Page 48 of Heart's Temptation

Gio was still looking like he was about to bash Tony’s head in when Romeo, Simo and Vincenzo appeared.

“What the fuck is going on here?” Romeo demanded.

I wanted to intercede for Gio, but my comments would not have been appreciated. This was between the brothers, and they would know better than anyone how to get Gio out of this funk.

“Our brother is a pussy,” Tony spat out.

“Tony…” Vinnie frowned. “Cut the guy some slack.”

“There is no room for slack in this life, Vincenzo, at least not for us. Only you, it seems, are spared from the ugly realities that keep you safe.”

Oh shit, this was getting out of hand.

The six of them all started yelling like they had as kids until Romeo whistled loud enough for my ears to pound.

“You,”—he pointed at Gio—“come with me.”

Tano chose that moment to open the door and glare at the group. “What the fuck is wrong with you all? Shut the hell up!”

“Tano, if Niki is stable and can be left with Gaby for a few minutes I’d like you to come with me,” Romeo said.

Gaetano stepped out and closed the door behind him.

“You too, Marko,” Romeo added.

I followed the group to the war room, my gut knotted from the stress, both of worrying about Niki, and now, also about Gio.

Romeo sat down in his usual chair and glared at the three of us. “Please sit down.” It sounded like a request, but it was a direct order.

“Marko, tell me what happened from your perspective.”

I quickly brought him up to speed. He remained quiet for a moment, then speared Gio with a look.

“So, what is bothering you more? The fact you didn’t get to kill Liam Kelly, or that Niki seems to be in a place of no return?”

Gio glared at his elder brother. “Liam did something to her, but I don't know what.”

Romeo's gaze softened just enough for us to see that he understood. “You blame yourself.”

There was no need for Gio to answer, it was evident for all to see.

“If it helps, brother, other than a swollen lip with a cut, nothing has been done to Nicolette, at least not physically. I felt it prudent to have Gaby administer the rape kit, to ensure nothing happened when she was unconscious. She is clean. Whatever she has suffered, it must have been more psychological in nature.”

“Thank fuck,” I said, taking my first deep breath since before the attack.

“My advice is to be gentle. No demands Gio, at least not yet. She seems confused about what happened, and my guess is she’s blocking it out. Her brain's way of helping her to cope. It will all come back in time, and when it does, it’s important that both of you are there for her.”

“Thank you, Gaetano.” I nodded respectfully. “Don Vitale.” I bowed my head to Romeo. “I think I’ll take Gio and Nicolette home. It’s best she falls asleep and wakes up in a place she is familiar with.”

“I couldn’t agree more, but if you need us, we're a phone call away,” Tano replied.

Gio stood up, but before we could leave, Romeo asked him to stay a moment.

Tano and I went back to the state-of-the-art hospital room where Gaby had been busy coaxing Niki back to the present. Her eyes were less haunted, and she wore a warm sweatsuit.

“Marko!” she cried when she saw me. “Can we go home now?”

I couldn’t hold back the smile. “We sure can.”