Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“The head of the Yakuza’s son,” I mutter angrily. “Find out where Kentaro Araki and Ryo Tanaka are. I want eyes on them.”
“Okay.”
“Thanks, Rosie.”
I pull up the footage she sent, and as I watch it, my heartbeat speeds up and the relentless rage in my chest reaches explosive levels.
Riccardo and the two guards were outnumbered.
Our men were killed while protecting Riccardo and Gianna. Raffaele is arranging for the guards' bodies to be taken home.
I’m going to fucking kill Araki and torture the fuck out of Tanaka before handing whatever’s left of the bastard back to his father. No one fucks with the Cosa Nostra and gets away with it.
I hand my phone to Enzo. “Take a look.”
Turning my attention back to Riccardo, I rub my hand up and down his forearm. “I’m going to take care of everything. Sorry, your honeymoon is ruined. Once you’re back on your feet, I’ll arrange another trip for you and Gianna.”
My brother shakes his head. “Just want to go home.”
I nod, then glance at Gianna. She quickly agrees. “Yes, we just want to go back to New York.”
“I brought Dr. Milazzo and Simone,” I inform my brother. “They’re talking with the doctor to discuss when you can leave. As soon as you’re cleared to travel, I’ll send you back on the private jet.”
Dr. Milazzo and his head nurse, Simone, have worked at our private clinic in New York since I was in high school. It’s where all the members of the Cosa Nostra get treated.
“Thank you,” Gianna whispers while she lovingly drags her fingers through Riccardo’s dark brown hair.
He’s the spitting image of Dad, whereas my hair is a shade or so lighter. He also inherited Dad’s brown eyes. Bianca and I got a mixture from Mom and Dad and ended up with green eyes.
Riccardo drifts off to sleep, and needing to get to work so I can get revenge for what was done to my brother, I look at Gianna and say, “Don’t leave the hospital for any reason. Stay here with Riccardo. Once the doctor clears him, I’ll have you both taken directly to the private jet.”
She nods before giving me a worried look. “Our luggage is still at the hotel.”
“I’ll send a guard to get everything. Don’t worry.” I move around the bed and wrap my arms around her. “Just stay here. I’m leaving Lorenzo and two guards to keep you safe. They’re stationed right outside the room.” She nods as she hugs me back. I press a kiss to her temple while looking at Riccardo.
Letting go of Gianna, I move closer to the bed and brush my hand over the side of my brother’s head.
I’ll make them pay.
Sucking in a deep breath, I walk to the doorway, and when I step into the quiet hallway, I lock eyes with Lorenzo. “Stay here with your team. Don’t let Gianna and Riccardo out of your sight.”
He nods, but then a worried look tightens his features. “What about you?”
“I have Raffaele, as well as Enzo and his guards. You make sure nothing happens to Riccardo and Gianna. Once the doctor clears Riccardo, get them to the private jet and go home. They’re your priority.”
He nods again, his gaze darting to the bed that’s visible from where we’re standing. “I’ll keep them safe.”
Glancing into the room, I watch as Enzo hugs his sister, and when he comes toward me, I give Lorenzo’s shoulder a squeeze. “Stay safe.”
My long-time friend and head of security nods before he steps into the hospital room.
“How are you holding up?” Enzo asks as we walk down the hallways.
“I’ll feel a fuck-ton better once Riccardo and Gianna are back in New York,” I grumble.
As we near the elevators, the doors open, and Dr. Milazzo, Simone, and a Japanese doctor step out.
“Mr. Vitale, this is Dr. Okubo. He’s the cardiothoracic doctor treating Riccardo,” Dr. Milazzo introduces me.
I shake Dr. Okubo’s hand as I ask, “How’s my brother doing?”
“He’s recovering as expected.” Even though the man has a heavy accent, his English is quite good. “I told Dr. Milazzo the surgery went well, but Mr. Vitale won’t be able to leave for another two days. It would be too risky.”
I nod, then look at Dr. Milazzo. “I want you and Simone to take turns to stay with Riccardo. If anything happens, call me immediately. Once he’s cleared to travel, Lorenzo will escort you all to the private jet and get you home safely.”
“Yes, sir.”
Enzo places his hand on Dr. Milazzo’s arm. “Keep an eye on Gianna. Her nerves are shot to hell.”
“I’ll prescribe Mrs. Vitale something to help set her at ease,” Dr. Okubo offers.
“I’d appreciate it,” Enzo says, giving the man a tight smile.
Done with the conversation, we step into the elevator while the doctors head toward Riccardo’s private room.
My angry gaze meets Enzo’s. “Jesus, Riccardo looks bad.”