Page 89 of Ties That Bind Us

The rest of her family took the news well, seemingly unaware of Alessandro’s reaction. Her mother was thrilled, and while both of her sisters were a little upset she hadn’t told them, they were excited for us nonetheless.

“How are you feeling?” I asked when we had two minutes to ourselves. Her energy had been down with the pregnancy and normally by this time she was absolutely knocked out on our couch.

“Okay.” She smiled but I could tell she was lying.

“Let’s get out of here. Leo can finish up checking in with the men.” I put my arm around her.

“Isn’t that your responsibility?” She gave me a sleepy smile.

“My only responsibility is making sure my wife is completely happy and content.” I smirked and kissed her cheek.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive,” I said. “Hey, Leo, can you finish up here? I’m going to get Ava home.”

“Whatever, lovebirds.” He chuckled, rolling his eyes. “I’ll finish up as long as I can drive your car home.”

I laughed, shaking my head. Leo had a love affair with my Corvette and wanted to drive it any opportunity he got.

“Fine.” I tossed him the keys. “But bring it home by noon tomorrow. And if there is a single scratch on it, I’ll kill you.”

“So strict.” Leo grinned, taking the keys and replacing them with his. He leaned forward, kissing Ava’s cheek. “Good night, Ava.”

“Good night.” She smiled.

“Keep your hands to yourself, moron,” I teased.

“Don’t make a baby in my backseat!” Leo called over his shoulder, loud enough for other people in the room to hear. Ava blushed.

“Let’s get out of here.” I slung my arm around her shoulder and led her outside.

The valet brought the car around and I helped Ava in before going to my side.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” I asked, as I wound through the streets toward our penthouse.

“It wasn’t. I mean, I wish my dad would have stuck around to talk, but at least he didn’t make a scene.” She smiled through her yawn.

“He’ll come around, babe. And in the meantime, try to put it out of your mind and—”

All of a sudden, we were hit from the side. Ava screamed, clutching the handle on the ceiling as the car spun in circles. Glass shattered around us, and the crunching of metal filled the air. I was flung forward over the steering wheel, driving it hard into my chest and taking my breath away.

When the car finally skidded to a stop, I looked at Ava. She was hunched over in the seat, her head hanging loosely. Fuck. Oh God, no.

“Ava, are you okay? Baby, can you hear me?” She didn’t answer.

I unbuckled my seat belt and scooted toward her, tilting her head toward me with my hand. “Ava, answer me, baby,” I asked again, noticing the blood dripping down the side of her face. It was coming from somewhere in her hair, but I couldn’t see the actual wound.

“Ava!” I yelled, shaking her a little, trying desperately to wake her up. This couldn’t be happening. What the fuck was going on? “Please, baby.”

Still no response. I needed to get out of the car. I opened my door and stumbled out. The car that hit us was long gone. I tried to limp around the car, but my leg gave out suddenly and I fell to the ground.

“Ava!” I called out with all the remaining strength I had.

She didn’t answer.

Chapter 36

Nick

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