Page 193 of Devoted

“Is the boss okay?” I see a blurry figure, I recognize the voice. I just can’t see shit.

“I need to get to Rosa.” I need to say goodbye.

I fall to a heap on the ground. I physically can’t fight anymore.

I just need to get to my Rosa.

To tell her how much I love her.

To kiss her one last time.

I try to speak, but my body won’t let me.

It’s giving up on me.

CHAPTEREIGHTY-EIGHT

rosa

“Keller, what’s taking them so long?” My knee bounces on the floor mat as I try to watch out the windows.

He keeps his head straight, his knuckles turning white as he grips the steering wheel. “Enzo said they were coming out.”

It seems like a lifetime ago Frankie and Grayson left. I hug my knees tighter. I haven’t stopped crying, to the point my eyes are burning.

“Oh, fuck.” Keller opens his door and jumps out. My heart stops when I see them.

A red-faced Grayson is carrying Luca in his arms. Frankie comes into view, holding his shoulder, covered in blood.

I open the car door and step out, my legs barely holding me up. I grab onto the handle to steady myself.

“Get back in the truck,” Frankie shouts, wincing while pointing at the van and storming towards me.

I clamber back in. Keller rushes over and opens the back passenger door. Grayson lays Luca down on the seats next to me and I gasp. I want to be sick.

There is so much blood.

He’s so pale.

“Put his head on your lap. I’ll move him back so I can get in and keep pressure on his wounds.”

I lift my hands from my lap, and Grayson lays Luca’s limp head on me.

I can barely see through my tears.

“Luca,” I whisper. “Is he–?”

I can’t say the words.

“No.” Grayson pushes in and slams the door behind him.

My hands cup his face; he’s freezing cold. His breathing is shallow. The truck rumbles to life, and Keller erratically drives us.

I can’t stop looking at Luca’s face. Why does he look so peaceful? Why does he look dead?

I bend down and kiss his forehead. “Please don’t leave me, Luca,” I beg, hoping he can hear my voice. My tears drip onto his cheek.

“What the hell happened in there?” Keller shouts, making me jump.

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