Page 86 of The Italian Reckoning
“How did I not know? I saw him nearly every day. I talked to him, befriended him, and it never triggered anything. And now…” Her eyes close and she shakes her head while tears leak down her cheeks.
“No, we’re not going to do that. You’re not blaming yourself. Your mind buried things to protect you and he preyed on that. It isn’t your fault. Do you hear me?”
She nods, but I nudge her cheek lightly until she opens her eyes.
“Say it.”
“It’s not my fault,” she whispers.
“Again.”
“It’s not my fault.”
“That’s my girl.” I know it won’t sink in, not really. Only time can heal that wound. But I will remind her of it every day for the rest of her life. “You’re alive. And you’re safe, Sarah. No one’s going to hurt you ever again.”
“Why… why can’t I feel anything?”
“They have you on some pretty strong painkillers,” I reply softly. “Your wounds aren’t deep but numerous, and when you fell, you took a nasty blow to the back of the head. But you’re going to be okay. The decider was whether or not you woke up and I was… I was so terrified you weren’t going to.”
“How long?”
“Couple of days.”
“Shit.”
“But don’t you worry. I’ve been taking care of everything. Domenico is taking care of Iris. I’ve been here. You’re going to be okay, although I should probably get a doctor now that you’re awake.” Although the idea of leaving her even for a second is almost too much to bear.
“Wait…” Sarah moves her hand up to my collar and pulls me closer, pressing a fleeting kiss to my lips.
My heart aches with the want for more, to kiss her all over and remove that bastard’s touch from her body for the final time.
“Is he dead?” Her eyes lock onto mine.
I shake my head. “He survived the fall. I will take you to him when you’re ready.”
“Fuck that,” she croaks with surprising strength. “I’ve waited long enough for that fucker. I need to end this.”
——
Sarah’s determination to get out of the hospital and put Bobby in the ground is halted by the doctors. Her condition still needs monitoring, particularly after her fall and the blow to the back of her head, so she remains bedridden for a few more days. As much as I want her to get her revenge, I’m relieved when she listens to the doctor’s advice and remains in the hospital. Each test brings her closer and closer to freedom, but the effects of Bobby’s attack are showing as clear as day.
She flinches every time the doctors touch her. Her eyes repeatedly dart to the door at the slightest hint of noise. She cuts the medical bracelet from her wrist and refuses to keep the oxygen tube near her nose because it’s too close to her mouth. She reaches for my hand often, but I don’t miss the tiny jolts that move through her each time I shift or I make an unexpected sound.
But I’m learning quickly. I will be as soft as she needs me to be, and I will be with her every step of her recovery.
When the doctor finally gives Sarah the all clear to leave the hospital with promises to return for regular dressing changes on her stomach and thighs, she slides from the bed and looks me dead in the eye.
“Take me to him.”
I obey because I’m powerless to say no to her and this is what she needs. Bobby is her demon and she is the one who deserves to deal with him.
“Has he been here since the fall?” Sarah asks as we walk through a garage not far from my estate while leaning on my arm.
“Yup. We brought him here after Cormac persuaded me not to kill him on the spot.” I’m still sour about it but in the long run, it was the best decision. “No treatment, either, other than making sure he stays alive.”
“Has he said anything?”
I shake my head. “He hasn’t really had the chance.”
