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He winces as he sits up. “Totally worth it,” he wheezes.
Max helps him stand up and walks him over to the elevator as I slide out behind them. I shut the door and pocket the keys before hoisting him over my arm. The elevator doors open and we slowly walk him inside. He grits his teeth. “Is someone gonna give me my own club for all the shit I put up with?”
“I don’t know, man. You’re being kind of a pussy right now, moaning and groaning like that. Strap on a pair and suck it up, huh?” Max winks at me over Rocco’s head, and I roll my eyes.
Ding!
The elevator opens into the Doc’s office. I’ve never been here before, but he’s seen plenty of the Salesi family over the years and he even makes house calls from what I’ve heard. He’s always on his game and completely trustworthy, two things that have made him a very rich, very irreplaceable, friend to the family.
“Nico had to leave for a little while to take care of something. He said to tell you he’d be back shortly,” Doc says to us when he greets us by the elevator.
Doc is on the shorter side, kind of portly, with thick, dark hair and a dark mustache. He looks like one of the guys he treats, if I’m being honest. Warm smile, comforting voice, calm bedside manner. I love this guy already.
“And who is this beautiful woman?” He leans close to me. “You don’t look Italian, dear.”
“I’m not,” I laugh. “Viktor is my father.”
Doc nods. “I see. And these boys are treating you okay? Because if not,” he shakes his head. “I know people.”
I laugh. “They’re good, don’t worry. But thanks.” My smile fades. “Is my father okay?”
Doc nods. “Yes, and I gave him something to help him rest. He’s very lucky. He has a few broken ribs, lacerations to the face and body, and a shattered tibia. Nothing that won’t heal in time. I’ll be in after I take care of this guy.” He looks at Rocco. “So, what number is this? Three, four? You keeping a collection of bullets? Making a charm bracelet out of them or something?”
Rocco groans, holding his side. “It’s only two, Doc. I’ve been shot twice, okay? You know, not for nothing, everyone likes a little bit of ass, but nobody likes a smartass.”
Doc chuckles and helps Rocco into one of the exam rooms, and I follow.
I help Doc ease Rocco onto the table and put a pillow under his head. Doc starts cleaning around his wound, and within a couple of minutes, Rocco has an IV in his arm and a sedative flowing into his veins. He looks up at me, a goofy smile on his face.
“Oh, you’re feeling no pain now, huh?” I run a hand through his hair and look at Doc.
He grins. “You have about five minutes.”
I nod. “Okay.”
He steps out and closes the door behind him.
I lace my fingers with Rocco’s and let out a deep sigh. “I can’t believe it’s finally over.”
“What is?” Rocco’s eyes are heavy. “Did Doc fix me up yet? Can we go home?”
I giggle. Doc must have pumped him up good. “No, he hasn’t even started.”
“Oh.” Rocco’s eyes droop a little. “This shit is awesome. I can’t feel my legs right now.”
“You rest now, okay?” I smooth his hair back and kiss the tip of his nose. “I’ll work you out plenty when you’re back to normal.”
“Mnphoboohh.” He breathes.
“I love you, too,” I whisper.
I walk into the waiting room. “I think he’s ready, Doc.”
He snickers. “Yep. Right on time.” Doc pats me on the shoulder and closes the door behind him, leaving me alone with Max.
He puts his hand on my shoulder. “You okay? It’s over, Kat. Really and truly.”
I let out a deep breath and rub the back of my neck. It’s stiff as hell from all of the stress. “I know. I just…there’s a lot that I still need to take care of, though.”