Marino's Heir

Chapter 27

After the shocking news they heard from the doctor, Ryder turned to them. He saw Cleo standing away with her arms crossed, waiting for him to say something. She was far enough to not hear anything, and he knew why. He didn't show her any emotion instead he held Natasha and looked at Aurelia. "Nat. Look at me." She was shocked and didn't believe it. She was on verge of breaking. "Eyes on me, Nat!" He moved her shoulders and she looked at him. "Do not blink a tear-" he whispered then took a deep breath. "-In front of Cleo." She nodded. "Smile? Anything. Run. Just hold it. He's fine. He's strong." She smiled, holding herself from crying and agreeing with him. "Okay?" He asked. "Yes. Yes. Okay." She exhaled and walked slowly sitting down. She looked at Cleo who was already staring at her in confusion. She gulped and looked away, trying to maintain herself. Natasha has always been the easiest to trigger. She was the youngest. She was the sweetest of them all. The sensitive angel. It never worked for her, to control her emotions, her heartbeat and her tears. She suffered way too much to be able to control her breakdowns now. Especially that it's her dearest friends that are slowly going away and she has nothing to do. She took a deep breath and crossed her hands to her. All she can do is pray.

Ryder turned to Aurelia as Natasha sat down. Aurelia looked at him carelessly knowing exactly what'll he say. He nodded at her. "Just don't." She raised her eyebrows. "Just give her a Godamn break." He stepped closer to her and whispered. "She's literally staring at us right now. Do you think she's dumb? She'll know eventually. When Boss know, he'll freakin attack her about it before I do." He looked at Cleo then groaned taking Aurelia's arm and walking away. "Ryder." Before they could take another step, Cleo called. He gulped and looked at Aurelia. She rolled her eyes. "Hm?" He turned to her. "What did the doctor say?" Aurelia laughed sarcastically as she asked. She snatched her arm away from his hand and turned to her. "You-Non osare!"Ryder stopped her before she could say anything. Cleo turned to him in confusion. She still didn't learn Italian; it didn't make any sense. Why would he speak Italian right now unless? he's hiding something?!

Ryder looked at her and smiled then at Aurelia. "Jason is fine. I just remembered something I had to talk to her about. I'll update you later." He said and smiled again. Then took Aurelia away from Cleo. "Sure..."

She knew something was wrong, but she didn't want to admit it. So, she believed him. Jason was fine. That's all she told herself. She sat down beside Natasha and as she did, Natasha faked a smile right away. "It's great news, isn't it?!" She put her arm on Cleo's shoulder and rubbed her arm with a hand. "Yeah?" Cleo smiled as well, pretty sure that this isn't her friend's true smile. Even if she tried, her eyes don't lie, they can never lie. "So, how is he?" she dropped her smile as Cleo asked. "He's our perfect man, he'll be fine. Will probably be awake by tomorrow; he just needs rest." Nat replied to her and smiled again. "Really?" Almost convinced, Cleo asked almost happy. "Mhm." A phone rang and it was Nat's, she nodded at Cleo and smiled than ran answering the call.

She sat in silence, looking at the ground. Hoping that Nat was being honest. And Jason is really going to be fine. In a minute, Ryder came running. "Cleooo, we have to go. Now!" She got up and went to him as soon as he shouted her name. "What?! What's the rush?" He held her hand and started running. "You have to get out of here!" He said and stopped at the elevator. He pushed the button several times in a hurry. "What about Nat?!" He looked at her, out of breath and before he could speak...

The elevator opened, with the side of his eye, he saw them before they recognized her. "CLEO GO GO GO!!!" Two men took out guns and started firing. He held then pushed her down and started running with her, protecting her. People started screaming and running everywhere. "STAIRS THIS WAY!" They took a turn and Ryder opened the door as she ran down the stairs. They followed them but before they could open the door, Ryder took out his gun and started firing every time the door opens. "RYDER!" "GO I'M AFTER YOU!" she ran down the stairs and reached the first floor. He followed her. They got out of the hospital, and as they did some guy showed up with a car. "Get in!" Ryder said as he opened the door and pushed her in. Before he got in, the two men ran out and started shooting at them again. He drove the car at full speed and got out of there.