Page 88 of Sinful Bargains

“We miss you, too,” I whispered back, my heart aching just seeing him like this.

“Where’s my boy?” he asked, glancing past me, as if Antonio would walk in any moment.

“He couldn’t come.” I sighed. “He says he can’t see you like this. He’s been taking it hard.”

“You tell him I’m fine?” Joey asked.

“I didn’t tell him you’re fine,” I replied. “I told him you’re getting better and that you’ll be home soon.”

“I’m fine,” Joey insisted. “I want them to send me home.”

“Joey, don’t give them a hard time.” I frowned.

“I’ve been trying to tell him all day he’s gotta stay until they say he’s well enough to leave,” Paul finally spoke up from the chair in the corner of the room.

“I’m well enough,” Joey shot back.

“You’re lucky you’re not a vegetable,” Paul retorted as he stood and walked toward the door. “Anyways, I’ll be downstairs drinking coffee. Leave you two alone. Anything you want while I’m down there?”

“Yeah, the discharge papers,” Joey said.

“Joey!” I hissed.

Paul grinned, poking his head back in. “You said extended stay? I’ll see what I can do!” And with that, he left, closing the door behind him.

“You look beautiful,” Joey said softly, gently caressing my face. “How are you doing?”

“I’m fine,” I replied, but it didn’t feel true. “I just miss you, that’s all.”

“Well, I’ll be home as soon as I can get out of here.” Joey grinned.

I smirked, rolling my eyes. “I know you will.” I chuckled softly. “You know, I can’t even go to the supermarket now without someone asking how you’re doing. Everyone’s been so worried about you.”

“What about Antonio? What’s going on with him?”

“I don’t know.” I sighed. “He doesn’t leave his room much.”

“If I could get out of here, I’d go talk to him,” Joey said. “Let him know I’m fine. It’s nothing to worry about.”

ANTONIO

Isat on the couch, frozen in place. The only sound I could hear was the relentless, fucking drumming in my ears. Ma was helping Rosa sort through the flower arrangements we’d been sent—the house looked like Rosa’s old flower shop. Every person in the state of New York had sent something. Even the goddamn mayor. I couldn’t even turn on the TV without seeing it—every reporter, from The Sun to The Times, covering the story.

I couldn’t escape the blood on my hands.

I had one shot. And I had failed. Now I was fucked.

I watched as Rosa swung the front door wide open. Joey was sandwiched between Paul and Marco as they helped him inside. “They didn’t give him a wheelchair?” Ma asked.

“I’m gonna get it from the car,” Paul said. “The asshole won’t listen.”

“I’ve got legs. I can walk. I’m not being pushed around in a fucking wheelchair. Donate it to someone who needs it,” Joey growled. “I’m fine.”

“You just spent weeks in the hospital. You’re not fine,” Ma shot back.

Joey managed a smile as he looked at me. “Hey, kid.” I just stared at him, like a ghost that had come back to life. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll be good as new in no time.” Paul and Marco helped lower him onto the couch. “I’ve got it,” he growled at them.

Ma pushed them aside, towering over Joey. “Joseph Romano, you don’tgot it,” she told him, her hip cocked to the side.

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