Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83248 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
A smile breaks through her tears. “You won’t hear me complain.” Her eyes lock on mine, then a heartbreaking sob bursts from her, and she shakes her head.
Seeing the torment in her gaze has me pushing my arms beneath her. I hold her as tight as I can. “I’m so fucking sorry I couldn’t find you sooner. You just vanished.”
Her voice is hoarse as she asks, “You didn’t think I blew myself up with the fortress?”
“No. I could still feel you. Your Dad and I searched everywhere. When I got the signals from you, fuck, it was one of the happiest days of my life.”
Rosie’s gaze flits over my face before locking on my eyes. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”
Christ. I have her back.
I press my forehead to hers. “You have no idea how thankful I am to have you back. You’re going to have to deal with everyone watching you twenty-four-seven. I, for one, will be glued to your side every second of the day.”
A tiny smile tugs at her mouth. “That sounds exhausting.”
“For you or me?”
“For everyone else.” Her eyes drift over my face, and the faint smile dies. Her gaze locks on my busted lip. “You’re hurt.”
“I’m fine.” I brush my thumb over her cheek before she can start stressing about me. “Don’t worry about me at all. Not even a little.”
“But your mouth…”
“The fucker got lucky.” I lean closer, keeping my voice gentle. “Just focus on yourself, Rosie. You’re all that matters.”
Her smile fades, and her fingers tighten weakly in my shirt. “Are we really going home?”
“Yes. We’re on the jet. The second we land, you’re going straight to the hospital.”
Her eyebrows draw together. “Hospital?”
“You fell pretty hard, and you’re dehydrated and malnourished and probably a fuck-ton of other things.” I keep my voice steady even though every word leaving my mouth makes rage burn hot through my chest. “Dr. Milazzo wants to keep you for a few days, check everything, and get you stronger before I can take you home.”
She blinks slowly, as if it takes effort to understand me. “Days?”
“Probably.”
Rosie’s gaze drifts to the small window, but I don’t think she really sees anything. Her chin quivers as she whispers, “I don’t want everyone treating me like I’m some victim. I’ll be back to my old self in no time.”
“Okay.” My voice comes out rougher than I mean it to. “You’re a survivor, Rosie. Always have been.”
Her eyes come back to mine, and another tear slips down her temple. “I’m so tired.”
“I know.” I shift carefully, keeping one arm around her while reaching for the bottle of water on the small table. “Drink a little for me.”
She tries to lift her head, but it barely moves before falling back to the pillow.
Seeing her like this wrecks me.
“I’ve got you.” I move my arm up, supporting her neck, then hold the bottle to her lips and let her take a few sips before pulling it away. “Enough?”
She nods, her lashes fluttering. I feel her fingers curl against my chest, then she asks, “Is Tim okay?”
“Yes. Rodian got him out. He said he’d make sure Tim gets safely home.”
She’s quiet for a bit. “Do you know what happened with Danil and Yegor?”
“They’re alive.” My jaw tightens. “Georgi and Adriano have them hogtied in the front of the plane.”
The faintest hint of satisfaction moves over her face. “Good.”
I press my lips to her forehead. “You don’t have to worry about any of them right now. Your job is to sleep, heal, and let everyone take care of you for once.”
“I hate that job,” she whispers.
“I know. You’re shit at it.”
A breathy sound leaves her, almost a laugh, and fuck me, it’s the best thing I’ve heard in two and a half months.
Her eyes close, then open again, unfocused and heavy. “Don’t leave.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Promise?”
Careful not to jostle her, I shift onto the bed beside her and tuck her against my chest. “I promise.” She presses her face into the crook of my neck, and the feeling damn near brings me to my knees.
My Rosie.
I hold her close, my hand brushing up and down her back as I try to soothe her.
Her body slowly relaxes against mine, the tension leaving her little by little, and I press a kiss to the top of her head, so fucking grateful she’s safely back with me.
“Enzo,” she suddenly murmurs.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you for finding me.”
“Always, Rosie.” I press my mouth to her hair.
Her breathing slows until it’s warm and steady against my throat. I don’t move a muscle, soaking in the feel of having my woman in my arms.
I manage to doze on and off during the final hours of the flight before Christiano comes into the cabin. “We’re starting our descent,” he says quietly. “She’ll need to be secured for landing.”