“Thank you,” she murmurs, her eyes closing on a fresh set of tears. And a few of my own spill to mix with them when I lower my face over hers to gently kiss the corner of her lip that doesn’t appear to be hurt or swollen. I hate feeling powerless when she’s in pain.
The front door opens with such force that it’s a wonder the hinges don’t give way. Ryan slides into the seat, his bloodied fists curling around the steering wheel. “Is she okay?” he asks just as Tony did.
“I think so. But we need to get her to my private doctor.” My gaze never leaves Tori. I never want to let her out of my sight again.
“Where’s that?” Ryan asks while starting the car. I give him directions, and at this early hour, there aren’t a lot of cars about, so it doesn’t take long. By the time Ryan has pulled up to the entrance of the private hospital, I’ve called my doctor, and he is waiting with a nurse and a wheelchair to take Tori straight through. Money talks in this town, and I’ve never been more grateful.
Chapter twenty-six
Tori
“Gio?”
Did I dream he was here? Or is my mind playing nasty tricks on me?My brain feels like a wet sponge held underwater for too long. Heavy and leaking everywhere.
“I’m here, bella.” A large, warm hand encases mine. I’d know his touch anywhere. With pure strength of will, I peel my tight lids open. They feel unnaturally puffy, and even though I try my hardest, they only open a little. But it’s enough to see Gio’s handsome face leaning over me.
“How do you feel? Does anything hurt?” His words sound jumbled through the fog shrouding my brain.
Maybe I reply, “Everything,” or maybe I just think it.
“I can call the nurse,” he suggests, but all I need is his deep voice, a soothing balm to my sore head.
“Not yet.” I force my eyes wider and try to sit up. “Arghh!”
“Careful.” He leans over me to reach the control and lifts the bed up automatically. “Is that better?”
“A little.” My head spins like I’ve been on a three-day drinking binge, but I like that I can see him better now that I’m propped up.
“You make a good nurse,” I say before taking a sip of the water he offers me. I go to smile, but it feels weird too, like only half of my mouth is working. “I’m a mess, aren’t I?”
“You’ll always be beautiful to me,” he replies, and his smile is gentle. The squeeze of my hand is reassuring—it’s probably the only part of me that doesn’t hurt.
My eyes squeeze shut for a moment as I struggle to remember what happened. “I tried to escape, but my hands were tied,” I mutter, more to myself than to Gio as I try to arrange the thoughts in sequence. “He hit me.”
“Oh, bella, you were so brave and strong.”
“I need you to kiss me.”
“All day. Every day, if you want me to.”
I aim a crooked smile up at him as he leans over. His lips are light against mine, and he’s careful not to touch my bruised body. Finally, I feel safe.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he murmurs, dotting more light kisses across my face.
“They’re just scratches and bruises that drugs will heal. I need your kisses to silence the fear and make me feel safe again.”
He lifts his head, and our gazes lock. Emotion washes through the blue depths of his. “I love you, Victoria Jones.”
A gasp escapes, and my mouth widens in another attempt at a smile, but I wince a little.
Tears pool but are caught in my lashes. “And I love you, Giovanni Barbieri.” His dimpled smile beams down at me, warming my heart. “But please don’t leave me again.”
“Never. I promise.” He showers me with more tiny kisses.
My chest fills with love, but strangely, I still feel off-kilter, but then I realize why. “Where’s Charli?” I ask.
“She was …” he begins.
