Page 41 of Ruined
The doctor nodded before heading out, leaving us standing in the bedroom-turned-makeshift-clinic. Luca lay out on the sheets. His eyes squeezed shut like he tried to block out the pain.
Santino hadn’t stopped staring at Luca. “We just got him back. Now this.”
I kept my mouth shut, fighting the knot in my throat. Luca was so reckless, charging into danger to prove what? His valor? His loyalty? That he could bleed like every other goddamned Costa?
Santino rubbed his chin. “Vinn’s worried. The Russians are gearing up for war, and Luca’s in the middle of it. He thinks Luca should lay low for a while.”
“How long?”
Santino exhaled. “Until he’s recovered.”
“Here? By himself?”
“No, you’ll stay with him.”
I gaped at him. “Why me?”
“Because you’re the only one he’ll listen to.”
I scoffed. “He doesn’t. He nearly got himself killed out there.”
“And hewillget himself killed if no one holds his leash.” He gestured toward Luca’s still form. “He listens to you, even when he doesn’t want to.”
“Yeah, when he’s not busy mouthing off to me.”
Santino’s stare sharpened. “Vinn said to keep him alive, and we all know he won’t sit still long enough to recover unless someone makes him. That someone is you.”
I looked at Luca. Even unconscious, he managed to look defiant, like he’d wake up swinging if he could.
Santino softened. “You’re the only one who can get through to him, Dom. Vinn doesn’t trust anyone else with this.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “So I’m his babysitter?”
“More like his handler.” Santino’s lips tugged into a humorless smirk. “You don’t let him get away with shit. That’s exactly what he needs.”
I turned to stare at Luca, blood-streaked and pale, sprawled out on the sheets. The tightness in my chest wouldn’t let up. Control him? The guy didn’t want to be controlled, and the idea of me being stuck with him felt like a recipe for disaster.
Santino was right. Luca wouldn’t recover unless someone kept him in check, and I didn’t back down when he pushed me.
“You’re lucky I’m not a quitter,” I muttered.
“Vinn wants one of the floor managers to run the casino until things calm down. Do you have anybody you can recommend?”
I rubbed the back of my head. “I’ll pass along some names.”
“Good.”
I imagined the weeks ahead. I’d have to bathe Luca. Dress his wound. Santino gave mewaytoo much credit. I’d never do anything to a straight man, but Luca…could I keep my hands to myself?
I swallowed hard.
I shoved my hands in my pockets. “I’ll keep him out of trouble.”
“The doctor will stop by to check on him. All you have to do is change his bandages.”
“I’ll take care of him.”
“I know you will. I trust you.”