“He didn’t find anyone in the house, so I thought you had stopped by earlier and forgot to turn the light off. You didn’t, did you?”
She solemnly shakes her head.
“So, someone was in the house.” I fight to regain my memories. Then all at once, they come flooding back. “Fillipo,” I gasp. “He was in my room. He stuck me with something. I couldn’t move, let alone talk.”
She nods her confirmation. “It was a paralytic agent meant to disable but allow the victim to remain painfully aware of everything going on.”
“He tried to rape me. He climbed on top of me. I couldn’t do anything to stop him.”
Mia’s eyes fill up with tears as she listens. “I didn’t find any evidence that he did, but it doesn’t mean he didn’t.”
I shake my head furiously. “He didn’t. Giovanni saved me. He came just in time.”
The man in question walks into the room carrying a tray with a packet of crackers, a bottle of ginger ale, peppermint candies, and a glass of water. “I remember that you used to eat these candies when you felt ill. I hope they still work.”
A huge smile slips easily onto my face. He saved me. He carried me back here. He slept on the couch to watch over me.
“I need you,” I admit aloud.
He sets the items on the table next to the bed before coming to sit on the edge of the bed as he takes my hand. “What happened? Is she okay, Mia?”
“She’s perfectly fine, and she’s sitting right here,” I interject.
“You feel better? You said you needed me. What happened?”
“Everything checks out for me. Her system is clean. I will let you guys rest while I update everyone else.” Mia gives me a knowing look as she leaves.
“Don’t scare me again, Izzy. The last forty-eight hours have been hell.”
“Forty-eight hours? What day is it?”
“It’s Wednesday. About nine at night.”
“I cannot believe I lost two days. I guess that's what happens when a psycho drugs you.”
His eyes widen slightly. “Mia told you?”
“She provided some helpful hints, but the rest came to me on my own.”
He looks down at his lap as he tries to pull his hand away. My heart breaks as the familiar feeling of rejection settles in.
“I know I’m damaged, Giovanni. I understand if you can’t look at me the same. He didn’t rape me though. I know you were worried. I could hear you talking to Mia.”
It’s as if my words physically hit him.
“Mia told me she didn’t find any evidence. I’m beyond happy to know he didn’t violate you in that way. He still hurt you though. That’s my fault, but I will do anything to make it up to you.” He looks up with unshed tears in his eyes.
“You didn’t fail me, Gio. You saved me. Without you, I would likely be dead right now. Possibly worse. You came because your gut was telling you something wasn’t right. Do you know what that means to me? So, you see, you didn’t fail me.” I reach out to rub the back of his hand. The rough, dried blood causes me to frown. “Is this from fighting with him? I could hear it, but I couldn’t see what was going on.”
“Partially.” He looks down at his hands. “Some is from the conference room when I decided to do some redecorating.” He shrugs as if it’s no big deal, but I notice the truth behind his words. He lost control. He let his emotions get the best of him. He’s disappointed in himself.
“Well, that room needed updating. You think Bash will let us change the color scheme?” I attempt to lighten the mood. Causing Gio to smirk.
Mission accomplished.
“He would probably let you girls do it. I doubt he will be doing me any favors anytime soon.” At my questioning look, he lets out a breath. “I might have punched Bash in the jaw.”
My heart stops. You can’t hit a don without consequences.
