Page 139 of Ruined

“I’m broken,” I whispered. “I don’t even know who I am half the time.”

His hand cupped my face. “Then we’ll figure it out. Together.”

I let his touch anchor me, leaning into his palm. For the first time in weeks, I didn’t feel like I was drowning. I didn’t feel alone.

“There’s something else you should know,” I murmured. “Alexei. The man I’ve been looking for—he’s one of the guys who killed Yuri. I took care of everyone else, but he’s still out there.”

He darkened. “I’ll handle it.”

Panic flared in my chest. “Dom, you don’t know what he’s capable of. Alexei isn’t just dangerous. He’s ruthless. He won’t hesitate?—”

“Neither will I.”

My heart twisted. “I don’t want you hurt because of me.”

“You’ve spent too long fighting battles by yourself, Luca. It stops now.”

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I blinked them back. “You make it sound easy.”

“You underestimate what I’m capable of when it comes to you.”

“You shouldn’t have to do this for me.”

“Luca, listen to me. You don’t have to keep punishing yourself for things that weren’t your fault. You survived. Let me help you live.”

“I don’t even know where to start.”

“You start by letting me take some of the weight off.” Dominic’s expression softened, and he pressed a kiss to my forehead. He pulled back slowly. “Get some rest. I’ll be back soon.”

“Where are you going?”

He smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back.”

Dominic squeezed my hand before standing. Then he turned and walked out of the room, the door clicking softly behind him.

Silence settled around me, broken only by a muffled announcement over the intercom.

The door opened again.

Santino stepped inside, his tall frame filling the doorway. Behind him, Delilah slipped in.

“Luca!” Delilah rushed to my side. “Oh my God, are you okay?”

I smiled weakly. “Took up a new hobby. Didn’t work out.”

Santino stood at the foot of the bed, arms crossed.

Delilah frowned at him. “Sonny, go easy. He’s recovering.”

“You think he deserveseasyafter pulling this shit?”

“It’s fine.” I forced myself to sit up, ignoring the pain. “Let him say what he’s gotta say.”

His jaw ticked as he dragged a chair closer and sat down, leaning his forearms on his knees. “You want to tell me what the hell’s been going on with you?”

I swallowed hard. “I’m gay.”

Delilah froze, her lips parting. Santino didn’t blink. His dark gaze drilled into me.