Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“Breathe,” Vic says gently.
My hand is knotted into Niko’s bedsheet. It’s then I realize that my heart is racing as all the what ifs circle through my mind, making it hard to catch my breath. I didn’t even realize I was moving toward a panic attack. I can’t allow weakness. I try to smile at Vic, as an unspoken thank you.
“I want to see Antonio.”
“Antonio is aware you’re here, Emilia. He will be here tomorrow,” Callan responds.
“I can go to him.”
“Antonio wants to be here. It’s a show of honor and respect,” Vic says.
“Okay,” I nod, not fully understanding. I turn to Callan. “We can announce my father’s death after I talk to Antonio.”
“You’re keeping control really well,” Vic says softly.
“When you have nothing left…” My voice cracks and I have to swallow the painful lump in my throat before I can finish. I just end up shrugging unable to finish the sentence and instead give him the truth. “I want to see whoever did this punished, and I really want to be part of the reason as to why they suffer.”
“You sound like Niko.” Callan says, looking over at his friend.
I whisper. “I want him to be proud of me. I want my father to be proud…”
“I don’t think that’s anything you need to worry about, Emilia,” Callan responds.
I nod, hoping he’s right—all while praying I can do this.
CHAPTER 35
Emilia
Antonio got here about thirty minutes ago. I wanted to give him time to see Niko and speak with him alone. I know he thinks a lot of Niko. My father told me that often enough. He deserves time alone with him. Besides, I needed some extra time to organize my thoughts. I’ve known Antonio since I was small. Yet, none of our meetings have been like this. This will be a definite shift in our relationship. I just hope he doesn’t fight me on it. I need his approval for this to work.
As I walk into the room, Antonio is staring down at Niko. He’s carefully hiding all his emotions, but the sadness shines in his inky black eyes. The man is intimidating on his best days. When he’s mad, he’s downright terrifying. He’s younger than Niko, but he’s also more massive in both height and width and Niko isn’t exactly small. He would be intimidating for that alone, but he’s covered in ink. He has so many tattoos that they show despite the suit he’s wearing. They cover his neck, his hands, fingers, and even his face has some small ones. It’s no doubt his body is a work of art, but as a package, it screams danger.
His hair is shaved on one side, but longer on the other and this black color that is so dark it glistens. He has a beard with the same sheen. It’s neatly trimmed—although freer than Niko’s. At least it was. I need to clean Niko and shave him. I won’t let the nurses. It should be my job. He wouldn’t want anyone to see him weak—even medical professionals that are trying to save his life.
I turn my attention back to Antonio who is now staring at me. He walks to me, sadness on his face. When he gets in front of me, he leans down and kisses my cheek. His size is so intimidating that even though I know he would never hurt me, it’s a struggle to remain still.
“Emilia, I’m so sorry about your father. Maxwell was very important to me.”
“Do you have any idea who did this?” I ask. The question just pops out the minute his eyes meet mine. I didn’t mean to ask it right way, but I couldn’t stop myself. I also don’t regret it. I need to get this ball rolling. I need answers and something to focus on. There’s just too much anger inside of me.
“No,” Antonio admits, gritting his teeth. I can tell that bothers him as much as it does me.
“Do you think they were going after my father or Niko?” I ask.
I watch him scratch his beard before he speaks. The movement is so similar to something that Niko would do that it makes my heart ache. I push it aside. I’ve got to concentrate on what is in front of me. I need to be strong.
“We aren’t sure,” he hedges, but I can tell he’s holding back.
“Damn it. I need to know what’s going on, Antonio. I know you have more information. This is my father and my soon to be husband. I need this information.” I don’t hide my anger. There’s no way I can hold my feelings back at this point.
“Emilia,” Vic says, warning me to calm down.
Antonio waves him off. “Emilia is family. My father declared her his daughter years ago. I take no offense.”
Taking a deep breath, trying to contain my frustration.