Page 57 of Ruthless Sinner
Enzo pulls off the highway into Manhattan and begins to navigate city traffic. “Uh, six years ago, I think? No, seven,” he corrects himself. “It was before the whole thing with the De Santis family.”
Somehow, every answer leaves me with more questions.
“Anyway,” Dante shakes his head, “Kate remarried a couple of years ago to some investment banker. She’s never changed the name of the store, though. It’s a very popular business. I had to offer her three times the normal rate to get her to reserve an October wedding date. Do you know how many people get married in this town in October?” He asks with a hint of disgust in his tone.
I genuinely have no idea. I can’t even tell you if we have a library. I’ve never been allowed to leave the house.
“Drop us off at the employee entrance, by the way,” Dante changes the subject. “I don’t know if I said that yet or not.”
Enzo nods in response. “Got it. I’ll probably grab a breakfast burrito from Sonic or something after I drop you off. You want anything?”
My mind reels in disbelief. Half an hour ago, I was breathing in the stale scent of dust and decay. Now I’m privy to fresh air, and I have no idea what’s happening. Enzo and Dante continue chattering as we make our way through town. I’m trying to figure out how to casually ask what the hell is happening when we’re dropped off at the employee entrance of the hospital. My head is still swimming with questions when Silas pops his head out and asks us to follow him.
“See you in a bit,” Dante nods at Enzo as we enter the building.
Silas explains that the procedure should be quick and easy. “As soon as we have you settled in a room and changed into a gown, the anesthesiologist will come in to put you to sleep. The procedure itself, an open reduction and internal fixation, should only take an hour or two. Afterward, you’ll be moved to the recovery area and should be able to go home within a few hours.” Dr. Stone turns to Dante. “We can place you in Adalina’s recovery room for now. Unless you’d prefer to wait until she’s under anesthesia,” he trails off with a raised eyebrow.
“I’ll wait until she’s under. She’s never been to a hospital before.”
I allow the two of them to show me where to go and tell me what to do. As I change with my back to Dante, he looks through the drawers and averts his eyes respectfully. “The good news is you’ll probably be healed by October. I don’t want you to still be in a cast at the wedding.”
As per Silas’ instructions, I drape the gown over my body, leaving the open side over my chest. “What wedding?” I ask as I climb onto the hospital bed. “You keep talking about a wedding.”
Dante walks up to my bedside and places his hands on the railing. “Our wedding, Adalina. In October.”
My head begins to spin. “What?”
He slips his hand into the front pocket of his jeans and retrieves a small black velvet box. “I would give this to you now,” Dante opens it, “but you aren’t allowed to wear jewelry during surgery.”
My eyes widen as I gaze into the intricately designed box; it’s like something straight out of a fairytale. In its center sits a breathtaking diamond ring, catching the light and reflecting a rainbow of colors back at me. The smooth edges and flawless cut are perfect, and I feel my heart skip a beat. “Dante,” I begin, ready to argue that I can’t accept this.
He snaps the box closed and shoves it back in his pocket. “I’ve only ever wanted to protect you, Adalina.”
“Only?” I ask skeptically. “Is that what you call drugging me, fucking me, and locking me up?”
A small, impish smile plays on his lips. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“This is a weird way to propose.”
Dante bends down to press his lips to my forehead. His breath is warm against my skin, and I can feel the soft brush of his stubble. “This whole thing between us has been weird. Why would I switch it up now?”
He makes a good point.
Unfortunately, the anesthesiologist knocks, entering a moment later. Our conversation falls by the wayside amidst questions about allergies and telling me about potential side effects. Once the IV is started and my head starts to feel light, I find myself staring at Dante and asking if it really would be the worst thing in the world if I married him. It’s the last thought I have before the medicine takes me under.
Chapter 58
Adalina
Aheavy weight presses down on my head as if trying to anchor me to the ground. But the rest of my body feels light and weightless, like I’m being carried by a spinning cloud. I struggle to focus through the haze, trying to make sense of my surroundings. Where am I? The room is dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls. The air is thick with an unfamiliar scent, musky and sweet at the same time.
“She’ll be fine. With the proper pain management regimen, she won’t notice anything. Honestly, she probably needed surgery in the first place. She was feeling pain after being cast the first time, and it should have been an indicator. It’s my fault for not taking the complaint more seriously.”
I think they’re talking about me.
“If she feels pain in her wrist again, should I bring her in?”
My wrist? I gingerly lift my arm, wincing as a dull, persistent ache shoots through my elbow. The weight of the splint makes my movements sluggish and cautious. I turn my arm slightly, eyes widening as I take in the rigid, white cocoon encasing my wrist and part of my forearm. Thick, adjustable straps provide a blend of sterility and reassurance. My fingers can be seen peeking out from the edge of the splint, their tips swollen and stiff from lack of use.