Page 152 of Arturo's Temptation

“Yeah… But since the day that boy came into my life we all knew it. He was a stubborn ass who’d never do as he’s told.”Hearing Red talk about Tyler in past tense felt wrong. This was all wrong.

“He was always my hero, Red. He always knew how to save me and… I really wish I could have saved him too.” I gave him a watery smile. “He was meant to be by my side. Like you’ve been for Papa.”

“I know.” Red kissed my temple. “It was what your father and I always wanted.”

“Nobody else will stand in his place. It doesn’t seem right.” I sighed, knowing there was nobody other than Tyler I’d have wanted as my right hand.

“No, kiddo… You listen to me. You need a right hand. Now more than ever.” Red was stern for a moment before softening again.

“I’ll be fine on my own. Besides I’ve got a kick ass bodyguard, remember?”

“You’re just as stubborn as he was. You pair were always like two peas in a pod. Double trouble… that’s what we all used to call you.” My lips lifted into a weak smile as he leaned in. “Did he… say anything before…?” I cocked my head to one side as he faltered.

“He told me to tell him something nice, and I did. Then he said… be happy and slipped away.” My throat ached as the moment flashed in my head.

“What was the something nice you told him?” he asked, taking my hand.

“That’s between me and Tyler, sorry Red.” I smiled, as did he.

“You two never did share your secrets. You always vowed to take them to the grave.” He let out a sob, making my chest squeeze. All my life, I’d never seen this man so much as lose his temper and now I had to watch his heart break. “I’m sorry, Bells.”

“Don’t you dare! Don’t ever apologise for letting yourself feel, okay, Uncle Red?” He sniffled and hugged me again.

“You stopped calling me that years ago…” he whispered. “Don’t stop again.”

49

We all stayedat the hospital that night, taking it in turns to be by either Red or Bella’s side. Lorenzo was Red’s rock. I hadn’t seen it as clear before, but that friendship would stand the test of time.

I had to hand it to Luca, since Bella woke up the following morning he made it his mission to make amends with her. He had really come through and held my woman during her darkest hour. If I was honest though, watching Luca get through to her and be able to comfort her when I couldn’t nearly killed me. More than anything, all I wanted was to be able to get Bella through anything. But after my sixth coffee and countless cigarettes, I finally understood that it wasn’t about me. Luca had needed that time with his sister to rectify the hurts of the past. It had taken Bella losing Tyler for Luca to finally understand the pain Bella had gone through and never fully recovered from.

“Arturo, can you head home with Lorenzo to make sure everything is ready for Isabella to come home?” Anastacia asked on approach.

“Sure. What do you need us to do?”

“Make sure there is water in Bella’s room. Fresh flowers. Some of her favourite snacks. Anything you can think of.” she smiled, as Lorenzo appeared beside her.

“Arturo and I will sort it, don’t worrymi amore.” Lorenzo said, kissing her cheek.

“Thanks, baby. I’ll come later with Luca and Bella. I just want to make sure she’s okay and be here if she needs me.”

“Who’s goin’ to drive you home?” I quizzed, knowing Red was unavailable, he had things to sort with the hospital.

“Arturo, will the pair of you stop worrying please” she patted my arm, a soothing voice coming to the surface.

“Well, Gino and Emmet are already at the house, they’ll help make sure everything’s ready.” Lorenzo said as he ushered me toward the exit.

“Drive safe, we’ll see you soon.” She replied as she gave a small wave before heading back into Bella’s room.

Cracking my neck,I filled the fridge with bottles of water and began to arrange the purple lilies we’d picked up on the way home. Gino and Emmet were in the basement with Lorenzo helping bring a few things upstairs.

“Arturo, can you come down here a sec?” Lorenzo called from downstairs.

I placed the scissors and lilies on the side, wiping the water onto my jeans before heading downstairs to see what the fuck needed four people to carry it up the stairs.

The second I stepped into the basement, squinting against the fluorescent lights, I clocked Emmet standing against the wallopposite me, his face impassive. Lorenzo stepped out from the corner, and part of me wanted to laugh.

You had to be shitting me.

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