by Sienna Grant
“Think yourself fucking lucky I’m letting you walk away.” I turn away from him and leave.
Lorenzo Di Marco is dead to me from now on.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Laura
Roberto and I sit in the waiting room for what seems like forever, for Doctor Beckett to come and see us. My knee bounces wildly, I’m not the most patient person... Now I know what it was like for Stefano and Angelo, while they waited for news about me.
“Have you rung your mother?” Roberto asks from the side of me.
“No. Are you kidding, I’ll ring her when I’ve seen the doctor, so at least I have something to tell her then.” I sigh as I look around the quiet, stark, white walls of the hospital waiting room. “I hope Stefano’s okay.”
“Hey.” Roberto takes my hand in his giving me comfort. “Stefano will be fine. Don’t underestimate him. That’s the biggest problem in all this... O’Connor did. He thought Stefano was the same as Lorenzo - no way. I saw a lot of shit from Lorenzo, but Stefano is much more in charge. He’s much more ordered.” A small smile finds its way to my face when I hear the admiration in Roberto’s voice.
“I’m getting old now, it’s coming to a time I don’t think I want this life anymore. It’s time for me to slow down. I’ve done it for over thirty years. Stef has a good team around him now - I don’t think he needs me.”
“Ah,” I gasp, “Have you told him?” My hands cover my mouth in shock.
“Not yet, we’ve been a little busy.” Roberto chuckles.
“How can you laugh at a time like this?” I chuckle with him, elbowing him in the side gently.
“Everything comes to an end. You don’t need me; you’ve got your own bodyguard now. Stefano doesn’t need me; he’s got Logan to protect him and he’s much more capable than I am… I’m not even good as a driver anymore.”
“He won’t be happy you know.” I turn my head to look Roberto in the eye.
“What does he want to keep an old dog like me around for?”
“He thinks of you like family, Roberto. You know he does.”
“I’ll talk to him.”
“I wish my mum would meet someone like you. She needs someone like you.”
There’s nothing wrong with a little matchmaking from time to time.
Roberto chuckles. “Your mother doesn’t need anyone, even I know that.”
“Whatever, my mum just likes you to see what she wants you to see, she’s not as strong as you think.”
A door shuts and the doctor walks in, I stand to greet him automatically halting our conversation.
“Dr Beckett. How is he?”
“Laura.” He grins sympathetically and directs me to my chair to sit back down. “Okay, so your brother has numerous injuries. The more minor injuries are cuts, bruises, a break to the ankle and one to the forearm. He has a ruptured spleen, which we’ve had to remove and he’s got a punctured lung. He has internal bleeding and also we’ve found a bleed on the brain.”
I don't feel the tears running down my cheeks until I taste the saltiness on my lips. Licking it away, I wipe my face and let the doctor carry on.
“We’re going to keep him sedated for the next thirty-six to forty-eight hours and see how he responds to treatment. It’s the best way.”
“Oh god. What do I tell my mother?”
Roberto snakes his arm around my shoulders and comforts me, by letting me lean into his chest.
“Do you have any questions?”
Sniffing back more tears, I look up.
“Is he going to pull through?”
“Honestly, I can’t tell you that. The next twenty-four hours are going to be critical.”
Smothering my face with my hands, I rest my elbows on my knees and cry. Doors open and shut, but I ignore them. All I can think about is the arguments we’ve had recently. He just wanted to protect me, why didn’t I just let him? The guilt of it all wracks my soul.
I can’t breathe for the sobs that are taking over my whole body. I feel myself being tugged gently away from Roberto, I’m being shifted from one chest and into another. As another pair of strong arms wrap around me and pull me close; I know right away that’s Stefano. The strong scent of Boss aftershave hits my senses, making me feel like I’m home. Taking my hands from my face, I wrap my arms around his waist. Fisting the back of his jacket, as I hold on to him as tight as I can.
My phone pings in my pocket. I ignore it at first, I know I can’t ignore it for long. I wriggle in Stefano’s arms; he angles my face to look up at him and kisses me tenderly.
“Hey, princess.”
“Oh my god, thank god you’re okay. I don’t think I could handle if you got hurt too.”
“It’s not going to happen. Give me a minute while I speak with Doctor Beckett.”
I let Stefano go after he kisses me again, standing I pull my phone from my pocket, and notice a message from Jen.
I’m on my way to the club, are you there yet?
Oh my god, she can’t go there. I begin to type out my reply.
Well, for once, it’s a good job you are your normal self and you’re late. No, I’m not at the club and it won’t be open later. Just ring me in the morning. Some things have happened, but I’ll speak to you later.
I leave my phone open on her messages and wait for the next one to come through, only it doesn’t, instead she rings me.
Oh shit, I can’t talk to her she’ll know there’s something up.
Instead of answering, I cut it off and ring my Mums number. I tell her to come to the hospital and that I’d explain when she gets here.
