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I could wait or deal with it myself.

“Let me help you,” Luca said.

“Okay.” I picked up the first-aid kit that someone had left on the counter. “Let’s go to that room over there.”

This house was big, but it was cold and empty.

We found a table and two chairs, and I took a seat, placing the kit on the table.

Luca opened it, and I pulled my shirt over my head with a grimace.

Damn, my shoulder hurt.

“Why didn’t you run?” I asked Luca as he pressed a cotton pad to my shoulder.

The guards were definitely at fault for leaving him like that, but why hadn’t he run? He had to have heard something was up. The alarm had been pretty obvious too.

“I was in the bathroom when it started, and when I opened the door, the guards weren’t there, and they always are. So I thought I was supposed to stay where I was.”

“No. Absolutely not. If there’s danger, I want you to run with everyone else, okay?”

He gave me a nod. “Why did you risk going back and getting in front of that guy because of me?” His eyes searched mine.

“You’re my husband. I’m responsible for you. You’re under my protection, and you’re one of mine. I’d never leave anyone behind.”

His fingers lingered on my skin, and it was easier to forget about the pain when he was touching me.

I caught his hand, intertwining my fingers with his. “Your life isn’t worthless. You’re more than just a bargaining chip, okay?”

He licked his lips, looking away from me, but then he nodded.

Chapter 17

“ILET YOUR PARENTSknow that you’re safe. They’re expecting your call, and I sent the guards who left Luca away until you decide what you want to do with them. But we still have nothing on Santino,” Rafael said as he, Luca, and I were seated in what was supposed to be a living room.

Rafael was looking at a map spread out on the table and at his phone.