Page 147 of Nine Months to Love

Camille touches my arm. “Liv, I’m so sorry.”

I can barely hear her over the roaring in my ears. Elena was shot. Because of an attack on Stefan’s house. An attack that might have been triggered by information I gave to Natalia.

Tears blur my vision. “She has to be okay. She has to.”

“She will be.” But even as he says it, I can hear the doubt underneath. The fear he’s trying so hard to hide.

Taras clears his throat. “We really need to go, guys.”

Stefan nods and starts guiding me toward the SUV. I let him, my legs moving on autopilot. Behind me, I hear Camille talking to one of the guards about getting our purchases back to the villa.

The wedding dress.I was just trying on my wedding dress. Laughing with my best friend. Eating chocolate and planning a future.

And now, Elena is in the hospital, fighting for her life.

Stefan helps me into the back seat and slides in beside me. The door closes and suddenly we’re moving, the beautiful streets of Florence blurring past the window.

I reach for his hand. He takes it, his fingers lacing through mine. “Tell me about the attack,” I say quietly. “What happened?”

“Three men breached the east wing. They knew exactly where Mikayla was being held. Took out two guards before Arkady’s team could respond.”

“Are the guards okay?”

“One’s dead. The other is in surgery.”

My chest tightens. “And the attackers?”

“All dead.”

“Do you know who sent them?” I ask.

“Not yet. But I will.”

The promise in his voice is dark and absolute. Whoever ordered this attack, whoever shot Elena, they’re going to pay. And it won’t be quick.

“What about Mikayla?” I ask. “Is she still secure?”

“For now. But we’re moving her as soon as we land.”

I nod, trying to process everything. My mind keeps circling back to Elena. Was she conscious when they found her? Did she know what was happening? Is she scared?

“How bad is it?” I whisper. “Really.”

Stefan’s grip on my hand tightens. “She was shot twice. Once in the shoulder, once in the chest. They got her to the hospital fast, but...”

He doesn’t finish. He doesn’t have to.

I close my eyes, fighting back tears. “She’s the strongest person I know. If anyone can survive this, it’s her.”

“I know.”

But his voice is hollow. Broken in a way I’ve never heard before.

The SUV navigates through traffic, heading toward the airport. Through the windshield, I can see the other vehicles in our convoy. Armed men, ready to kill or die at Stefan’s command.

This is his world. Violence and danger and constant vigilance. And I’m choosing to be part of it.

“I’m sorry,” Stefan says suddenly.