Page 3

Dante

The second I stepped out onto the street, I whistled loudly, hailing a taxi. It was late at night and I didn’t have to wait long before a yellow cab pulled up to the curb.

Jumping into the back seat, I quickly said, “St. John’s Presbyterian Hospital.”

I knew there was no way I would get there before the others. They were closer. All I could hope for was that they would notify me the second they found him.

Sitting back in the seat, I turned my head and watched the city lights speed by as people went about their night like nothing was wrong in their world. Carefree and oblivious to anything but the enjoyment they saw. If they only knew what lurked in the darkness, waiting for them to make a mistake.

This city never ceased to amaze me. It was loud, colorful, and completely wonderful. This was where Danny and I fell in love. Where we spent our first night together. Where we lived. Where we worked. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I couldn’t wait to bring Danika home and show her the city I loved. Everything from Central Park to the West Side, the Theater district and the wonderful museums and the many delicious restaurants. New York City was the best place on earth.

But tonight, the city felt different. There was tension in the air, an urgency that I couldn’t shake.

I tried to ignore the knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. What if they couldn’t find him? What if Sin lied and he was still missing? The possibilities were terrifying, but I had to keep my hope alive. Danika was counting on me.

Traffic was heavy, but then again, I knew it would be. I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the positive memories of this city. Danny’s laughter echoed in my mind; a sound that could brighten the darkest days. The warmth of his embrace. The sparkle in his eyes when he spoke about his dreams—all those moments flashed before me as the cab made its way through the bustling city at night.

I glanced at my phone, anxiously checking for any updates from anyone. Nothing yet. My mind raced with worst-case scenarios, but I forced myself to stay calm. Danny needed me to be strong.

The cab came to a screeching halt.

We were stuck in traffic.

Frustration surged through me as I glanced at the sea of red taillights stretching ahead. It felt like the city’s vibrant pulse had conspired against me, trapping me in this moment of helplessness. I drummed my fingers against the seat, willing the traffic to move, wishing for a miracle.

I couldn’t sit still any longer. Pushing the door open, I stepped out into the cacophony of honking horns and bustling pedestrians. The cool night air hit my face, invigorating me despite the gravity of the situation. I ran, weaving through the throngs of people as I made my way toward the hospital that was still five city blocks away. Each step felt heavy, burdened with the weight of anticipation and dread.

The city lights glowed with their usual brilliance, casting long shadows that danced on the pavement. I found myself thinking about the countless nights Danny and I had spent wandering these streets, our laughter mingling with the sounds of the city. Tonight felt like another world entirely—one where each shadow hid a different secret, a threat of danger.

As I ran, memories of Danny’s reassuring voice filled my mind. “You’re stronger than you think,” he would always tell me. His faith in me was unwavering, and I clung to that belief now. The city streets blurred around me, a whirlwind of lights and faces, but my focus remained sharp. I had to reach the hospital. I had to find Danny.

My heart pounded in my chest. Each beat echoed the urgency that drove me forward. The sounds of the city seemed to fade into the background as my single-minded determination took over. I could feel the texture of the rough pavement under my feet, each step bringing me closer to the hospital.

Ahead, I could see the hospital’s sign illuminated against the night sky, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. The closer I got, the more my anxiety seemed to morph into a fierce resolve. I reached the entrance, breathless and disheveled, but determined. Bursting through the doors, I headed straight for the reception desk.

“Excuse me,” I panted. “I’m looking for Danny. Danny Franks.”

The receptionist, a kind-eyed woman, quickly typed on her computer. “Let me check for you,” she said, her voice calm and professional.

I stood there, heart in my throat, as the seconds ticked by when I heard. “Intern!”

Turning quickly, I saw Payne waving at me.

Running over to him, I asked, “Is he here?”

“Yeah.” The club brother nodded. “The doc is looking at him now and running tests. We need to hurry before Ace ends up in a bed next to his brother.”

“Why?”

Payne groaned, pressing the fifth-floor button. “Fucker is losing his shit. He wants Sypher air flighted to Tennessee. He’s being a dick about it, too.”

“He can’t move Danny!” I cried. “He had brain surgery. He needs to heal.”

“That’s what everyone keeps telling him, but the fucker isn’t listening to anyone. He doesn’t give a shit.”

The elevator doors opened and I could hear the yelling from down the hall. Walking fast, I passed club brothers both from the Golden Skulls and the Soulless Sinners as they lined the hallway, listening intently while Ace shouted at Reaper and Montana.

“I don’t give a flying fuck!” Danny’s brother roared. “He’s my brother. What I say goes and I want him moved. I don’t want him anywhere near you. He’s in the hospital because of you fuckers.”

Ace’s words were sharp and filled with fury, echoing through the hall and into the depths of my soul. I felt the tension in the air, a palpable force that seemed to press against my chest. The clamor of competing voices grew louder, each demanding to be heard.

Reaper, his face hard like granite, stood his ground. “This isn’t about what you want, Ace. It’s about what’s best for Danny. He needs to stay here and recover.”

Montana nodded in agreement, his expression equally resolute. “We’ve got the best doctors on the east coast here. Moving him now could jeopardize his recovery.”

But Ace wasn’t listening. His eyes burned with fierce determination, a protectiveness that bordered on madness. “You think I trust you? After everything that’s happened. Get him ready to move, now!”

