Page 461 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

No looking back.

But as I stare down at her listless body, I’m painfully aware that without her, there’s no looking forward.

My heart thumps as the medic examines her and checks her vitals. “I’ve got a pulse, but we need to get her to the hospital now to see how extensive the damage is.” He peers at her right shoulder. “There’s an exit wound, which is a really good thing.”

Heaven runs back outside with Aisling in her arms. “Oh my God, what happened to Anya?”

Matteo grabs her and Aisling. “She was trying to save me from your brother, Conor’s gun went off, and she took the bullet.”

Heaven’s eyes widen. “Jesus.” She looks quickly around, gasping when she sees Conor’s body splayed over the metal box, full of blood and bullet holes. “Conor…” Her voice trails off and she bites down on her lower lip, clutching Aisling. “With a quick look back at us, she makes a face. “If I say I wish it’d been me to do it, would that be really evil?”

“Yeah, but we already know that poison runs through your veins,” I mutter, looking at the medic. “I’m going with you in the chopper.”

“Okay.” Another EMT rushes over with a stretcher and together, they load Anya onto it.

I climb onto the chopper, holding Anya’s hand tight and clutching it to my chest. “I’m here, babe. And I promise, I’m not letting you go. Ever.” I swallow hard. “Because I’m in love with you,” I whisper.

And when her fingers give mine the tiniest squeeze in return, I know she hears me.

That’s all I needed.

A little shred of hope.

CHAPTER28

ANYA

Agroan slips through my lips when my eyes crack open. I’m surrounded by a sea of white — walls, furniture, bedding.

Shit, is this heaven?

Or a really sick twist on hell, since let’s face it, I’m no angel.

Then I tune into the bleeping machines around me, and my eyes drop to the wires connecting me to them.

Okay, so I’m not dead.

I try to shift on the mattress and a sharp pain zips down my right arm. “Ahh,” I mumble softly because I can’t seem to grab any more spare energy to really make my discomfort known.

The room is so bright, I have to squint so I don’t get a massive eye headache. I fling my left arm over my face, fuzzy memories becoming more and more sharp by the second.

Meeting Conor and my uncle.

The car ride back to the Excelsior.

Conor’s threats.

The hug from Dottie…

I liked that a lot.

It’s probably the first time I felt human in a damn long time, the first time in a while that I felt like maybe I could be better…good…maybe even loved.

And then the floodgates open and the rest of the events pummel me like a crushing wave.

Dante’s hand around my neck.

His terse voice telling me in no uncertain terms that we’re through.

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