Chapter 47

Terzo convinced me to return home to change. I was still in my shirt and jeans stained with Cara’s blood. It was the same with my arms and my face. It probably reached my hair since I have been brushing it endlessly the last few hours. I was a complete mess. My mind didn’t have the time to think about cleaning myself since all I thought about was her.

I have rejected his offer a couple of times saying I wanted to be here right when she wakes up. I just cleaned myself up while still wearing the stained clothes. The third time, he got me fresh clothes and told me to shower. Cara’s room actually has its own bathroom which is no surprise because of how luxurious it is.

I knew he was getting frustrated seeing me like this considering he was adjusting for myself. I was actually grateful because I never want to leave her side. I wanted to be the first one she sees when she wakes up.

However hours turned into days, she still hasn’t woken up. It was until I had asked Terzo about it that I knew she was put to sleep so she could recover fast considering her wound was pretty deep. He was the one who had constant communication with the doctor while I remained by her side. I only move when I have to shower. Even he delivers the food for me even though I told him he doesn’t need to. He would offer me coffee as well. I was surprised that he was still so patient despite my stubbornness. I’m sure he thinks I’m only adding to the burden.

On the third day, he had finally convinced me to go home and rest. He told me I looked worse than Cara’s state. I was exhausted. My eyes had become darker, skin paler. It was hard for me to sleep, I couldn't. I don’t even have the appetite to eat. Not when I’m so worried for her. I can’t sit still unless I see her awake.

He told me that she’d be awake soon and if I don’t fix myself, she’d be really worried that something happened to me. She won’t feel any better if she sees me in this state. Even though he only used those words to convince me, it was enough to make me consider. He was right. I don’t want her to see me like this.

I told him to call me when she wakes up. I even forced him to have a pinky promise, as childish as it may seem. Damian and I used do it a lot. Terzo eyed me in incredulity but I did not care. I just want reassurance. He still gave in while shaking his head in vague amusement.

I went home, showered and went to bed, praying that she’ll finally wake up better. I don’t care anymore if I’m not the first one she sees. As long as she’s okay and I see those beautiful gray eyes of hers.

—

Cara

“Cara… you’re awake.”

Franco’s boyish voice invaded my mind as soon as I opened my eyes. He was quick to help me as I tried to sit up. I cursed feeling the pain come rushing in from the side of my abdomen when I moved. He handed me a glass of water, and I greedily drank it.

“Dylan?”

“Terzo sent him home.” He answered.

“Good.” My response urged him to report what I needed to hear.

“His name’s Bane Shaw. Surprisingly,” he sighs before continuing, “the shot was indeed meant for you but not for the reason that he knows who you are. It was meant for ‘Dylan’s girlfriend’- a warning that next time, it will be his family. And then he will come for him. He was meant to say that to him face to face. Unfortunately for him, we’re already hot on his heels.

“Romeo Reed.” The familiar name boils my blood. “Maxwell Reed’s son. He had stepped in as soon as he heard his father was dead. He had done some digging and found out that his death was connected to Dylan. He immediately sent one of his men to scare him. I made sure that Bane Shaw never lied about not knowing your identity. It seems in his final breath they didn't have any idea about who you were except that you’re just his girlfriend.”

“Well, they messed with the wrong girlfriend.” I was calm but the venom was clear in my voice.

They will pay. And they will pay with their blood.

—

Dylan

“Fuck! She can’t be gone. She's still healing.” I was yelling at the poor guy who had been ordered to keep an eye on me and not leave my side. He was younger than everyone else here, younger than me. I rarely see him because he was one of her men who stayed hidden and only followed her discreetly from the crowd.

I woke up this morning with the intention of going back to the hospital. I was surprised to see him instead and not Terzo. He tried to stop me from leaving and said it would be fruitless to go to the hospital. I still went to see it for myself. I was met with an empty clean room and a bed free from wrinkles.

“Where is she?!” My emotions are exploding, one coming out after another, mixed and overwhelming. Tears are starting to pool my eyes. I tried as hard as I could not to let them fall. It would only cloud my sanity.

Dario pursed his lips. It was obvious that he was ordered not to say anything. I clenched my fists, controlling my overflowing emotions. I was furious, worried and anxious. If something happens to her again…

Fuck.

I tried to press for answers but he still won’t tell. I begged him, almost crying. I knew by the look in his eyes, he started to pity me. “Mi dispiace. We do not disobey orders no matter what.” He ruefully said.

I tried calling her cousin brother, maybe he could help. Dario, however, took my phone and prohibited me to call him. The former don no longer interferes with the mafia. It was their agreement, so as to avoid exposing his family to danger. He warned me not to even attempt to call the Ranallos. There are heavier consequences for that.

I went back to the penthouse feeling defeated and hopeless. I couldn’t even do anything without his prying eyes. It was hard for me to sit still so I paced around back and forth with my hair being in a mess from brushing so much with my fingers. Dario was just watching me from the armchair in the living room, not even bothered that his boss disappeared. Despite her being the notorious mafia leader, I’m still crazy worried for her.

I finally stopped pacing and turned to him with a sigh. “I’m going to my room.” He nodded. I climbed upstairs with my shoulders slumped, simply tired.

When I reached my bedroom, I made sure to lock it. I quickly grabbed my laptop and started hacking the cameras in the city, narrowing it down to the hospital. I opened the pictures of her that I saved and used it for facial recognition.

My emotions were going haywire and consuming me that I couldn't think properly. The solution was just there and waiting for me to realize it. If they won’t tell me where she is, then I’ll find her myself. After all, I have the skills.