Page 76 of Dark Consequences

Enzo tears his arm sling off and reaches down to grab Raphael under the arms, heaving him up and over the railing. Raphael isn’t light in any regard, and Enzo’s arm is still recovering from a dislocated shoulder, but Enzo just picks him up as if he weighs as much as a feather.

As a doctor, I’m annoyed at my patient, but as a woman in love, I’ve never been so thankful to the Viking for his incredible strength than at this exact moment.

“Set him down. Set him down,” I repeat several times, gesturing to the yacht floor.

I’m trying hard not to concentrate on how pale and lifeless Raphael appears right now, flapping around like a limp doll in Enzo’s arms.

Enzo carefully lays Raphael down, then kneels next to me. “What do you need?”

His question is the same one Raphael asked the day Dominic died. But I can’t focus on that. Because today will be different. Raphael will not die today.

I lean over and put my ear to his chest, listening for a heartbeat…and hear nothing.

“I can’t find a heartbeat. I need to start CPR.”

Positioning myself over Raphael, I place the heel of my hand over his sternum, interlock my fingers, and begin compressions. Each push I make is deliberate and forceful, with my arms straight. Maintaining a steady rhythm, I count to twenty before blowing air twice into Raphael’s mouth. Giving CPR is second nature to me, but I’ve never had to give it to someone I love.

My focus narrows in on the task and not how Enzo and Michael hover nearby.

After a minute of resuscitation efforts, I pause and place two fingers against his neck, searching for a pulse.

“Fuck!” I cry when I can’t locate one.

Michael paces and occasionally coughs while Enzo stays close.

Starting a second round of CPR, I put my entire body weight behind each push.

“Come ON!” I growl through my clenched teeth. “You do not get to die on me, Raphael.”

Michael chants something in Italian. Probably some kind of prayer or hymn. It’s needed.

The tension in the air is thick.

Tears stream down my face when I listen again and hear nothing.

“If you die,” I cry, my voice trembling with raw emotion, “I will hate you forever.”

I’m exhausted, and my breathing has become choppy and irregular, but I push on.

“Do you understand me? You can’t just make me fall in love with you and then die.”

I feel Enzo place his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

With a violent shrug, I push him away. “No! He’s not dead. He can’t be dead.”

“Lily,” Enzo whispers, his voice cracking from emotion.

“Stop!” I slam my fists on his chest in time with my words. “He’s.” Slam. “Not.” Slam. “Dead.” Over and over. “Wake up! I can’t lose anyone else. I won’t!”

All of my strength leaves me, and I collapse on Raphael’s hard, unresponsive chest.

“Please…” I sob. “Please, Raphael. We need you. We love you.” I turn my face and bury it in his neck. He’s so cold. Taking a deep inhale, I savor the lingering scent of his unique aroma mixed with seawater. “I love you. Come back to me…please.”

Enzo once again grabs my shoulder, this time to pull me away, and I latch on to Raphael.

“No!” How will I explain this to Mei? I can’t imagine it. I don’t want to imagine it.

“Lily, please.”

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