Page 110 of Ruthless Vow
She nods. Understands.
The monitor’s rhythm has changed. Stronger now. The intervals between beats tighter, more certain.
“We both saved him,” I say.
Giada looks at me. Her mother’s eyes in her father’s face. Exhaustion etched in every line.
“Sisters do that.”
My eyes sting. I can’t speak.
Sisters.
“Sisters,” I repeat.
Giada’s smile wavers. And then it fades. Her eyes go distant. Haunted. Looking at a ghost I can’t see.
“Giada?”
She blinks. Shakes her head.
“Sorry. I’m just tired.”
But it’s not nothing. I saw that look earlier. When she was cross-referencing the compound. When she wouldn’t answer my question.
The look isn’t for Dante. It’s for someone else. Someone I haven’t met.
I don’t push. Not now. Not after everything. But I tuck it away for later. Another piece of a puzzle I don’t have the edges for yet.
The first gray light of dawn creeps through the windows.
Dante’s hand twitches in mine.
I look down. Hold my breath.
His fingers curl. Weak but deliberate. Finding mine.
The numbers on the monitor blur. Nothing matters except the pressure of his grip.
“Giada.”
She’s already moving. Checking the monitors. Leaning close.
His eyes flutter. Don’t open. But they flutter.
“He’s coming back.” Giada’s voice is tight. “It might take hours. But he’s fighting.”
He’s fighting.
I bring his hand to my lips. Kiss his knuckles.
“That’s it,” I whisper. “Come back to me.”
The monitor beats on. Steady. Strong.
I don’t let go.
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