of displeasure at being covered with the blanket.

“Your family is in danger.”

His voice washed over me, and I shook my head against Madison.

“It can’t be him,” I whispered. Lifting my head, I turned to face the man who haunted every thought I had when I wasn’t dreaming of my sister. His cerulean eyes met mine, piercing me with a look that left me breathless.

“You’re supposed to be dead,” he whispered, his eyes roaming my frame.

“Sorry to disappoint you.”

I rocked Emilia in my arms, causing the blanket to shift and slide off her face, exposing her to the man who helped create her. His eyes drifted to her tiny figure and froze. I could see the questions dancing in his gaze as he watched her. Beckett stood stock still, his expression never wavering. I took a tentative step forward, breaking free of Madison’s hold. Vin started to move forward, but I held my hand up, halting him in place.

“Can you two give us a minute?”

“Cee, I don’t—” Vin stepped forward.

Madison glanced between Vin and Beckett. “Come on, Vin. I’m pretty sure he’s just as psycho as you and will make sure she’s safe. Right, Beckett?” Madison gave him a pointed look, to which Beckett gave a little nod. “Ok, then. Five minutes. Then I’m letting him do what he wants with you. Come on, Vin. Let’s give them a moment.”

I watched as she wrangled my brother toward Massimo’s back office, then turned to stare at the man I’d been praying for.

“Why are you here, Beckett? Why now?”

He stepped closer, his hand reaching out, only to drop again.

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