Page 96 of Ruined

Seeing Lucrezia's genuine concern for two women she barely knows stirs something in me—a sense of admiration for her solidarity, but also a wistfulness for what I never had.

CHAPTER 28

Ilie on a plush chaise as Dr. Romano examines me. His hands are cool and professional as he checks my vitals and inspects me for injuries.

"Any dizziness? Nausea?" he asks, shining a light in my eyes.

"No," I reply, though my stomach feels hollow. "I haven't eaten in... I don't even know how long."

He nods, making a note on his tablet. "Your blood pressure is a bit low, which is consistent with stress and lack of nutrition. Otherwise, physically you're fine." He glances up at me. "I'll have someone bring you something to eat. I recommend rest, fluids and nutrition."

"Thank you," I say, already standing up. My mind is elsewhere—in a clinic room across town where Noah might be fighting for his life.

Dr. Romano moves toward Jessica, who sits nervously on the bed. I touch her shoulder reassuringly before slipping out of the room.

Alessio waits in the hallway, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His posture might seem relaxed but his eyes remain alert, scanning the corridor continuously.

"Dr. Romano says I'm fine," I tell him, my voice low and urgent. "Just need food. Can you take me to Noah when he's done with Jessica?"

Alessio studies my face for a moment then gives a single nod. "I'll keep my word."

Relief washes through me. "Thank you."

I return to the room just as Dr. Romano is finishing his examination of Jessica. My sister looks small and vulnerable sitting on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

"Your sister is physically unharmed," Dr. Romano tells me as he packs up his equipment. "Like you, she needs proper nutrition and rest. I've prescribed a mild sedative in case she has trouble sleeping." He hands me a small bottle of pills.

"Thank you, doctor," I say, taking the medication.

Dr. Romano gives us both a reassuring nod before leaving the room, closing the door softly behind him.

When we're finally alone Jessica looks up at me, her eyes filled with questions and fear.

I sit next to her on the bed, taking her hands in mine. They're cold so I rub them gently between my palms.

"You need to stay strong now, Jess," I say softly. "I know this is all terrifying and confusing but we're safe here."

Jessica glances around the opulent room with its silk curtains and antique furniture. "Safe with the mafia?" she says, raising an eyebrow.

I sigh. "They're... complicated. But they've been kind to me. To us. They're protecting us now."

Jessica's eyes suddenly light up with unexpected amusement. "It's like that show I watched. You know,365 Days?" She leans closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "And Alessio is seriously hot. Like, movie-star hot."

I stare at her in disbelief before a laugh bubbles up from somewhere deep inside me. It feels strange, almost wrong to laugh after everything that's happened but I can't help it.

"You're unbelievable," I say, shaking my head. "We've been kidnapped, held prisoner, half starved, and you're checking out the guys?"

Jessica shrugs, a hint of her usual spirit returning. "What? Just because we're in danger doesn't mean I can't appreciate the view."

I laugh again, feeling some of the tension drain from my shoulders. This is my sister—resilient, inappropriate, and somehow able to find lightness in the darkest situations. It's one of the things I've always loved about her.

"Only you, Jess," I say, squeezing her hand. "Only you."

A soft knock interrupts our moment of lightness. Jessica and I exchange glances, and I instinctively move slightly in front of her.

"Come in," I call out, my voice steadier than I feel.

The door opens to reveal a plump, older woman with gray hair pulled back in a neat bun. She carries a large tray loaded with food—sandwiches, fruit and what smells like homemade soup.

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