Page 111 of Ruined By Blood
I help Sienna from the car. The moment Sienna's foot touches the first step, Lucrezia breaks free from her restraint and rushes forward.
"Thank God," she breathes, throwing her arms around Sienna in a fierce embrace.
Sienna stiffens momentarily but then melts into the hug, her arms wrapping around my sister's slender frame.
"You're okay," Lucrezia whispers against Sienna's hair. "You're really okay."
I step back, giving them space. Zoe approaches, laying a gentle hand on Sienna's shoulder once Lucrezia releases her.
"Welcome home," Zoe says, her voice warm with genuine feeling.
"Let's get inside," I say, noticing Sienna's exhaustion. The adrenaline that carried her through the confrontation with her father is wearing off.
Damiano appears in the doorway, his expression grave. He exchanges a silent look with me.
I guide Sienna into the foyer. "Go with Lucrezia and Zoe," I tell her softly. "I need to speak with Damiano."
Her eyes dart between us, understanding immediately. "About my father."
It's not a question, but I answer anyway. "Yes."
Sienna straightens her spine. "I should be part of that conversation."
"Not tonight," I say firmly. "Tonight, you rest. Tomorrow, we'll talk about everything."
She looks ready to argue, but Lucrezia links arms with her. "Come on. We'll get you settled in Enzo's room."
Sienna hesitates, then nods, allowing herself to be led toward the stairs. As they walk away, she glances back at me. "Don't be long?"
"I won't," I promise.
Once they've disappeared up the staircase, I turn to Damiano. His face has hardened into the mask he wears for business.
"My office," he says simply.
I follow him down the hallway, past the formal dining room where we'd had our ill-fated family dinner just before Sterling's men attacked. The memory of Sienna being taken from me sends a fresh wave of rage through my body.
Damiano closes the office door behind us and crosses to the bar cart in the corner.
"Sterling?" he asks, pouring two fingers of whiskey into each glass.
"Alessio has him at the warehouse." I accept the drink but don't sit. The energy coursing through me won't allow it. "No one touches him until I get there."
CHAPTER 37
Zoe's arm drapes around my shoulders as we climb the stairs, her touch gentle but steady. Lucrezia leads the way, her dark hair swinging with each step.
"You must be exhausted," Lucrezia says, glancing back at me with concern in her eyes. "We can talk in my room. It's more comfortable than the guest suites."
I nod, unable to find words.
We get in Lucrezia's bedroom and she gestures toward a plush seating area near the window. I sink into a velvet armchair, my legs suddenly too weak to hold me.
"Do you want tea? Water? Something stronger?" Zoe asks, perching on the arm of a nearby loveseat.
"Just water," I whisper. My throat feels raw, like I've been screaming, though I don't remembermaking a sound.
Lucrezia pours water from a crystal carafe on her nightstand and hands me the glass.
