Page 74 of A Mastery of Crows

I sag, almost stumbling. “I – what—,”

Dante throws Tony’s arm over his head, dragging him upright. His face is ashen, sweat beading on his upper lip as he stretches his hand out for Frankie.

She takes it without looking at him. “I landedonhim. His leg snapped.”

“Worth it.” Tony hisses as he tries to take a step. His leg is bent out of shape. “I’m fine. Rocco needs help.”

Dante nearly drops him. “Is he hurt?”

Tony shakes his head. “Amie’s in bad shape.”

I take off, ducking through the dense trees.

“Don’t you fuckingdare.”

I hear him before I see him. Rocco looks up, his face strained. He doesn’t stop, his hands locked onto Amie’s chest as he pumps. “Eye of the Tiger, right?”

He drops his mouth to hers, covering her nose and blowing air into her lungs until they rise. “Don’t fucking die on me now,bella. Not after surviving that fucking fall.”

“You caught her,” I breathe. I take over the breathing as Rocco hums a familiar tune, his hands never losing rhythm. “It worked?”

“Damn luckiest shot I ever saw.” Rocco stares down at her face. “Damn it, Amie.Come on.”

I press my fingers against her ravaged neck. “It’s weak.”

“It’s enough.” He lifts her easily before we make our way back, Rocco almost quicker than me despite her weight. Dom and Dante are arguing beside the car, both of their faces turning to shock.

I rip the door open. “Move. We’re going straight to the hospital.”

“I’ll take her.” Dom offers, but Rocco grips her.

“No.”

When they’re inside, the car pulling off before I’ve even closed to door properly, I press my hands to my face.

“You did it.” Dom’s voice is thin with shock. “Cat. Dante, that shot- both of you. You and Gio – all of it.”

A Hail Mary.

One in a million.

We slide into the other car, Gio shifting over to make space as Dante gets in the front. “Where now?”

“The hospital.” I meet Dom’s eyes in the mirror. “And then we’re making a call.”

30 - Caterina

Ipull the door closed behind me.

“How is she?”

Turning, I glance over Rocco. His clothes are stained with dirt as he sits with his hands propped on his knees. A lit cigarette dangles between his fingers.

In the fuckinghospital. “You can’t smoke here, you know.”

“Shit.” He stubs it out on the floor. “So?”

My shoulders tighten. “She’ll live, so that’s something. Thanks to you.”