Page 100 of There Is No Love

“Doc, I need to pee, can I get up?”

“You have a catheter in, and in fact, I am going to send your nurse in to get a urine sample. We'll get the results and go from there. But you are going to have to take it easy, rest, and let your body heal. I will be back in a few hours to check in on you.” He put a hand on his knee. “Mrs. Rossi I am counting on you to keep him in line, and not overdo it.”

I nodded at the doctor as he walked by putting his hand on my shoulder. “If you guys need anything, have the nurses send for me.”

“Thank you.” He smiled and left the room. “I better call Arturo, tell him you’re awake.” I grabbed my phone.

“He’s awake. Bye.” I turned to Luka. “They're coming up to see you.”

He nodded. “Come here.”

I walked over to the side of his bed. “Tell me what happened. Where is Gabriele? Are you ok? Talk to me.”

“I shot him, and I have no idea if he is dead or alive. I called Doc, Gabriele had called him too, but I talked Doc into meeting us at the airport. He's here in Bellissindale. I knew I had to get him out if he didn't immediately go to the house.”

“Does Stefano know we’re here?"

“I have no idea, but I am betting not much happens in this city he doesn't know about.”

He nodded and looked up at me. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

He laughed and shook his head, grabbing my wrist. “Tell me the truth, I want to know”

“Luka, why do you keep pushing it?”

“Because I care about you dammit.”

“I told you not to.” I pulled away. “I am going to go check on Nick, I’ll be back.”

“Alora, wait. Just talk to me.”

“I’ll be back.” I walked out and heard something crash in his room. I peeked in and saw the side table flipped to the floor. I turned and walked down the hallway. I took a deep breath and walked to Nick's room.

He looked at me and smiled. “There’s my sister.”

I shook my head. “That sounds so weird.” I laughed as I sat down on the bed next to him. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I got shot. How's Luka?”

I looked down at my lap. “He’s awake, they’re running tests to see if his kidney is functioning better today.”

“What's up, you look like you’ve been crying?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Liar. You were scared you were going to lose him, weren't you?”

“I was scared I was going to lose you.”

“I know, but you were scared you were going to lose him. You care about him.”

“No, I just didn't want his death on my conscience.”

“Who are you trying to fool? Me, Luka, Gabriele, yourself?”

“Nick, there is no love in this world.”

“Alora.”

“I’m serious. You can’t care about people in this world, caring makes you weak. Makes you vulnerable.”

“Look, I have no idea what it's like to be in love with someone. But I know I love you. I love my dad and would give my life to save either of you. Luka loves you he would sacrifice himself for you without a second thought.”

“And look where that got him, lying in a hospital bed. He almost died because of me."

“It was not your fault.”

“Yes, it was!” I stood up, my hands fisting at my sides. “This is all my fault.”

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