𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 |𝟏𝟖+|

44

Miguel Raffetò POV

We were on the road by midday.

And after three hours, we were pulling up at the hospital where Carson was currently at.

The whole journey I felt this impending doom hanging over my head, and no matter how hard I tried to convince Etta that she didn't have to come with me to the hospital, she wouldn't budge.

She wanted to be there for me, was what she replied with each time. Because she's kindhearted like that.

I took Etta's hand in mine as we walked through the hospital doors, heading to the elevator once the receptionist told us which floor.

"Migs, don't forget to breathe." Curling her arms around my waist, she rested her head against my heart.

I kissed her head, not having it in me to say that Carson wasn't the only reason I was scared shitless.

The doors pinged open and we were walking from hallway to hallway before familiar faces came into view.

Rome and Zero gave me knowing looks about Etta being here, and it was all I could do not to wince.

Pollie immediately rushed to Etta and hugged her, dragging her to some chairs as I stayed with the guys.

"Tanner and Chase are in with him at the moment. The poor fucker was shot 5mm from his liver. He's one lucky bastard." Zero spoke lowly, careful not to be too loud.

I leant against the wall for stability. "Well that lucky bastard should've been me."

Z leaned against the wall beside me as Romeo blocked the girls from view. "I've had words with my brother, he should've never have involved you in the first place. You should've told us Guel."

I shook my head. "Tell me you wouldn't have done the same. I argued with him about it but you should've seen the stress he was under. I knew I couldn't turn a blinder, but in hindsight. I fucking should have."

"I'm grateful you helped him Migs, I just wish he would've took a moment to comprehend how difficult leaving that lifestyle was."

I shrugged, knowing there was nothing I could do about it now.

Zero cleared his throat and kept his voice down. "What does Etta know?"

This time I couldn't hide my wince. "Just that Carson got caught in an armed robbery."

They swore under their breaths, Romeo shutting on his feet as he checked we weren't be overheard. "And what exactly, is your plan here brother?"

My silence said it all. So did the tears now forming in my eyes.

Zero tugged me into him, Rome trying his best to shield my pathetic self from Etta. But before he blocked the view completely, I saw the girls watching before Pollie lead Etta away.

Five minutes later and I spoke the words aloud.
"I have to break it off." I said, feeling empty as I sat slumped against the wall with my two brothers.

"You know, you could tell her of your past Migs." I shot Rome a glare but he continued. "Pollie found out eventually, didn't she? And whilst yeah, that shit was messy and I'm glad it's in the past. She came around in the end."