“He said that I should let Luci go back to her family or he will make sure I’m no longer in the way.”
“And what are you going to do about that?” While I’m Geno’s family, Luci and our daughter are my family, which means I’m in charge of making decisions for the three of us.
“I’m going to run things from here. I’ll have Marco and our other men collect for the rest of her pregnancy. Most importantly, I’ll make sure Enzo follows every step Luci makes for the next six weeks when I’m not by her side.” If Aldo hadn’t shown what extremes he’s willing to take for his family, I wouldn’t think too far into his threat. I need to keep my eyes on Luci at all times until our daughter is born.
“I agree. You keep your family safe. I’m proud of you.” Geno hangs up before I can respond, leaving me alone with mythoughts. I can’t let anything happen to Luci and there’s no way in hell I’d let anything happen to our daughter. I would rather die than let that happen.
Chapter 77
Luci
38 Weeks Pregnant
“Okay, Luci this is it. You are almost full term and could go into labor anytime between now and the next week or two. You both have my phone number and I’ll be close by. Do either of you have any questions for me?” Yet again, Quinn is amazing at making sure both Alessandro and I are comfortable and ready for our daughter to come.
“Yes, I do. What exactly should we expect when Luci goes into labor?” I’m taken aback lately by Alessandro’s questions. In the last few appointments, he’s asked more and more questions.
“Of course, it takes a while until it’s time to push. However she’s comfortable until then is what matters. Most women sleep, relax, walk around, continue about their day, whatever works.There are also studies saying that some couples find having assistance . . . intimately can help with contractions similar to how it helps with period cramps.” Alessandro’s eyebrows shoot up as he smirks at me before Quinn continues. “But as I’ve said, I’m here to support mom, baby, and you believe it or not. Every mom needs different support. I’ll be around when I’m needed, even though you won’t need me the whole time. Sometimes I’m only there when moms are pushing. I hope that answers your questions.”
We say our goodbyes as Quinn heads back to the guest house. Alessandro startles me when I turn around and he’s directly behind me. He hasn’t left the house in a month and if he’s not directly next to me, Enzo is closer by than he normally is. My gut tells me he’s keeping something from me. I don’t want to sound paranoid by asking him, worried that I may be wrong. The sound of his phone ringing pulls him away when he answers, obviously annoyed.
“Ciao. Si. Si. No. No, I can’t come help you. Luci is due any day and I need to be around. Someone else needs to handle this. I am your boss find someone else to fucking do it!”
Alessandro snaps his head in my direction when I rest my hand on his arm. “I’m okay Alessandro. Quinn said labor will take a while and it may still be two weeks from now. If you need to go do something it’s okay.” His face softens as he reaches for my hand, kissing my wedding ring as he contemplates what he should do. He turns back to his phone to finish it up.
“Fine. I’ll be there in twenty minutes. If this ends up being the biggest waste of time, don’t be surprised if a body part goes missing.” He hangs up and wraps around me from behind, lifting my belly to take some pressure off my back and I groan as I melt into him. “Are you sure it’s okay if I go? I really should stay here with you.”
“Alessandro, I’m okay. Go do what you need to and I know you’ll be back tonight. Here, I’ll walk you out.” He sets down my belly softly and I instantly miss the support it gave me.
He holds me close while we walk out to his car, his expression the same as always while his eyes flash with nerves. The next few seconds happen in slow motion as he kisses me before stepping away to get in his car.
A popping sound appears off in the distance followed by a gasp from Alessandro, and his hand instantly goes to his core, coming back covered in red. It takes a moment to realize that the scream filling the space is mine when Alessandro’s legs give out and we fall to the ground. He whimpers as his chest tries to expand and his eyes lose focus.
“Alessandro! Alessandro, stay awake. Please! Stay awake for us. For our daughter. For Gia. I want to name her Gia. Stay awake for Gia please!” His eyes have focused over my shoulder like someone’s there, but the space behind me is empty.
“Alessandro, there’s nothing back there. Look at me. Focus on me, Alessandro.”
He smiles at the empty space behind me as he whispers “So beautiful.” before closing his eyes, causing me to break.
Alessandro’s men come barreling out of the front door while red flashing lights and a blaring alarm appear from inside the house. I refuse to let him go when they try to grab him out of my arms. Large hands pry me away, letting his men grab him, dragging him back into the house as one of them calls Dr. Rossi.
“Let me go! I have to be with Alessandro!” Fighting against the person who has hold of me is hopeless, not only because of his strong hands but because I’m pregnant. I really need to get in better shape.
“Luci, I’m sorry. You have to let them take care of Alessandro. If you want him to live, you have to let him go with them. Trust me. Please.”
“No! Get the fuck off me Enzo! I need to go to him. He needs me.” I’m hysterical, barely processing his words when the only thing on my mind is getting back to Alessandro.
Enzo drags me through the house, kicking and screaming until we’re upstairs at Gia’s nursery. Enzo sets me down, ripping the scanner off the inside of the door, an obvious sign that he intends to trap me inside this prison of a room.
“I’m sorry.” The door slams when Enzo shuts it, leaving me pounding on the door before I give up, turning around and sliding down the door.
“Please, Alessandro. You have to stay. You have to stay for Gia. She needs you. We need you.” A sudden cramp is what stops my sobbing as wetness fills the space between my legs.
“Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. No way. Not now. Any other time but now. Enzo! Enzo, let me out! Please! I think my water broke!” This can’t be happening. Not without Alessandro. I need Alessandro here.
“Fuck.” Enzo jiggles the door handle and tries to get the fingerprint scanner on the outside to work. “I think the door is broken. I’ll get Quinn. Wait there.” Do I have any other option?
After more cramping and what feels like an eternity later Enzo is back, Quinn’s voice following behind him. “Luci? Luci, it’s Quinn. How are you doing?”
