Page 45 of Psycho Saints

"He has to," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

I leaned back in the chair, the weight of exhaustion settling over me. Julian's presence was a comfort, one I was deeply grateful for. He'd been my rock these past few days, a steady anchor while everything else seemed to be falling apart. We'd slept together in the pullout bed in this room, his arms around me as we'd listened to Cristian's monitors, praying for a change. Their soft beeps would haunt me as I drifted off, my hope waning. He'd braided my hair a few times, seeming to take note that playing with my hair helped ease me, and I was more grateful for it than he'd ever know.

Little Kenny couldn't be at the hospital, so he was at home with one of the Silvestri men looking after him.

"You should eat something," Julian said, his voice soft but insistent. "I can grab you a sandwich from the cafeteria."

I shook my head, but he wasn't taking no for an answer. It had been like this since we arrived at the hospital. Julian had made it his mission to ensure I was taking care of myself, even when I couldn't muster the energy to do so.

"I'll grab you one."

"Thanks," I mumbled as I watched Cristian's chest rise and fall while Julian left the room.

As soon as we'd reached the hospital, he'd insisted I get checked out. The stress of the attack, the revelation of my pregnancy, and Cristian's injury - it had all taken its toll. The doctor had assured us that the baby was fine, but stressed the importance of rest and proper care. It was still early days, they'd said. Take it easy.

Julian returned with a sandwich and a bottle of water. He pulled up a chair next to mine, offering me the sandwich before cracking the bottle open and taking a gulp.

"Any word from Tyrone?" I asked, picking at the sandwich.

Julian shook his head. "He's still tying up loose ends. Making sure there's no chance of another attack."

I nodded, understanding the necessity but missing Tyrone's presence all the same. Julian had been incredible, but there was a completeness when all three brothers were together. Cristian needed it right now.

"There'll be nothing left of the Russos soon, if not today," Julian said, his eyes meeting mine. "Tyrone won't allow this to stand, not with what's at stake now."

His gaze flickered to my stomach, and I felt a rush of emotion. Julian had taken the news of my pregnancy in stride, immediately shifting into protective mode. He'd been there since that moment, by my side, while Tyrone went off to protect us from threats outside.

"Thank you," I whispered, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "For everything."

"That's my job, pyro. Cristian would be pissed if I didn't too," he said with a small smile and wink before he sobered. "I'm here for you, always."

I nodded and focused back on Cristian. "Stuck in a coma again, he's going to be pissed when he wakes up." I said, not wanting to even contemplate the thought of him not waking.

He'd pulled through before, he could do it again.

Julian fished his phone from his pocket as it sounded off, answering the call.

"Got it." He said with a nod before hanging up. "Tyrone is on his way here, wants me to meet him downstairs, needs to share some details with me and have me look over some things. He'll come up after to see you," he shared, those dark eyes heavy.

"Should I tell him now?" I asked softly, my stomach knotting. Would he be upset I'd not told him?

"He said the last of the stuff involving the Russos is getting sorted, so we can rest easy knowing that they're no longer an issue, and the other families are in line," he said to reassure me. "So I think it's safe to tell him now."

I'd not wanted to tell him for fear it would affect him while he was trying to get everything sorted, especially since he had Cristian's condition weighing heavily on him already.

"Okay." I nodded softly, and he kissed my cheek before he rose and headed out.

I sat there, lost in thought, for what felt like an eternity as I watched Cristian. The steady beep of the monitors had become a constant companion, almost hypnotic in its rhythm. The door creaked open, startling me. Tyrone strode in, his face a mask of barely contained anger.

His eyes locked onto Cristian's still form, and I saw his jaw clench. "Fucking hell," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

"Any news?" I asked quietly. Tyrone, despite not being present, was the one speaking with the doctors the most, barking at them when he was here, and speaking with them on the phone when he wasn't. Julian had said he was getting more information than he was, especially since he was the one flying in specialists from all over.

Tyrone shook his head, his gaze never leaving his brother. "The specialist's flying in again today. Some of the doctors seem hopeful, but..." He trailed off, frustration evident in every line of his body.

I swallowed hard, gathering my courage. "How come he hasn't woken yet?"

Tyrone finally turned to me, his expression softening slightly. "His injuries were severe, Scarlet, remember what the doctor said? He was in surgery for a long time." He paused, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Honestly, I'm surprised at my brother's ability to keep on kicking. He's refusing to die, the stubborn bastard."

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