Page 7 of Enzo (The Amato Family #2)

W hen Doc said he’d turned his spare sitting room into a medical recovery room for me, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as I sit propped up in the hospital bed they stuck me in a few days ago, I can’t help but be impressed.

Aside from the medical bed, there are various cabinets and drawers full of medical equipment, including a portable X-ray machine and an ultrasound machine. There are also monitors and other things I have zero clue about.

At the other end of the room is a nightstand, small dresser, and cot where Kail has been sleeping. I feel bad that he thinks he needs to stay with me, but I’m also grateful he’s close at hand should I need something, even if what I need is simply knowing his presence is with me.

Though that could also be because I’m still recovering from my surgery and hopped up on so many painkillers my head swims if I move too quickly, so it’s making my thoughts a bit sappy.

Still, better than the pain every time my heart beats, I guess. Or maybe I prefer the throbbing ache in what’s left of my leg. At least I know I’m alive…

Fuck. My leg. I can’t believe it’s gone. Looking down at my blanket-covered legs, I stare at where my right one just…stops. Everything below the knee is now missing and I just…I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel aside from numb.

Kail comes back into the room after he’d left to put our breakfast dishes in the kitchen. Not that I was able to eat much. Hard to have an appetite when your entire world exploded in crushing metal and shattered glass a few short days ago.

“Need anything?”

I shake my head, unwilling to open my mouth should I say something I can’t take back. Especially when I know Kail is asking as both my boyfriend and my nurse. Fuck … The entire disarray my life has fallen into is doing my head in.

Before my thoughts can spiral, Doc enters the room.

He’s dressed for the day in a pair of navy scrubs, a lightweight, long-sleeved white shirt underneath with the sleeves pulled down.

Aside from the cocky as shit look on his face, you’d think, simply based on his appearance, he was…

not innocent, but at least not highly trained by a mafia Boss’s right hand and Head of Security.

I know better, though. Under one of those sleeves is a scalpel, ready to cut the first person who dares to step over the line with him.

Not only that, he has the backing of the Amato Family, and for those in our world, that’s a place and position they both envy and fear.

As the Amatos are the most notorious organization around, having their favor makes you someone to be wary of.

I was on Doc’s guard when he first joined the Family.

We didn’t mesh well, but we became familiar enough with one another, so I know just how talented he is.

The past week has shown me intimately how hard he works for everyone in his care, though it’s hard to be appreciative when I barely have it in me to breathe after everything that’s happened.

“Good morning, how are you feeling today?”

I shrug. “I’m not a fan of the meds. They make me too slow.”

Doc studies me for a long moment before nodding.

“I know, but without them the pain will be…a lot more than it is. We can start tapering you off them if you feel up to it, but you have to promise to use them when you need to. We don’t need you hindering your healing because you want to be the tough guy and then end up in too much pain to function. ”

I sigh but ultimately agree. I despise the way the medication makes me feel, but if the pain I’m experiencing is with the meds, I am realistic enough to know I’ll need them for the initial healing.

Even as a bodyguard for the fucking mafia, I know my limits.

I’m not arrogant enough to believe I can get through this without help.

“Now, Jayden is going to stop by later today to assess you and start putting a plan together for PT. He’s bringing a wheelchair as well as some crutches, and he’ll show you how to use both. Our goal is to get you mobile.

“The ortho will be here later in the week to check you out and make sure you’re healing well.

We also have you on the schedule for a prosthetist who comes highly recommended, but it’ll be a while yet before they can start fitting you for a prosthetic.

This’ll just give us a baseline of what we’ll be looking at when you’re healed up, so hopefully you won’t have too many issues with it down the line.

“I’ve also been looking for a therapist for you.

There are a few I know from back in college, or have gotten to know at one point or another.

I want someone who’s familiar with your type of situation, though, as I believe it’ll help.

And before you argue, yes, you’re seeing a therapist. Something traumatic just occurred, and it’s flipped your entire life upside down.

I’ve made it a requirement before you can be fully medically cleared by me. ”

My head begins to spin and I close my eyes, swallowing as I take all the information in. This is real. It’s happening. I’m going to need to learn to walk all over again on a limb that isn’t mine…

A hand finds mine and I hold on tightly, not ashamed to take the lifeline Kail so selflessly gives.

“Am I moving too fast?”

Turning my attention back to Doc, I shake my head a little. “No. Keep going.”

“Okay. Since you’ll be recovering here, I’ve arranged for both Kail and one of the clinic nurses, Jane, to be here as well.

They’ll make a schedule between themselves, though I already have a room upstairs prepared for Kail as I know he’ll want to stay close by even when he’s not on the clock.

Rose or one of the other clinic nurses will sub in whenever Jane and Kail need a break, but those two will be your primaries.

You already have the emergency number programmed into your phone, right?

Just in case, for some reason, I’m not available? ”

“Yeah, all the guards are required to have it, since only those of us in the main Family have your direct number. But what is this about full-time nurses?”

Doc quirks a brow. “Did I stutter? I can’t be here every day—not that I’d want to be anyway—but you also can’t be on your own right now.”

I scowl. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

Doc’s cognac-colored eyes darken and he stands up straighter. “Oh, so you can get up and walk on your own? Your pain levels are manageable without meds? You’ll start therapy, and you’ve accepted your new pace of life?”

