Page 142 of Savior

“Nothing. I came to speak with you. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Luca eyes me, pity softening his stare. “You alright?”

I don’t speak, only blink.

His lips thin before he stands and walks out of the room with Luca.

In his wake, Brynne saunters in and picks up the book, setting it on the edge of the bed as she drops into the chair. She’s a beautiful woman, and her edge feels like the sharpest thing I’ve ever seen.

I wish I were that strong.

I thought I was.

Until I stabbed Matteo Barone’s corpse in a violent rage, and something inside me snapped.

“No, she doesn’t need to leave here,” Luca says, and my ears perk.

Brynne clears her throat, rubbing her temples as the men argue in veiled mutters outside my door.

“She needs help, Luca. Look at her. It’s been two weeks, and she’s wasting away.”

Two weeks?

It can’t have been that long…

“I’m handling it. She needs time,” Luca counters, and a warmth spreads through me at his words. It’s the first thing I’ve felt in… Well, I guess two weeks.

“Sometimes, I have to make choices that others don’t like. This will have to be one of those times, Luca.”

“You can’t just can’t just show up and take her out ofour homeunwillingly.”

I peel back the covers and head for the door, Brynne’s eyes boring through my back. Swinging it open, I stand tall against the ache in my body from far too many days in bed. “I’m staying here.”

My voice came out like a husky whisper. I clear my throat and repeat my former words.

“Listen,” Ardesia says with a sigh.

I shake my head. “No. My home is with Luca. I’m staying here.”

“You need to eat. We’re worried…”

“Did my rescue cause a war for you? Havethe familiesretaliated?” I ask him, throwing him off balance with the question.

He looks at Luca, and Luca shrugs.

“No. It hasn’t. If anything, it’s quieted the city. They know I can get to them if I can take down Barone.”

I nod. “Then I no longer need your protection. Leave.”

Luca bristles, shifting on his feet. “Sloane, that’s…”

Ardesia raises his hand to silence Luca. “She’s fine. I’m used to dealing with fiery women; I can handle her.”

Brynne’s chuckle comes from behind me, but I don’t smirk.

I can’t.

“I’m staying with Luca,” I repeat, and Ardesia lifts his hands in defense.

---