Page 23 of Mafia And Taken

“Whether or not the concussion has affected her memory, I can say for certain that what has happened will have deeply affected her on an emotional level and may possibly lead to some long-term issues, such as anxiety or depression.”

I was used to killing people—that was my job. Other Mafia families were always trying to muscle in on our territory, and in our world, it was kill or be killed. But normally I didn’t have to face the aftermath—the families left behind.

I told myself they knew the rules of our world. That they enjoyed the monetary rewards that came with being in the Mafia life, and that they knew the risks that came side by side with that wealth.

“I’ll just go up and check on her.”

“You know the way. Thanks, Dr. Cotrone.”

I waited downstairs until the doctor returned.

“I’ve advised her that as the headaches are continuing, she should stay here until they subside.”

“Don’t worry, Doctor, she’s not going anywhere just yet.”

I climbed the staircase and went back into the bedroom. “The doctor says you need to stay until your concussion has resolved.”

“I feel absolutely fine, and there’s really no need—”

“No arguments,” I said with steel in my voice. “You should lie down and get some rest now.”

With a sigh, she climbed into bed and let me tuck the comforter around her.

She might not have wanted to stay. But I wasn’t letting go of her that easily.

CHAPTER 9

ALESSIO

That evening, I took dinner up on a tray to Cate. “I thought you might want dinner up here, seeing as you said you’re tired.”

“You didn’t have to bring my dinner up. I don’t mind coming down.”

“It’s no trouble.” I felt a slight pang of guilt at my lie. I had brought her meal up because I didn’t want her mixing with the family, and they were all home for dinner. Danio and Debi might ask questions, and I didn’t want them involved in this.

“Roasted chicken and mashed potatoes? One of my favorites. Did you make this?”

“Yes, I thought you might appreciate some comfort food. And it will help build up your strength.” It was strange that I felt the need to comfort her.

I sat with her while she ate, enjoying just watching her and chatting. I saw some papers and a pencil next to her on the nightstand. “Did you do these?” I asked, looking at the drawings of the view from my bedroom window.

“I hope you don’t mind me using some of your paper?”

“Of course not. You’re pretty good at this.”

She blushed at my compliment. “Thanks. I’ve always liked art.”

After dinner, Cate said, “I’m just going to take a shower if that’s okay with you?”

“Sure, but you look a bit unsteady on your feet—that will be the concussion. It would be better if I run a bath for you.”

“Okay, thank you,” she murmured.

I went into my attached bathroom and started to run the hot water into the tub. When the bath was full, I turned off the taps and headed back into my bedroom.

“Wait here,” I told her, and I went out of my bedroom and down the hall until I reached Debi’s bedroom.

I knocked and heard her call out in her sing-song voice. “Come in!”

---