Book two of 'The Vengeance Duology'
Five years ago, the lads and I made the biggest mistake of our lives-a reckless decision that shattered everything.
We destroyed what mattered most, but my deepest regret is how much I hurt her.
Every moment of pa...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Stay with me, Valentina," I murmur, but she doesn't respond. Her head droops, and I can feel my heart racing as dread pools in my stomach.
Before I can think, I scoop her up into my arms and rush toward my car, the chaotic sounds of the city fading into a blur. I buckle her into the passenger seat, my mind racing with the uncertainty of what's to come.
"Just hold on," I whisper, my voice barely audible over the roar of the engine as I slam the pedal down, the tires screeching against the asphalt.
I glance over at Valentina, slumped in the passenger seat, her eyelids fluttering as if they're heavy with an unbearable weight. "Don't you fucking dare, Valentina," I murmur, my voice cracking. She barely opens her eyes, just a fleeting glimpse of her usual spark.
"Just hold on, please," I plead, pressing the gas pedal to the floor, my heart racing as I navigate the chaotic streets toward the hospital. This isn't just any hospital; it's a hidden sanctuary, one I've set up for our people, a place that won't alert the FBI.
I tell the car to call Nicco, and it rings just once before he picks up. "What's going on, Alessio?" His voice is steady, but I can hear the underlying concern.
"Go to the hospital now, and ring Jacques" I say, my gaze flicking to Valentina again. Her eyes are fluttering shut, and a sickening fear grips my chest. "Amour, open your fucking eyes!"
"Baby, please," I whisper, my heart sinking as I watch her struggle. "You can't leave me like this." I can almost feel the warmth of her hand slipping away from mine.
Nicco's voice breaks through my panic. "We're on our way," he says urgently, and I hear the tension in his words before he ends the call.
"You're not allowed to leave me like this amour, I won't allow you to leave us like this. This isn't how our story is supposed to end"
The silence in the car is deafening, filled only with the sound of her shallow breathing. "You have to hold on for me," I whisper, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "You've fought so hard... don't give up now."
Every second feels like an eternity as I race toward the hospital, and I can't shake the fear that if I don't get her there in time, I might lose her forever. My grip on the wheel tightens, and I feel a heaviness in my chest that I can't shake off. "Please, Valentina. Just stay with me."
Finally, I pull up to the hospital, my heart racing as I spot the lads waiting outside. The moment they see me jump out of the car, they're sprinting toward me, panic etched on their faces. I rush to the passenger door, swinging it open, and lift Valentina out quickly. She's limp, but I can feel her faint breaths against my arm.
"What happened?" Gio chokes out, his eyes wide with fear.
I don't answer him. I can't. I just run inside, desperation driving every step. "Boss!" the man at the front calls out, his voice steady, but I can see the concern in his eyes.
