Page 51 of Dark Desire

I laid my head on the bed next to him and sobbed. If he died, and I was found guilty, my children would grow up without both parents. I needed him to pull through. If I was in jail, at least they would have him.

“Oh, Vincenzo. What am I going to do?”

Twenty-Nine

Riley

One month.

That’s how long Vincenzo had been in the hospital. His stats were improving every day, but he still hadn’t woken up—making the doctors fear the worst… brain damage. I, on the other hand, believed he was just choosing to rest until he was fully healed. His parents had been here since the day after his attack. They’ve been a true godsend. His mother made sure I was fed and clothed, and his father kept the restaurant running. I had no idea he could cook like Vincenzo, but he claimed it’s the Italian blood in him.

“Italians are born to cook, fuck, and kill,” he said. "That man will wake up and make sure he does all three for you, Riley. Do not lose the faith."

It was easier said than done. The doctors have ordered me to bedrest. They said the stress of everything caused some blood pressure issues for me, making them want to tether me to a bed. Thankfully, I'd demanded to be in the room with Vincenzo. I refused it any other way.

Somehow, Michael was able to get my trial delayed for another month. He swears the prosecutor took pity on my situation and agreed to postpone the hearing. I believe Antonio had something to do with her sudden change of heart. No one had seen him in a week. He assured us everything was alright, and he had everything under control—but I’m not so sure he's telling the truth. Like everyone else, they walk around on eggshells near me.

I pressed my palm against the round protrusion beneath my breasts and watched in amazement as the skin beneath it rolled. Smiling, I tugged Vincenzo’s hand from the bed and held it beneath mine. The twins were always active, making my insides feel like a jungle gym, but when I placed his hand there—they went wild. A soft thump against our entwined hands made me smile. It’s like the babies knew when Vincenzo was touching me.

“That’s your son or daughter. They can always tell when your hand is on my stomach.”

I glanced up at his motionless body. The gauze had come off, leaving only a small square on his skin. They'd even removed the vent, saying he was breathing fine without help. His neck was still black and blue where the knife penetrated his skin. The doctor said it will heal in time and fade.

“My trial got delayed. I think Antonio has something to do with it, but no one tells me anything. Michael thinks this incident will have the jury on my side. It’s kind of hard to argue we, or I, weren’t in any danger. This proves that Ivanov had malicious intent. Vin, what are you waiting for? Come back to me.”

“How is he today?” his mother’s voice cut through the silence as she stepped inside.

“Same.”

“You need to take a break. Go. Walk. Shower—eat something.”

“No. I don’t want to leave his side. Plus… bedrest, remember?”

“Hogwash. A little walking won’t kill you. At least go shower, Riley. He wouldn’t want to see you looking so—depressed.”

“But I am. I need him to wake up.” I wiped a lone tear from my cheek. “I can’t do this alone, Giorga.”

“Child.” She pulled a chair beside me. “You aren’t alone. You’re an Anastasi now, and that means you have a big family by your side.”

I shook my head. I didn't want to seem so ungrateful, but I needed him. “I know. It’s just not the same.”

“We can’t replace him. He’s my son. But you'll never be alone, Riley. I promise.”

“Why would she be alone?” The soft whisper had me nearly fall over with shock.

“Vincenzo! Oh my God.” I stood and pressed my body into his. “You’re awake.” I sobbed uncontrollably, my body shaking with tears of relief.

“I’ll get the doctor.” His mother rushed from the room.

“What happened?” He rasped, his voice a mere squeak.

“You don’t remember?” I held his gaze as he shook his head slightly in response. “You were stabbed.”

His eyes widened as the memory assaulted him. He closed his eyes and sighed. “I remember now. Someone jumped me in the alley behind Bellissimo. I thought…” he took a breath. “I thought I died.”

The next few minutes were a flurry of activity. The doctor checked him over and drew blood. His brother Massimo, Donny, Catarina, and his father all shoved into the room. Everyone was relieved he had finally woken up.

“Where’s Antonio?” Vincenzo asked, scanning the room for his missing sibling.

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