Page 42 of The Mafia’s Second Shot (Burning For You Again #3)

COOPER

T he hospital room feels smaller today, the four walls closing in on me as I stare out the window.

The sunlight reflects off the glass of the neighboring buildings, the world outside bustling with a normalcy I can’t quite grasp.

I shift slightly in the bed, wincing as the movement pulls at the stitches in my side.

My recovery is going better than the doctors expected, but I can’t shake the weight pressing down on me. It’s not just the physical pain—it’s the realization of how close I came to losing everything. Zoey, Marco, the crew... they all deserve more than the constant shadow of danger that follows me.

And maybe I do too.

Later that afternoon, Marco arrives, stepping into the room with his usual confidence. He pulls up a chair beside the bed, his sharp eyes scanning me like he’s assessing whether I’m fit for duty.

“You’re looking better,” he says, crossing his arms. “You might even pass for alive.”

“Thanks,” I reply dryly. “Your bedside manner is inspiring.”

He grins, but it fades quickly, replaced by a more serious expression. “How are you really feeling?”

“Like I got stabbed,” I say, leaning back against the pillows. “But I’m alive. That’s what counts.”

Marco nods, his gaze dropping to the floor. “You scared the hell out of us, you know.”

“Not as much as I scared myself,” I admit, my voice quieter now.

The conversation shifts, the air growing heavier as I motion for him to close the door. “We need to talk,” I say, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Marco raises an eyebrow but complies, shutting the door before returning to his seat. “What’s on your mind?”

I take a deep breath, the words heavier than I expect. “I’m stepping down.”

Marco blinks, clearly caught off guard. “What?”

“You heard me,” I say, meeting his gaze. “I’m handing over leadership. To you.”

He leans back in the chair, his arms crossed tightly. “You’re serious.”

“I’ve never been more serious,” I reply. “This life... it’s taken too much. From me, from everyone around me. I can’t do it anymore, Marco. I don’t want to.”

Marco is quiet for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “And you think I’m the guy to take over?”

“You’ve already been doing it,” I say. “You handled the aftermath of Rossi better than I could have. The crew listens to you. They respect you. Hell, even Zoey trusts you, and she doesn’t trust anyone.”

A faint smile flickers across his face, but it’s gone just as quickly. “It’s a lot of responsibility, Cooper. This isn’t just running operations—it’s making decisions that affect lives.”

“You think I don’t know that?” I snap, the weight of my own choices pressing down on me. “I’ve lived it for years, Marco. And I’m telling you—you’re ready.”

He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “What happens if I screw up?”

“You won’t,” I say firmly. “And even if you do, I’ll be here to help during the transition. I’m not disappearing overnight. This is about setting things up for the long haul.”

Marco exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. “You really mean this.”

“I do,” I say. “It’s time.”

The room falls silent, the only sound the faint hum of the machines monitoring my vitals. Marco studies me for a moment before nodding slowly. “All right. I’ll do it.”

Relief washes over me, but it’s tempered by the gravity of the decision. “Good. The crew will back you. They already do.”

“And what about you?” Marco asks. “What happens to you?”

I glance out the window, my mind drifting to Zoey. “I’ve got someone worth building a future with. It’s time I start doing that.”

Marco grins, leaning back in his chair. “Never thought I’d see the day. Cooper, the family man.”

“Don’t get used to it,” I reply, though there’s no bite in my tone. “I’ll still be around to kick your ass if you need it.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Marco says, standing. “And Cooper? Thanks. For trusting me with this.”

I nod, my chest tightening with emotions I can’t quite name. “Don’t make me regret it.”

That evening, Zoey arrives with her usual grace, her presence filling the room like sunlight after a storm. She sets a small bag on the table and sits beside me, her eyes scanning my face.

“You look better,” she says softly, her hand brushing against mine. “Did Marco stop by?”

“He did,” I reply. “We talked.”

Her gaze sharpens slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “About what?”

“About the future,” I say, keeping my tone deliberately vague.

Zoey arches an eyebrow. “And?”

“And I’ve made a decision,” I say, meeting her gaze. “But I’m not ready to share it just yet.”

Her lips press into a thin line, her curiosity clearly piqued, but she doesn’t push. “You’re going to keep me in suspense, aren’t you?”

“For now,” I admit, a faint smile tugging at my lips. “But trust me—it’s a good one.”

She sighs, though there’s a hint of amusement in her expression. “Fine. I’ll let you have your moment. For now.”

As the night settles in, I watch Zoey move around the room, her presence grounding me in a way I never thought possible.

For the first time in years, the weight on my shoulders feels lighter, the path ahead clearer.

I’ve made my decision, and for the first time in a long time, it feels like the right one.

And I know, without a doubt, that whatever comes next, I’ll have her by my side.