I head to the toilets to clean my face up. Once I’ve splashed some water over it, I feel more refreshed, but my eyes are stinging from all the crying I’ve done. When I re-enter the waiting room, I notice Kurt has arrived and is sitting with Logan. Stefano is with Roberto talking. Wrapping my arms around myself, I wonder where to sit - I don’t want to disturb anyone’s conversations. Instead, I walk over to the large window in the room and lean my shoulder against the wall, looking out at the view. It’s just getting dark, all the street lights are on and one blurs into another as I stare at them. I feel his warmth behind me, before I hear his voice.
“Hey,” Stefano’s voice is quiet in my ear, as he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me softly against him.
“Why don’t I take you home?”
“I need to wait for Mum first, she’s on her way.”
“Okay baby, let’s sit down?”
“No, I want to stay here.”
Stefano holds me comfortably in his arms, while I nestle the back of my head against his chest and rest my cheek against the muscle of his bicep. I don’t shift my gaze from the thousands of lights out there, for some reason it’s comforting. It doesn’t last long though, because before long, Martina Giordano is charging her way through the double doors. Demanding to know what’s going on.
Chapter Forty
Stefano
“I’ll handle this princess.”
Giving Laura a kiss to her head, I meet a fuming Martina at the door and take her off to the side.
“What the bloody hell happened to him?” Martina questions with contempt.
“I’m not sure... it’s been a long day. I’ve been held at gunpoint. My best friend has been badly beaten up. I’ve found out some secrets, I’d have preferred to never know about my family, but as ever I’m left to clean shit up. Laura’s a mess, and I know you’re angry Martina, but cut her and me some slack for tonight.”
The wells of her eyes begin to fill with water, as her hands cover the gasp that bursts from her lips. Using the back of her hand she tries to stop the tears from falling. Looking around the room, I notice the box of tissues on the small end table and grab one for her. She takes it from me and dabs at her eyes.
“Why don’t you go in and see Angelo?” She agrees with a nod, “I warn you though, he’s a bit banged up.”
“Thanks Stefano.”
“Anytime.�
� After wrapping her in a warm hug, Martina goes into Angelo’s room and closes the door.
Laura hasn’t taken her eyes from her mother and me. Rather than keep her waiting, I join her back at the window and resume my position. Laura puts her head against me and I wrap my arms around her.
“Did she say much?” Laura’s asks cautiously.
“I didn’t really give her a chance…”
“Can we leave before she comes out, do you think? I need to escape.”
“Angelo is a big boy princess; he makes his own decisions.”
Tipping her head back, she watches me closely. She turns in my arms, pushing her hands inside my jacket, hugging me, offering me her lips in a kiss. Stealing a soft and delicate kiss is just what I need right now.
“Although,” I break away reluctantly, “I do feel responsible for all this.”
“Stef, even with everything coming out about us, he’ll still be the first to protect you, you know that…” Laura breathes a heavy sigh, then looks up at me… “Maybe I should go into her.”
After a small kiss, she tells me she won’t be long and goes off into her brothers room.
Running my hands through my hair, I realise how tired I am. I’ve forgotten the last time I really slept. With all this shit going on and with everything that’s gone on with Laura, I really haven’t. Dragging my hands down my face, I rub over my tired eyes. Roberto takes the seat at the side of me.
“How is she?”
“Upset, tired like us all, but she’s strong. She’ll handle it and until we know whether Angelo is going to pull through, then I just need to be here.”
“I’m proud of you son.”
“You know hearing that from you makes me feel like I can take on anything right now.”
Looking across at the man that I spent most of my childhood with, I ask him the impending question that’s been playing on my mind.
“Did you know?” He frowns at my pending question, “About my parents and O’Connor?”
His gaze drops to the white tiled floor for a second, before meeting my eyes.
“I knew something was going on. I saw how Shea O’Connor looked at your mother at the time, but it wasn't my place to say anything. Your dad, well, he’s different, he was a loose cannon most of the time, but he taught you well.”
“He taught me shit, Roberto. He’s nothing.”
“Your mother was always too good I thought, but she loved him. You have to remember that. Remember that anything that went on, happened because Lorenzo made it happen. He was always in charge.”
The door to Angelo’s room opens to a red eyed Laura.
“I think I’m going to take her home; she needs to rest.”
“You do that son. I’ll stay here and let you know if there’s any changes.”
With a small, relieved smile, I hold out my hand for Roberto to shake.
“You’re a good man Roberto, but I’d really like to finish this conversation…?”
I leave the question hanging out there.
“Of course, whenever you’re ready.”
Laura begins to make her way towards me, so I meet her halfway.
“Come on I’m taking you home.”
She simply nods and lets me take over. I make sure to tell Kurt to stay at the hospital and Logan follows me out.
Once we reach the car, Logan lets us in, as we both me and Laura slip into the back of the car. I ask Logan to stop by the club, so I can check on things, since everything kicked off.
As I look around the huge space of the main bar, I come to a decision.
“I’m selling up.” I tell Laura. Her mouth drops open as she stares at me, wondering whether I’m joking or not.
