Page 196 of Devoted

I duck under him and sprint up the stairs as fast as I can, pushing open his door. A warm light glows from the nightstand. I muffle my sobs with my hands approaching the side of the bed.

He’s hooked up to god knows what on an IV. His face is swollen and bruised. There are bandages around both of his wrists. I inch closer, placing my hand softly over his. I slip under the covers next to him and prop myself up on my elbow to face him, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest. With my other hand resting over his heart, I lay there, keeping vigilant for as long as I can, making sure it keeps beating against my palm.

It's not until I can’t physically keep my eyes open any longer, I drop a kiss to his temple. “I love you so much,” I whisper before shuffling back onto my own side of the bed and falling into a restless sleep.

CHAPTEREIGHTY-NINE

luca

Iwake with a start and try to sit myself up. But, a burning, stabbing pain radiates from my abdomen, quickly bringing me back to reality.

“Fuck,” I hiss, laying myself back down.

I squint, looking up at the IV bags above my head. “What the hell?”

A warm feeling sends goosebumps along my bicep, and I glance down at the dainty hand wrapped around my arm. I follow it to the sleeping goddess next to me.

Her hair is fanned over the pillow, her lips parted as she lets out little breaths while she sleeps.

I try to roll over to face her, but I can’t. Every single muscle is aching. Shit, I need some painkillers.

“Rosa, baby.” I have to cough after two words, which only brings agony.

“Hmm.” She smiles in her sleep.

Memories of her sister, Maria, even Frankie being shot flash into my mind. Does she know?

“Rosa.”

This time, she blinks a few times and rubs her eyes. Suddenly, she throws herself upright, causing the bed to jolt, and I groan out in pain.

“Luca! Oh my God.” She throws her legs over the side of the bed to get up.

“No, wait—” I try to raise my hand.

She cranes her neck and twists to face me.

I don’t care how much pain I’m in right now. I want her. “Come here.”

Her bottom lip starts to tremble, and she scoots over, stopping just a few inches from me. Her eyes scan my body.

“It’s okay, Rosa. You won’t hurt me. I just need you.”

She snuggles her head into my shoulder, placing her hand on my chest. I rest my cheek against her hair and close my eyes.

“I was so scared, Luca. I thought I was going to lose you.”

“Baby, I’m fine. I’m back here with you, and I’m never leaving your side again. There isn’t a single power on this earth that could take you from me now.”

“You think I’m ever letting you out of my sight again, Mr. Russo?” she hiccups and I smile.

“I don’t ever want you to, tesoro. It’s just me and you now. Forever.”

An eternity wouldn’t seem long enough for me to love this woman. She is and will always be my greatest gift in life.

She props herself up slightly so I can see her beautiful face, those gorgeous chocolate eyes staring into my soul.

“I love you,” she whispers.

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