Page 93 of Ruthless King
“Luca, you know how this works.” The doc looks up at me, stethoscope hanging around her neck. “The longer you remain immobile, the more difficult the recovery.”
How do I tell her I don’t give a shit? That without Stella I have no purpose, no reason to live. She’s my shining light in the infinite darkness and damn it, without her the black is so thick I can’t push past it.
She continues the checkup, gingerly removing the bandages to observe the wound. “It looks like you’re healing nicely. I suppose that’s the one plus to continuous bed rest.”
I release a noncommittal grunt as she continues her quiet scrutiny.
How did I get here? Oh, right, I threw all my rules out the window and completely fucked up my world. That’s why the rules were in place. That’s why I’d gotten so far in life. One glorious month with Stella and everything had gone to shit.
The corners of my lips lift as images of her perfect pink lips, that fiery gaze, the feel of her against me fill my mind.Dio, I fucked everything up, but a tiny part of me would do it a hundred times over for that one month with her.
“Now that’s what I want to see.” Dr. Filippo grins as she gently replaces the bandages. “Whatever just made you smile, do more of that.”
A rueful chuckle spills out. “I thought you said no sex until I’m fully healed.”
She swats at me with her perfectly manicured fingernails. “I did. But that can’t be the only thing that makes you smile.”
No, it’s not. Right now, just being next to Stella would be enough. Even if I could never touch her again, I’d survive if I just knew she was okay. A tornado of guilt lashes at my insides. She must hate me. And deservedly so.
I’d been such a coward abandoning her back then. Not only had I robbed her of her brother, I’d left her alone to fend against her asshole of a father. Sure, I was only seventeen back then, but I was a completestronzo. I knew I was wrong. I’d promised Vinny I’d always protect Stella, and I abandoned her.
“Well, if you don’t need anything else ….” The doc stands, drawing me back to the present. “I’ll be back next week to check on the stitches.”
I slowly dip my head. “Thank you.”
She squeezes my arm and offers a warm smile. “I’ve stitched you up more times than I can count, Luca, and I’ve never seen you like this. I don’t like it.”
“Just out of sorts,” I manage.
“I hope you’re back to your old self when I see you again.”
I nod. I’m going to have to pull my head out of my ass before my empire crumbles. With Dante out, Clara has been manning the King Industries’ ship, and the amount of stress I’ve laid on my executive assistant isn’t fair. She’s a tiger so I know she can handle it, but it’s not right. I can’t sit in bed forever.
I force myself to watch as Dr. Filippo sashays out, swinging her hips in that tight white medical coat, but I feel nothing. There’s only one woman I want. And maybe I have been too much of a coward to admit it. I throw the covers back and slide to the edge of the mattress.
Magda lets out a squeal when I hiss from the pain, and I find her lingering in the doorway. “May I help you, signore?” she whispers and takes a step inside. Brave woman, considering the scowl I can feel twisting my lips.
“No,” I snarl. “I have to do this myself.” Slowly, I push myself off the bed. Another hiss escapes my clenched teeth as my torn skin stretches when I stand.
Muffled shouts coming down the hall put an end to my pity party. I stand up straighter and force my legs to the door. I recognize that voice. Pure, undiluted rage courses at the sound of it.
I march out into the hallway and find Albie and Dante in the foyer. My guard is trying to force my brother back, but he’s being an asshole as always.
Albie catches my gaze over Dante’s shoulder. “Sorry,capo. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. He shoved right past me and got into the elevator before I could stop him. I didn’t think you’d want me to shoot him.”
A wry grin curls my lips. The first real emotion I’ve felt in days.
“Cazzo, come on, Luca.” Dante spins on me. “I just wanted to check on you,fratellino. Tony tells me you were shot, and he won’t say more. I’ve texted, called and you ignore me. Mamma’s going crazy. You can’t do this to her.”
Another wave of guilt slaps me in the face. I never want to worry Ma, not her. She doesn’t deserve it. “I’ll call her as soon as you leave,” I grumble.
“What the hell happened?”
“It’s none of your business.” I barrel past my brother, and my knees tremble from the effort. After a week of bedrest, all this commotion is too much. Weak bastard. Sinking onto the couch, my thoughts rush back to a week ago, to the first time I claimed Stella right here on this spot. I’d broken all my rules for her, and she’d broken me.
“This is about Stella, isn’t it?” Dante glances around the penthouse as if he’s finally noticed her absence. I feel it every fucking second. The emptiness, the chill. It’s invaded my very bones. “What happened with Liam McKenzie?”
I snort on a laugh. The sound is high-pitched and slightly unhinged. “The fucker shot me.”
