For three blissful months, the Falcone family enjoyed a period of complete peace. During this time, Remo proposed to Serafina, and Nino and Hope grew closer. Everything seemed perfect, but the tranquility was short-lived. Emerging threats began to s...
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(An ai version of Hope.)
I woke up to the sound of the door bursting open. Nino sat up instantly, alert for any threat. I, however, knew immediately it was Fina.
She ran to my side of the bed, hugging me tightly.
"Are you okay? I was so worried. What if that bullet had killed you? What were you thinking, going out without ensuring your safety? I—" Serafina rambled on without pause.
"I'm fine, I promise. It's just a small, teeny-tiny bullet wound," I interrupted her.
"I'm sorry. I tried to tell her you were resting," came Remo's voice. I looked up to see him leaning against the wall, holding Nevio, who was stretching his arms out to me.
"Hey, Nevio," I cooed, holding out my hand. Remo gently handed Nevio to me. I cradled him with my left arm while Serafina continued her interrogation about everything that had happened when I was shot.
I answered all her questions, explaining how I was out for a run when I suddenly heard a gunshot.
After about fifteen minutes, Serafina lifted a sleeping Nevio from my arms and left so I could rest some more.
I looked at Nino, whose eyes had been on me the whole time.
"Are you in pain, love?" he asked, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
"Not at all. Believe it or not, Nino, I've been through worse. Stab wounds, bullet wounds, broken ribs—you name it." I laughed at his concern.
"Well, that was the past. I'll make sure no one ever hurts you again," Nino promised.
"Aww, I love you so much, Nino."
I gently pushed him back and straddled his stomach. I leaned down, leaving wet kisses all over his face, trailing down his neck to his abs.
He grabbed my left hand and flipped us over, hovering above me.
Nino hovered over me, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and desire. He leaned down and kissed me softly, his lips brushing mine with tenderness.
"You scared me," he whispered against my lips.
"I'm sorry," I murmured, running my fingers through his hair. "I didn't mean to."
His expression softened, and he kissed me again, deeper this time. The warmth of his body pressed against mine was comforting, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
"We should take it easy," Nino said, breaking the kiss but not moving away. "You need to rest."
"I don't want to rest," I replied, my voice a husky whisper. "I want you."
Nino hesitated, looking into my eyes as if searching for any sign of pain or discomfort. Finding none, he smiled and kissed me again, his hands roaming over my body with gentle care.
"I love you," he said between kisses. "So much."
"I love you too," I replied, feeling a surge of emotion.
The tenderness of the moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Nino quickly moved off me, sitting up as the door creaked open.
Remo peeked in, looking apologetic. "Sorry to interrupt, but there's someone here to see you. It's important."
Nino helped me sit up, and I adjusted the blankets around me. "Who is it?"
"It's Dr. Alvarez. He wants to check on your wound," Remo explained.
I sighed, nodding. "Alright, send him in."
Dr. Alvarez entered the room, his medical bag in hand. He smiled warmly at me. "Good to see you awake. How are you feeling?"
"A bit sore, but otherwise fine," I replied.
He nodded, setting his bag down and pulling out his instruments. "Let's have a look at that wound."
As Dr. Alvarez examined me, Nino held my hand, his thumb gently stroking my skin. The doctor worked quickly and efficiently, changing the bandage and making sure there were no signs of infection.
"You're healing well," Dr. Alvarez said, smiling. "Just make sure to rest and take it easy for a few days."
"Thank you, Doctor," I said, grateful for his care.
As he left, Nino helped me settle back into bed. "Looks like you're stuck with me taking care of you for a while," he said with a playful grin.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," I replied, smiling back at him.
Nino lay down beside me, wrapping his arms around me protectively. "Get some rest, love. I'm not going anywhere."
With Nino by my side, I felt safe and cherished. I closed my eyes, letting the comfort of his presence lull me into a peaceful sleep.
