Page 74 of Enzo

My wife started after her, but I slid my hand into hers. “Let’s hang back and make sure she gets inside in one piece, okay? Give her a bit of space.”

We followed in silence, my wife chewing her bottom lip. Amara’s slim form was too far to hear us, but not far enough that we wouldn’t be able to get to her if something were to happen.

My wife sighed. “I’m worried.”

“She’s strong.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. “She’s been through a hell of a lot for her young age. It’s understandable that she doesn’t want to rush to the hospital at the slightest threat.”

“It’s not that.” Penelope hung her head low. “It’s her… I can’t explain it. It’s like she’s rushing things. Rushing life.”

Amara’s words from that day I came to find my wife flickered in my mind.I don’t have a lot of time left.

They were ominous and far too serious for such a young person. Had she overheard something? Or was Amara sensing something her family refused to see?

“What do the doctors say?” I asked slowly.

She shook her head. “They’re… hopeful. She’s young and strong. She’s getting the best care possible. But she needs a liver. A spleen, too. On top of those already terrible odds, her blood type poses a problem as well.”

I nodded somberly. “Finding a match won’t be impossible.”

“Pretty damn near it.” She swallowed. “You want to know something funny?”

“Sure.”

She laughed, but the sound was all wrong. Bitter. Angry. Full of sorrow.

“Everyone’s terrified of organ smugglers, and I’m kind of hoping one snatches me and gives a part of my liver to her. Orprocures me one.” I froze, and she stopped too, meeting my eyes. “I know, I know. It’s wrong on so many levels because those bastards kill innocents and distribute their organs like prized candy.”

“It is wrong,” I agreed, even while a terrible idea flickered in my mind. “But it’s understandable you feel that way.”

“Really?” she breathed.

I nodded. “Although, it’s not a guarantee you’d be a match.”

“There’s a good chance, though.”

In the meantime, I’d risk my soul and find the match another way.

It was time I found Atticus Popov and finished what my mother had started.

29

LUCA

My youngest daughter stormed past me, keeping her eyes fixed ahead. She only ignored me when she wasmadmad.

“Hello to you, too, Princess Amara.”

She still refused to look at me. “I’m going to my room.”

I sighed and was about to follow her when I spotted Penelope and Enzo. Oh, how the sight grated on my nerves.

Despite seeing them getting along.

Despite my youngest adoring him.

Despite my sons trailing after him like lost puppies.

“What did you do?” I directed my question at Enzo, because he was the only one who could have fucked up.