Page 188 of Arturo's Temptation

“You cried?”

“Have you looked at her? She’s absolutely perfect, ain’t she?” he chuckled, wrapping his free arm around me. “Of course I cried.”

“She is… I can’t wait to take her home.” I sighed, her gentle breathing falling in sync with my own.

“Me too.”

“Do you want to hold her?” I asked, my gaze meeting his widening one.

“I don’t want to hurt her.” he swallowed.

“You won’t!” I signalled the nurse over as she informed Arturo skin to skin was the best option for him too. Nodding he complied and stripped off his t-shirt.

The second she placed Valencia against his chest, I saw the love of my life—the fiercest and most emotionally distanced man I had ever known—instantly soften. My heart filled to thebrim as his eyes welled with happiness, he had never looked so content.

“You three are a beautiful family, congratulations.” The nurse smiled, nodding her head to the window. “I’m guessing they’re yours?”

I laughed as we gazed towards the window to the NICU. “They’re my parents.” Looking up, Arturo caught my father’s gaze. After a beat the pair exchanged a nod and a smile.

As my attention was once again taken up by staring at my baby girl in her father’s arms, the reality of what I had been through dawned on me. The doctors had said I had nearly died on that operating table, that my heart had stopped. Perhaps that was why Tyler and Peyton came to me. I faintly remembered something drawing me towards them, but the more I ran to them, the further away they got. In my heart, I knew it was their way of telling me it wasn’t my time, and it hadn’t been. I had a family to return to… one that needed me.

One I would never be ready to leave.

62

The morning airwas rough against my skin as I exited the car, sighing as I stared out across the docks. I didn’t want to be here, I wanted to be with Bella and Valencia, but the reality was I had to face my mother. I had to find out why she did what she did. Knowing the Riccis had been keeping her at the docks didn’t cause me to feel a thing. The shell that had once housed my mum now contained the fucking devil. The person she had been was gone.

“You good, son?” Lorenzo asked, as I leaned against the Jeep.

Son… been a while since anyone’s called me that and meant it.

“Yeah,” I smiled, shoving my arms into my leather jacket. “Bella and Valencia are thrivin’. Doctors are pleased with ‘em both.”

“I know Valencia will be closer to your bed for a while, but her part of the room is all fixed and ready for her.”

“You didn’t need to do that, I would have sorted it.” I sighed, more thankful for this family than I’d ever let on.

“Dude, you’re exhausted and at the hospital twenty-four-seven. When would you have found the time?” Luca questioned, appearing beside me.

“We didn’t want you and Bella coming home and having to see any trace of what happened. It is as good as new.” Artem nodded.

I hadn’t noticed until now but every fucker was here, Lorenzo, Luca, Andre, Artem, Red, Gino, Emmet, Nicolo, Danil, Jace and even Josh and Jay.

“What you all doin’ ere?” I asked, watching their faces turn to me.

“We’re here for you, kid. This shit is hard for anyone to go through and nobody should have to go through it alone.” Red slapped his palm on my back. “You’re family.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” I turned to Lorenzo and Luca, “will you two come in with me?”

“Whatever you need.” Lorenzo nodded, making his way toward the door.

I stepped inside the outhouse, seeing my mother before me chained to a beam, her toes just about reaching the splintered wooden floor.

“Oh look, he returns,” she hissed the second her head rose. “How’s that bastard baby of yours, hmm? Dead?” she laughed menacingly.

“Fuck you.” I strode over to her, gripping her face between my hands. “You have norightto ask how my baby is.”

“What happens now, huh, son? You going to kill your own mother… again?” I loosened my grip, stumbling back.

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