Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 79462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“Jayson!” Zach’s at my side with Domiano. I fall to one knee then topple over.
“Fuck,” I grunt. “Fuck. Fallon. Fuck.”
“We’ll get you back,” Zach says. “Dom, ready?”
They lift me up and carry me out.
I blink at the sky.
The stars, so bright and beautiful, but not as perfect as my wife.
Chapter 42
Fallon
I’m sick. My body’s sick. I can’t stop pacing back and forth across the hospital waiting room. Casey’s there with me, looking exhausted and haggard.
“Come sit down, sweetie. There’s nothing we can do right now. The best doctors in the country are in there right now.”
“This is my worst nightmare.”
“I know, honey, I know.”
“I just got him back.” I stare at Casey, tears streaming down my face. “I lost him, and I got him back, and now—”
“You won’t lose him again. Jayson’s a fighter.”
“I know, but—”
“Listen to me.” Casey struggles to her feet. Guilt pangs at me as she limps over and pulls me into her arms, hugging me tight. “He’s going to be okay. He’s a Costa brother, and they’re all indestructible.”
“I can’t lose him,” I whisper, struggling to keep myself from breaking apart.
Casey guides me back to the chairs and I sit down at her side, leaning on her shoulder. Costa men come and go, some of them speaking to me, all of them looking horrified. Zach apologizes profusely, begs me to forgive him, and I can barely do more than stare stupidly. Casey chases them all away.
An hour passes. Then another. Adler appears and sits on the other side of his wife, saying nothing. They share a tender moment, and I can see the real pain in the Don’s eyes.
Fuck him. I hope he suffers.
Another hour passes before the doctor appears. He’s a middle-aged man, dark skin, graying, thinning hair. “Mrs. Costa?” he asks, looking at me.
“Yes,” I say, sitting up straight. “Is Jayson okay?”
The doctor lets out a long breath and nods. “He’s going to be okay.”
I crumple and don’t hear what he says next. The relief is so painful I feel like I might throw up. It takes a few minutes before I calm down, and by then the doctor’s already gone.
Adler fills me in. “He got shot three times. Once in the vest. That saved his life. The other two hit him in the hip and in the guts. The doctors were cleaning his insides up to prevent infection, which is what took so long, but he’ll be okay.”
“Can I see him?”
“Soon,” Adler says. He stares at me for a long moment before dropping down to one knee. “Fallon. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want to hear that right now.”
“I understand you’re going to blame me. From what I hear, Jayson saved Zach’s life and took those bullets instead.”
“My stupid husband. He couldn’t help himself.”
“Your brave husband,” Adler gently corrects. He puts a hand on my shoulder. “Welcome to the family, Fallon. I’m sorry it happened under these circumstances.”
I break down into sobs, half in relief and half in pain.
Jayson grins at me from the bed. “Hey, baby. Why do you look stressed?”
“Don’t joke right now.” I hug him tight, peppering his face with kisses.
He grimaces. “Easy, babe. I’m fucked up right now.”
“Sorry,” I say, backing off with a gasp. “Shit, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay.” He takes my hand in his as I sit down at his bedside. Machines beep, but he’s whole, my Jayson is whole. “Doctors say I’m gonna be okay. The bullets missed the important stuff, thank God.”
“Adler told me what you did. I guess now I understand why Zach was so apologetic.”
He sighs and closes his eyes. His hand tightens on mine. “I’m sorry. I knew you’d be pissed when I did it, but I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror if I didn’t try to save his life. I can’t lose another one.”
I lean forward and take his face in my hands. “Look at me. Jayson, I love you so much, and I love you even more for being the man you are. I’m proud of you. Don’t ever fucking do something like that again.”
He grins and accepts my gentle kiss. “I hope I never have to.”
“I guess that’s the best I’ll get.”
Casey comes into the room a little while later followed by Adler. “The kids will come visit in a few days, once you’re feeling a little stronger,” she says, patting Jayson’s shoulder. “Erick and Conlan are flying in to make sure you’re okay.”
Jayson groans. “They’re coming back? Fucking hell.”
“They love you, don’t be so surprised.” I keep on holding his hand, and he squeezes me tightly.
“The whole Costa family, back in one place again.” He sighs and looks at the ceiling. “What a mess.”
Then a hush falls over the room as Nessa enters. She walks primly to the bed, wearing a chic pantsuit that makes her look austere. Her eyes are red-rimmed though, and she looks tired.