Payne tugged at my arm, pulling me closer. “Do something,” he whispered urgently.

Nodding, I stepped forward, trying to find the words that might break through Ace’s rage. “Ace, please, just think about Danny. He needs to heal. Moving him now could cause more harm than good.”

Ace turned his glare on me, his breath ragged and intense. For a moment, I thought he might lash out, but he hesitated, his anger warring with the love he had for his brother. The hallway fell into a tense silence, every eye watching, every ear listening. And in that fragile moment, I hoped that reason might finally prevail.

“No.” Ace’s voice hardened as the fury he was feeling encompassed him. Stalking toward me, he seethed, “You. You did this. Because of you, my brother is lying in a hospital bed. Because of you, he got fucking blown up. This entire fucking mess is because of you!”

The accusation sent a wave of guilt crashing over me, nearly knocking me off balance. I opened my mouth to respond, but the words died in my throat. Ace’s fury was a storm, wild and uncontainable, and I was trapped in its eye.

Reaper stepped forward, placing himself between Ace and me, his eyes steady and unflinching. “Enough, Ace,” he said quietly, yet with an authority that could not be ignored. “Blaming Dante will not help Danny.”

Montana joined him, his voice calm but firm. “We need to focus on what’s important—the kid’s recovery. That’s all that matters right now.”

The tension in the hall was suffocating as the weight of emotions pressed down on all of us. Payne squeezed my arm, a silent reminder that I was not alone in this. I drew a deep breath, trying to steady myself amidst the chaos.

Ace’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, the rage wavering for a heartbeat. “What if something happens while he’s here?” His voice cracked, revealing the underlying fear that drove his fury.

Reaper’s gaze softened, and he spoke with a quiet conviction. “We’ll protect him, Ace. All of us. We’ve got security, the best medical staff. Danny is safer here.”

Ace’s shoulders slumped slightly, the fire in his eyes dimming as exhaustion began to take its toll. He looked around at each of us, his desperation palpable. “He’s my baby brother. Dad said I had to protect him. I just want him to be safe,” he whispered, exposing a vulnerability that was painful to witness.

“We all do,” I said gently, taking a step forward. “And we’ll do everything in our power to ensure that he is.”

The hallway remained silent. The tension easing just a fraction. Ace nodded reluctantly; his fierce protectiveness tempered by the collective resolve of those around him. It was a fragile peace, but it was enough for now.

We all milled around the hallway, waiting for the doctor to step out of the room. Whatever they were doing in there, they were taking their bloody time. I wanted answers. I needed to know that Danny was okay, and the longer it took, the more anxious I got. Finally, the door opened, and the doctor stepped out, handing off a chart to a nurse.

Ace wasted no time stepping over to the woman when she looked up and locked eyes with me.

“Well?” Ace demanded.

When the doctor didn’t say a word, Malice walked over to her and whispered something in her ear. She blinked and nodded.

“Come on, Doc. Don’t keep us waiting,” Fury piped up.

Taking a deep breath, she said, “There’s been a complication.”

“What do you mean?” Ace asked.

“There’s a small bleed that’s causing a bit of swelling.”

“Then go back in and fix it!”

Shaking her head, she solemnly said, “It’s risky. With everything Danny’s been through, the best course of action is to give his brain time to heal.”

“And what happens if we wait and he’s still bleeding?”

“Then I will do the surgery.”

“Where are the fucking papers? I want him to have the surgery now.”

The doctor shook her head. “It’s not your choice, Ace.”

“The fuck it isn’t. I’m his brother!”

“And Dante is Danny’s husband.”

And just like that, all eyes turned to me.

The weight of their stares was almost unbearable. I felt my throat tighten as my mind raced through the possible outcomes. The responsibility of making the right decision for Danny lay squarely on my shoulders.

Taking a deep breath, I stood up straighter, trying to gather the courage that Danny always admired in me. “I appreciate everyone’s concern and opinions, but this decision isn’t just about what’s medically best. It’s about what Danny would want. He trusted me to make the call if he couldn’t, and I have to honor that trust.”

When I turned to the doctor, my voice was anything but steady. “If there’s any chance for Danny to recover without the risk of another surgery, we owe it to him to take that path first. Let’s monitor him closely. If the situation worsens, then we’ll act swiftly. Until then, we need to give his body time to heal.”

“This is bullshit!” Ace roared. “You are going to let my brother’s fuck buddy decide! I’m his fucking brother!”

My hands clenched into fists at my sides; the pain of Ace’s words cutting deep. “Fuck you, Ace. I understand you’re upset, and I know how much you love Danny, but this isn’t about titles or who cares more. It’s about doing what Danny wanted. He made me his medical proxy for a reason. I need you to trust that I’m making the best decision for him, with his wishes in mind.”

The tension in the room was palpable. The doctor glanced between Ace and me, her expression a mixture of concern and authority. “We need to focus on Danny’s care without distractions. Our priority is his well-being.”

Ace’s eyes were wild with anger, but beneath it was a layer of desperation. He stormed out of the room, his footsteps echoing in the hallway.

I felt a pang of sorrow for Ace, but there was no turning back now. Danny’s future depended on the choices we made here and now. As the doctor began to outline the next steps for monitoring Danny, I took another deep breath, silently praying for Danny’s strength and resilience to pull him through.