Page 81 of On Ice

“Your doctor know you’re here?” I’m so damn happy to see him, I’d love to hug him. But I’m not really a hugger, and he’d probably die of shock if I tried.

“I fired him when he said I needed bed rest.” The corner of his mouth twitches as if he’s suppressing a smile.

I grab his shoulder, still grinning. “It’s good to have you back.”

He lifts his dark brows. “Did you just admit to missing me?”

“I think I did.” My face feels warm, but I don’t care. It’s been hard to function without my second by my side. From the outside, things probably looked the same to a casual observer, but for me, it’s been a lonely slog.

“Then it was worth the extra pain meds I’ll need in an hour.”

A corporate jet taxis past, momentarily drowning out conversation. Once it’s past, I nod toward the waiting vehicle. “Let’s get in the car. It’s too noisy and cold out here.”

He swings his crutches clumsily toward the vehicle, and I resist the urge to help him. He’d hate it if I tried to assist him. He’s too prideful for his own good. So instead of lending a hand, I wait patiently as he swaps the crutches around a few times until he figures out the puzzle, and manages to get into the SUV.

Once we’re inside the warm car, he rests his head against the back of the seat and lets out a groan. “Can’t believe I fractured my fibula. Although, if I had to break a bone in my leg, that was one of the best ones. But I fucking hate being incapacitated.”

“You’re hardly that. Maybe you can’t run a marathon, but I wouldn’t want you mad at me. You’re too good of a shot.” I slip out of my coat, and stretch my legs out in front of me. “It’s good to be home. I think this is the first time I’ve relaxed since I heard DeLuca died. I had to watch my back twenty-four-sevenover there. Even with security, I couldn’t let down my guard. Too many people had too much at stake.”

“Were the factions hard to deal with?” He rubs his thigh as if he’s in pain. “I’m sure everyone there hoped they’d get your blessing.”

I laugh gruffly. “The bosses wavered between kissing my ass and giving me death glares.”

“Figures. Who’d you end up choosing to take DeLuca’s place?”

I exhale tiredly. “I ended up going with Antonio Vassallo. He’s old-school but pragmatic. He also has ties to our family. Dad trusted him. He wasn’t the most obvious choice, but he’s someone I can depend on to maintain our shipping interests.”

“I remember Antonio. He’s a solid pick.”

I grin. “Tell that to Salvatore “The Serpent” Bianchi. He looked like he was going to cry when I didn’t pick him.”

“He would have been a good pick too.”

“Yeah, but he lacks subtlety, and could bring unwanted attention. I went with someone who has more experience. I think I made the right choice.” I sit up and lean toward the mini bar. I pour myself a glass of bourbon and turn to offer one to Marco.

He waves me off. “I’d love a drink, but I took a shitload of pain meds to make this little trip. I don’t want to accidentally kill myself.”

I grimace. “Please don’t. I need you.”

Marco’s face splits in a grin. “You’re practically gushing today. This is so unlike you.”

I swirl the amber liquid in the crystal glass. “That’s because you’re irreplaceable.” I meet his surprised gaze. “I’ll probably never say that again, so treasure the moment.”

“I will,” he says softly.

I sip my bourbon, then say, “I figured out the rat bastard who put the hit on DeLuca.”

“Already?” Marco leans forward, eyes bright. “Who was it?”

I purse my lips, enjoying the bite from the bourbon. “Maxim Volkov.”

Marco’s eyes bug. “No shit? The Russians?”

“Yep. The Volkov Organization was trying to expand into Mediterranean shipping routes. They did their best to make the hit on DeLuca look like an inside job to destabilize La Fratellanza.”

“What a dick move.”

I grimace. “To be honest, it almost worked. The bosses over there were only too willing to suspect each other. There’s a real lack of loyalty between them all. That’s something Antonio should be able to improve upon. He has a calm, steady way of leading. I trust him to stabilize things.”

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