Page 22 of Death (Mafia Empire #3)

“I’m not going anywhere,” I assure him. Fear tightens his features, and I say, “You’re doing well. When we get to the island, you can take two weeks off and get some rest. Okay?”

He nods shakily, but then his grip on my hand tightens, and he clenches his jaw, a groan tearing from him.

I glance at his side and see Samuel’s digging for the bullet, then meet Eladio’s scared gaze.

“Almost done.” I move my hand from the pillow to his forehead to wipe off the sweat, then tell Miguel, who’s standing by the foot of the bed, “Get me a washcloth and cold water.”

When Miguel returns, I say, “Squeeze all the water out of the cloth.” He carries out the order and passes it to me. I wipe Eladio’s face, then pass the cloth back to Miguel. “Rinse it out.”

Eladio’s grip on my hand becomes painful as his body strains.

“Got it!” Samuel exclaims.

Eladio gasps through the pain, his eyes feverishly on me.

“You did so well,” I praise him. “I’m proud of you.”

A tear rolls from his eye, and his grip on my hand begins to ease. I brush my hand over his hair. “Sleep, Eladio.”

His eyes drift shut, and I wait a moment before I pull my hand out of his. Looking at Samuel, who’s stitching up the wound, I say, “We need better pain meds. That shit didn’t help at all.”

“I’ll check with Dr. Antonio once we’re on the island.”

“You’ll stay with him?” I ask.

Samuel nods, and Miguel says, “I’ll stay here too, boss.”

Miguel is three years older than Eladio, and I know how close they are.

Walking to Miguel, I pat his shoulder before I leave the room. I head to the main cabin, which has a bathroom, and quickly wash my hands. I splash some water over my face and all the shit I’m dealing with flashes through my mind.

Searching for Nolan.

The Rojas Cartel.

All the traumatized women.

Ciara and the fact that she might never love me the way I love her.

Letting out a growl, I swipe my arm over the counter, sending the handwash, lotion, and bottle of cologne flying across the floor.

My chest heaves, and I stalk up and down like a caged animal.

Calm down. Too many people depend on you.

I come to a standstill and suck in deep breaths, focusing on getting my shit together, and once my emotions settle, I check my reflection in the mirror before I leave the cabin.

Stepping out onto the deck, I head to the control room and see Ciara sitting with her hands clenched together, her eyes locked on Pedro, who’s whistling while steering the yacht toward the island.

Sensing me, he glances over his shoulder, then worry tightens his features. “Eladio?”

“He’s resting. Samuel got the bullet out.”

Pedro’s eyes narrow on me. “You okay?”

I nod and hold out my hand to Ciara. She quickly darts to her feet, and her fingers wrap around the side of my palm.

I lead Ciara out of the control room and head toward the front of the vessel, where there’s a seating area. Pedro will also have a clear view of us, which will put him at ease.

Letting go of her hand, I take a seat and try to relax. When she sits down beside me, I lift my arm and rest it on the railing behind her.

Her eyes dart over my face, then she scoots closer and leans into me, wrapping her arm around my waist.

I engulf her and press my face into her hair, taking deep breaths of her soft floral scent.

“I’m sorry one of your men got hurt,” she whispers, and I realize she’s trying to comfort me.

Drawing a little back, I meet her worried gaze. “I’m fine.”

I’m surprised when she lifts her hand to my face and cups my jaw. “You take care of so many people.” She tilts her head, her eyes drifting over me. “But who takes care of you?”

“Pedro currently fills that position, but if you’re willing to take over, I’m sure he’ll be happy,” I say, my tone playful.

It actually looks like she’s thinking about it, and then I’m in for one hell of a surprise when she nods. “Okay. From now on, I’ll take care of you.”

Then she stands up, and as she starts to walk away, I ask, “Where are you going?”

“To get you something to drink. You must be thirsty after everything.”

I let out a chuckle. “Come back. A server will bring some fruit and juice.”

“Oh.” A smile curves her lips as she walks to me, quickly sitting down again.

The wind blows her hair over my hand, and I catch a few silky strands. Staring at Ciara, I grin. “So, you’re going to take care of me?” A blush creeps up her neck. “I’d like to hear more about that.”

Turning her head away from me so I can’t see her face growing red, she mumbles, “I’m just going to make sure you eat and drink and rest and…you know, things like that.”

Another chuckle bursts from me. “I’d like that very much.” I tug at her hair. “But I’d like it even more if you looked at me.”

She shakes her head. “No. I’m looking at the view.”

“There’s nothing but water. I’m a better view,” I tease her, feeling completely relaxed.

“Stop,” she mutters, turning her back to me.

I wrap my arm around her front and pull her backward so she can lean against me.

She takes hold of my arm and rubs her cheek against my bicep.

I press a kiss to her hair, then I ask, “Have you thought about your future?”

She nods.

“Want to share those thoughts with me?”

Ciara’s quiet for a while before saying, “Grace just had a baby, so she must be very busy.” She pauses for a moment, then adds, “And she’s married.

I don’t know Dominik. When I met him, the marriage was arranged between him and me, and he was terrifying.

” She falls silent, and I patiently wait for her to continue.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to live with them. ”

“You can always use one of the apartments in the main building. It’s right across from Grace’s house,” I tell her, wanting her to be aware of all the options available to her.

She shakes her head, and turning in my arms, she presses close against my side and rests her cheek against my chest. “I’ll see how things go with Grace. She’ll probably insist that I stay with her.”

I lean my head closer to hers, my lips a breath away from her hair. “Is that what you want?”

“I don’t know,” she admits.

When she says nothing else, I drop the subject and stare out over the water.