“What you mean you’re selling up? You love this place…”
“I do, you’re right.” I agree pulling her into my arms, “But it could be so much better, and bigger. Plus, I don’t want you to see Angelo in that messed up state every time you come in here. A lot has happened here today. I think the best bet is to move forward with everything, that includes us.”
“I love you Di Marco.” she states bluntly, making me smile, as she rests her chin on my chest and her loving gaze finds mine. Framing her face in my hands, I bring her lips to mine in a soft, but longing kiss.
Letting go of the deep breath I’m holding; I stand up straight.
“Logan.” I shout out into the vastness of the room, my voice echoing of the walls.
“Yes boss.” He answers, walking towards us.
“Can you get Ethan looking into some new premises for me? Either an empty building or another club. If it’s not empty, then make an offer, but we’re moving.”
I turn from Logan as he pulls out his phone and back to Laura.
“This is a new start for us, Angel. As long as I have you, I can take on the world.”
“I don’t think you need me for that, Stef?”
“Probably not, but I feel more powerful with you at my side.”
“Take me home, Di Marco.”
With an arm around her back and one under her knees, I lift her into my arms and carry her out.
“Logan, lock up, I’ll wait at the car.”
One week later
“He’s awake.” Laura pops her head around the door into the waiting room. We’ve been up here every day. She has kept a vigil by Angelo’s bedside. Switching places with her mum. Her brothers have been here too, naturally worried about their brother, but also to question Laura about our relationship. I won’t be dictated to by anyone and I’ve assured them I’m not going to let her get hurt again. I didn’t have to say much; Laura beat me to it. I think she’s scarier than me at times. The only reason they haven’t come to me about our relationship is because they know who I am.
Standing from the uncomfortable seats in the waiting room, I grab my jacket and go inside. Doctor Beckett follows me in and does some examinations.
“Was everything sorted?” Angelo croaks out, as his roaming gaze lands on me. I glance at Martina, before stepping up to Angelo’s bed and bend to whisper in his ear.
“It’s handled.” With a smirk and a barely there nod of his head, I know he knows exactly what’s meant by that exclamation.
“Good to have you back, buddy.”
Laura rushes to his bedside and hugs him in a sort of fashion, putting her cheek on his.
“Oh my god Ang, I thought I’d lost you.”
“You’re not that lucky.” He meets my gaze and grins, “Who’s going to keep you two in line, if I’m not here?”
Laura sidles up and hugs me from the side. While wrapping my arm around her shoulder and tucking her into me. I then turn my focus back to Angelo.
“Anyway, I need you to get well, there’s big things happening.”
Raising his eyebrows at me, he waits for me to indulge him in my plans. I ignore his waiting impatience and rest my lips in the thickness of Laura’s hair, kissing her head and whisper to her...
“Shall we go home, princess?”
She turns her head up at me and nods.
“Hey. Are you not going to tell me then?”
“All in due course my friend. Get better first.”
Angelo frowns at us both, as Laura puts her fingers to her lips and blows her brother a kiss.
“Love you.”
Turning away from Angelo’s bedside, we say our goodbyes to everyone and Logan takes us home.
Chapter Forty-One
Laura
Three Months Later
“Have you ever thought about the future Stefano?”
I stare at his gorgeous face from across the table and wait for an answer. It’s Stefano’s birthday, he’s twenty-four today. I almost forgot, how I don’t know, but here we are sharing a wonderful meal.
So much has happened over the last few months, it’s hard to remember everything, but what I do know is that Stefano and I are stronger than ever.
The deep husk of his voice catapults me back to now. I can’t take my eyes off his
lips, as he speaks.
“The only thing I ever used to think about, was being as powerful as my father.”
It’s only hearing his reply that I remember what I actually asked him… He reaches across the table cupping my hands in his.
“Now though, the future, and you, are all I ever think about. As long as I have you...”
I can’t stop the smile, as it stretches across my face.
“What do you see?” I ask curiously.
A wicked grin crosses his handsome features as he answers.
“I see you and me. I see a family….”
As much as I’m screaming with happiness inside, I need to know if I’m his main priority. I don’t want to seem selfish, but I need this.
“You don’t think about the business?”
“Yeah, of course I do but, I’ve built it up. I did what I always promised I would. It’ll continue to grow, but it’s not as important to me as us. The new club is almost ready to be opened to the public. I’ve got a good security team. Things are looking good, princess.” He sighs heavily, but I’m not sure what’s going through his mind, before he speaks again…
“As much of a bastard my dad was, it was good that mum balanced us out. To her, family was always first and it always will be.” He pats the left side of his chest, “Luckily, I have mums good side.”
I smile, thankful that he has that. Now for the next factor in this deep conversation.
“Have you spoken to him?”
“No and I don’t intend to.” Stefano answers flatly. He never wants to speak about his dad. The night we got back from the hospital, he told me everything that happened earlier on in the day, when he’d spoken with his parents. I was in as much shock as he was, I think.
He untangles our fingers with a heavy sigh and leans back in his chair, not wanting to listen. Folding my forearms on the table, I look intently at him.