Page 185 of Arturo's Temptation

Red, Gino, Emmet and Nicolo weren’t far behind, as well as Danil and Jace.

“You didn’t all need to come,” Lorenzo said, shooting them a furious look.

“Don’t fucking start. Where else would we be?” Red frowned, patting Lorenzo’s shoulder.

“Have you heard anything?” Nicolo asked, pacing the corridor.

“No,” I growled, scrubbing at my face.

Danil gripped my shoulder, “What do you need?” he asked.

“Could you call Josh and Jay for me?”

“They’re already on their way.” Danil said, as I nodded back, unsure what else to say.

I began to pace the corridor. Watching those double doors seemed pointless. No fucker had been in or out since they had wheeled Isabella away.

Fuck! Hurry up…

Pa, I don’t know if you’re listenin’ to me or if this shit even fuckin’ works, but I need your help. I need Isabella and our lil’ one to be alright. Please, Pa.

“Mr Ramos?” I turned with my hands gripping the back of my head. The moment the nurse caught my eye she smiled. “Congratulations, you have a baby girl.” The words hit me like a sledgehammer.

I had a daughter? We had a daughter?

Thank you, Pa.

“How are they?” I asked, everyone’s eyes on the nurse.

“We’ve moved your daughter to the NICU.” I felt sick, my own mother had caused our baby to arrive earlier than planned.

“How is she?” Lorenzo asked. At the nurse’s frown he grumbled, “I’m Mr Ricci, the woman is my daughter.”

“We’re currently running tests on your granddaughter, Mr Ricci, to rule out any short or long term complications.” Lorenzo’s throat bobbed as I looked back at him. “We’ll keep you informed once we know mo?—”

“What about Isabella?” I managed through a hitched breath.

“Isabella is still in surgery. She lost a substantial amount of blood due to the wound across her stomach. The doctor will be out shortly to update you on her condition.”

“Thank you,” I sighed, wiping my hand across my face.

“Mr Ramos, would you like to see your daughter?” she asked, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

“I can see her?” I couldn’t hide the surprise in my voice.

“You can,” she nodded, eyeing my attire soaked in blood.

“Shit, I should go home and change first, shouldn’t I?” I asked.

“No need, we got you some things here man.” Josh called, running through the entrance with a pair of sweats and t-shirt.

“You’ve got some good friends and family here, Mr Ramos. Feel free to get changed in the bathroom down the corridor to your left. I’ll meet you down at the NICU in a few minutes,” she smiled, heading off through the doors.

“Cheers, Josh.” I mumbled, hugging him tight.

“Congrats on your baby, fella. They’ll get through this. Your woman’s a stubborn one, I’m sure your girl will be just the same,” he reassured me.

I turned to face Bella’s family. “You okay if I go down?”

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