I swallow, hating how his words chip at parts of me that are already so frayed.

When I have nothing to say, he continues his tirade.

“That’s what I thought. You’re staying here until you’re fully recovered…

that means mentally and emotionally stable as well.

Kail is going to be your full-time nurse.

I need someone I can trust, not only to help me with the medical stuff, but considering he handles Roman and Tennant, he can handle your grumpy ass too. ”

Doc sighs, his features softening a bit as he gentles his tone.

“I know this is hard, and it’s going to take time for you to get used to everything and process this life-changing event.

But it’s only been a week, Enzo. You have time for all that.

Right now, I just need you to heal and let us do our thing to help get you to a more stable place.

“Kail being here is non-negotiable. He’s my assistant, and I can do whatever I want with him under those terms. He’s not a babysitter, he’s a helper, and damn good at his job. If I find out you’re not listening to his advice or accepting his help, I will go straight to Cristian.”

A sick, twisted knot forms in my chest at his threat. I know he’s serious. I also know the Boss will kick my ass if he thinks I’m not taking care of myself. The last thing I want is to disappoint him, not after everything he’s done for me over the years.

“Mi comporterò bene, lo prometto.”

“Good,” Doc replies. He checks his watch. “I have a meeting soon, so I’m leaving you in Kail’s capable hands. Behave.” Looking to Kail, he says, “Call if you need anything, and don’t be afraid to put him in his place.”

Kail gives a sweet smile. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. Go. We’ll see you later.”

Doc leaves with a dramatic huff and I look at my boyfriend. “You sure you’re okay being my nurse? I can’t imagine how difficult this has all been for you.”

Kail looks down at our joined hands before meeting my gaze.

“I love you, Enzo. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.

Maybe it makes me a little bit of a control freak, but as good as I know the clinic nurses are, I didn’t become Doc’s first assistant for nothing.

I may not always be able to separate my feelings for you with the clinical eye someone else would, but that sure as fuck won’t stop me from making sure you’re getting the help you need.

Hell, our relationship just means I care more about your well-being and will do everything in my power to make sure you’re okay.

“Don’t worry about me. You know Doc and Rose will kick my ass if they think I’m not taking care of myself. But I need to do this, for you, and for my own peace of mind.”

“Only if you’re really sure…”

He cups my cheek with his free hand. “I am. It’s you and me against the world, baby. Between the two of us, we can conquer anything.”

I smile a little at how utterly sappy and adorable he is. “I love you, darlin’.”

Kail leans in and kisses me, so soft and gentle, as if he’s afraid I’ll break. “Love you too.”

“I’m not fragile.”

“I know. But excuse me for wanting to be sweet. I just won’t kiss you next time.”

“That’s unfair!”

Kail raises a brow. “You wanna try me?”

Sighing, I pout, but I know he’s serious. The problem with having a boyfriend who has to deal with a brat as a boss? He doesn’t take any of my shit.

“Fine. You can mother hen me to your heart’s content.”

He snorts. “Thank you.” The next kiss he gives me is longer, deeper, and makes me moan. Kail pulls away, a small smirk on his lips that he’s earned. The man knows what he does to me.

“Now, I’m sure you want to get cleaned up. Jayden said he wants to show you how to maneuver around on the crutches before we get you into the shower, but I’m not complaining about giving you a sponge bath.”

“I am.”

Kail pats my shoulder, as if in consolation, before getting up to get things ready for the stupid sponge bath.

I’d argue more, but I know better. Doc has us all trained to not give his staff too much grief.

The last thing I need is a fucking lecture about treating his nurses like people and following their lead when it comes to medical stuff—again.

It’s not a mistake most people make twice, but I don’t know anyone who works for the Family who hasn’t been on the other end of a pissed off Doc.

Thankfully, there was already a bathroom off this sitting room, so it’s easy for Kail to prep everything for the freaking sponge bath.

It also makes getting up and hobbling along to the restroom—with assistance of course—more convenient.

Though Doc set up a portable toilet, which I’ve been forced to use a few times when I couldn’t make my body go any further.

As much as I’m not looking forward to the crutches or wheelchair, having some sense of control and freedom to move around will be nice.

Kail comes back with a basin full of warm soapy water and a stack of washcloths. “Don’t look so serious, baby. I always love seeing you naked,” he teases.

Huffing a laugh, I help him remove my shirt and then my pants, though I’m careful to not look at the bandages on what’s left of my leg.

Swallowing around the sudden lump in my throat, I look away, focusing more on Kail than anything else.

His dark blue eyes don’t show anything but patience and love, even when I know I haven’t been at my best and things have been hard for him as well. Fuck, he’s way too good for me, but I’ll never not feel in awe that he chose me of all people.

Kail looks up and blushes when he notices I’m watching him. For as fierce as he is, he’s also adorably shy and oblivious to his appeal at times. It’s endearing as fuck.

“Wash your chest. I’ll do your back and everything below the waist.” He hands me the damp washcloth and smirks, though there’s an edge to it, and I try to ignore the way my insides twist as I take the rag from him.

As light as he’s trying to make things, the reality is…I’m not ready to see what’s left. I know I will need to soon, I’m just… I can’t…

So I wipe my arms, chest, and abdomen, and pretend this is normal and it’s fine. Everything is just fine…