Page 46 of Tormented Diamonds

I’m halfway to the car before my mind pieces together an answer.

No, I’m not all right, and if my wife is hurt or worse...

No one else will be, either.

Chapter Fourteen

GIANNI

Bloomfield, New Jersey

For the second time in less than three weeks, I’m storming through the halls of a hospital in search of Becca, only the weight on my chest is heavier this time. It’s as if the world has gone silent, like the deadly calm before Armageddon.

Nurses in brightly colored scrubs scatter, muttering insults as I plow through them. Any other day, I’d address their disrespect on principle and for entertainment. But their opinions don’t matter.Theydon’t matter. Nothing matters but Becca.

I didn’t bother with the information desk. Considering my father had the chief of medicine by his insurance-defrauding balls, the only thing they’re likely to show me is the exit.

“Gianni…”

My manic pace halts, and I turn to find my sister standing behind me, hugging her chest. She looks like shit. I’m not sure what’s darker, the streaks of mascara staining her cheeks or thecircles under her blood-shot eyes. Instead of sending my panic through the roof, it sends it plummeting to a more dangerous place. “What happened?”

“According to witnesses, a car plowed into Becca and Leo’s, causing theirs to flip. The paramedics got there just before the whole thing went up in flames.”

All the air rushes out of my lungs, leaving the stench of smoke and ash. “Is she…?” I can’t say the word. It’s lodged in my throat.

She shakes her head. “I don’t know. The doctors won’t let anyone in.”

“We’ll see about that.” I turn to leave, only to have her nails dig into my bicep.

“Gianni, wait…”

I glare at her over my shoulder. “Let go of me. This doesn’t concern you.”

“Really?” she snaps, the word coated in aggression I don’t particularly care for. “Because I believe it wasmyfather you executed, as well.”

I grab her wrist. Sister or not, she’s dangerously close to seeing a side of me neither of us wants her to. “I love you, Sera, but I suggest you back the fuck off before…” I stare at her, all the fragmented pieces clicking together. “Wait, why wereyoucalled?”

Her shoulders slump, the fire in her eyes dimming. “Why do you think?”

The answer lies in the sideways glares coming at us from every angle.

“Because she’s my wife.”

Professional integrity forced the hospital staff to care for her, but their personal integrity is bound to no such rule. They saw her name and let their hatred for my family turn Becca into a statement. A choice I’ll make sure every single oneof them regrets.

“I have a friend who was working the ER when Becca came in,” she admits. “Once she recognized Becca’s name, she called me. I tried to call you multiple times, but you never answered. I didn’t know what to do, so I just dropped everything and came here.”

“I didn’t look at the number. I thought it was…” I stop myself before saying Toscano’s name. While my sister is no stranger to our family ties, there’s no need to wrap them around her neck. “…Anton.”

The look on her face tells me she’s not buying it.

“Forget it. All that matters is you’re here now.”

No, it’s not all that matters. George Reese is nothing but a black cloud of doom. I can’t believe I left him alone with…Fuck.

“Where’s her father?”

“Huh?”