Page 38 of Deadly Intentions

“I know, baby.” She pressed her a kiss to my head. “I cleaned you up on the plane. I’ve also given you medication and taken blood to ensure you’re clean. Now that you’re awake, I want you to take something to prevent pregnancy. You think you can swallow a pill?”

“I’ll make myself do it.” I shuddered. The thought of being pregnant with that monster’s child had me gasping in panic. “Where are they?”

“Who?”

“Javier and Dr. Brooks.” I took the glass of water from her hands and popped the pill into my mouth. It hurt like a motherfucker as I gagged down the tiny tablet.

“Dead.” Harley took the cup from my fingers and set it on the table beside the bed. “I need to let your family know you’re awake.” She slipped her phone out and texted something. “I’m surprised Donny isn’t in here. He hasn’t left your side since we arrived.”

“I don’t want to see him.” I jerked my eyes to hers.

“Catarina. You can’t do that. Don’t shut him out.”

“Look at me, Harley. I’m broken and ruined. He deserves someone who hasn’t been destroyed.”

“Sweet girl, you aren’t destroyed. And that man loves you.”

“Does he know—”

Harley cut me off. “That you were raped? Yes. He’s the one who cut you from the table and it was clear to everyone in that room what you’d been through.”

“Everyone?” I tensed. “Who else saw me?”

“It’s not important because they don’t see you any different.”

“Harley. Please,” I begged, needing to know who’d seen me splayed out like an animal.

The sound of the door opening interrupted our conversation. My eyes welled with tears when I saw my brother stepping through the threshold. Massimo’s face shared the same emotion as he moved to the bed and tugged me into his arms. I lost it and sobbed into his chest. His own body shook with tears as he held me.

“I thought we lost you, Cat. I’m so sorry I didn’t get to you sooner.” He pressed his lips to my head.

“It’s me who should be sorry. I ran away and right into the arms of the devil. If I hadn’t left home, none of this would’ve happened.”

“No. Don’t you dare blame yourself. Javier Costa is the only one to blame. Do you feel up some visitors?”

“I don’t know.” I glanced at Harley, who nodded her encouragement.

“Your family needs to see you, baby girl. Mom and dad are here, as are the twins. You don’t have to tell them specifics, but give them this. Let them see you’re ok with their own eyes.”

“Ok.” I whispered, my heart pounding at the thought of seeing them.

The next hour was spent filled with hugs and tears. Seeing my family was difficult, but not nearly as hard as seeing Donny. He stood off to the side the entire time, giving my siblings and parents time with me. I tried to focus on my sisters, but my eyes somehow found their way to him. Each time I looked at him, he was watching me. His eyes were filled with something I couldn’t place. Fear? Sadness? I couldn’t tell. Maybe he looked at me in disgust. I know I hadn’t seen myself in a mirror, but if I did, I’d look back at myself and be grossed out.

When my family finally left the room, Donny remained. Harley excused herself, but not before leaning down and whispering in my ear.

“Remember.” She brushed the hair from my face. “He loves you.”

She walked past him and squeezed his arm. Donny dipped his chin in acknowledgement and closed the door behind her. He turned toward me and froze. I could see the turmoil in his face, so I broke the tension.

“Thank you,” I squeaked out as a tear escaped down my cheek.

“For what?” Donny started toward me slowly.

“Saving me.”

“If I had done my job, you wouldn’t need saving.” His voice cracked as he spoke.

“Donny.” My voice came out as a whisper. “You can’t blame yourself. I ran away. I put myself in danger. This isn’t on you.” I reached out and held my hand toward him. “Sit.”

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