Page 24 of Secret Revenge

“Almost done,” Elena announced, snipping the last suture and stepping back. “You’ll heal, but try to take it easy, alright? No knife fights for at least a week.” She winked, the levity an attempt to lighten the mood.

“Thank you, Elena,” I said, my voice genuine with gratitude. I appreciated her skill, her dedication, and her loyalty to the Romano family.

As I considered the night’s events and how close I’d come to death, I realized the choices I made affected not only me but also those I cared about – like Liliana. Perhaps it was time to rethink my approach, to rely more on the people around me and let them carry some of the burden.

“My father’s men never came home like this,” she whispered, her voice strained.

A short laugh – bitter and mirthless – escaped my lips. “Your father’s men were put in just as much danger, if not more, because of his reckless decisions,” I told her, my voice tight with suppressed pain. “You were protected from knowing the extent of the violence, and I wanted to keep you as protected in my home.”

Her gaze met mine, resolute and fierce. “I don’t want to be protected,” she declared, her voice steady. “I want to be your partner.”

I studied her face, searching for any hint of doubt or hesitation. There was none. Only determination, loyalty, and a strength I hadn’t fully appreciated before.

“That’ll do it for you, Nicholas. Take it easy for the next few days so you don’t tear the stitches,” Elena said before turning to Liliana. “Let’s take a look at you now.”

With Elena’s attention now on Liliana, I watched as her skilled fingers traced the fading bruises and cuts covering my wife’s delicate skin. Her touch was gentle, a stark contrast to the cruel hands that had inflicted those wounds.

“Have you experienced any headaches or dizziness since we last spoke?” Elena asked, her voice soft but authoritative. “Or have any of your injuries started to hurt more?”

Liliana shook her head, her dark eyes meeting the doctor’s. “No, I think I’m healing okay.”

“Continue monitoring your injuries, Liliana,” Elena instructed, before addressing us both. “And call me if you have any concerns. I’ll come to check on you tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Elena,” Liliana murmured, genuine gratitude lacing her words. I echoed her sentiment, appreciating the doctor’s unwavering support in this tumultuous time.

As the door closed behind Elena, leaving Liliana and me alone in the dimly lit room, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of our situation bearing down on us. The tension between us simmered beneath the surface, a constant reminder of the danger we faced – and the lengths I would go to protect her.

“Nicholas,” she whispered, breaking the silence that had settled over the room. “I don’t want you to hold back from me.”

“Believe me, I wish I could share everything with you,” I replied, my voice rough with emotion. “But the world we live in is unforgiving, and I must protect you, even if it means keeping certain truths hidden.”

Her eyes flashed with defiance, her jaw set in a stubborn line. “I don’t want your protection. I want to be your partner.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, my heart heavy with the weight of her words. As much as I desired to shield her from the harsh reality of our lives, I couldn’t deny the fierce determination that burned within her.

“Yes,” she responded resolutely, her gaze never wavering.

“Alright,” I conceded, my chest tightening with both admiration and fear.

“Let me tell you about what happened tonight,” I began, my voice low and gravelly. “Three corrupt cops working for Joshua Clemmons ambushed Turner and me. They were waiting in the trees behind the school, watching our every move.”

Liliana paused for a moment. “I know that name. Sophia dated a cop named Joshua Clemmons last year. How funny this guy has the same name.”

I put my hand on hers to soften the blow. “It’s the same man.”

I could see the fear in Liliana’s eyes, but she remained stoic, listening intently. “Samuel was brave and strong,” I continued. “He took down two men on his own, and injured the third while I was fighting Joshua. I wouldn’t have survived without him.” The words were painful to admit, a reminder of the debt I owed to a man now lost forever.

“I should call Sophia and tell her,” Liliana said, her voice trembling slightly.

“No, not yet,” I replied, feeling my jaw clench reflexively. “I’m reluctant to trust anyone who isn’t part of the Romano family. In fact, it might be best if you don’t talk to her for a bit.”

“I can’t do that,” I said firmly, my heart aching with the knowledge that the truth would only place her in greater danger.

“Please, Nicholas,” she pleaded, her eyes meeting mine with unwavering resolve. “My name is Romano, too. I took beatings because of that name. I think that should buy me some honesty from my husband.”

I hesitated, torn between protecting her and honoring her request. I weighed the risks, knowing that sharing the truth would change everything. But as I looked into her eyes, I saw a fierce determination that would not be denied.

“Alright,” I conceded, my pulse quickening with the risk of having her join me in the business. “Tomorrow, you can spend the day with me, learning about our family’s business.”

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