Grazia
I can’t imagine the terror Olivia went through. She hasn’t said much, but from the moment she sees Felicia, Cara, and me, she begins chanting, “I’m okay, I’m okay.” Felicia doesn’t hesitate to hug her close, and that’s when the release of pent-up emotions explodes into vicious tears streaming down her face. We all end up in a group hug, Cara, being the youngest, but also the most petite, trying to envelop us all.
Olivia’s not okay. She has a black eye and a fat lip, and her ankle is wrapped up. That’s only the outer wounds. Emotionally, I’m not sure how she is, and that worries me. I catch a glimpse of her father, Orlando, his brow furrowed, his head hanging low. Nero and Luciano pull him aside to speak to him in a low tone, and eventually, he raises his eyes to his daughter, who’s still in our arms, and nods to whatever they’re sharing with him.
Felicia breaks the group hug. “Let’s get you out of these clothes and showered.” She cups Olivia’s cheek.
“Antonio?” she whispers.
“He’s being spoiled and pampered by his grandparents. He’s going to be a terror in the morning, but I’m staying right here tonight,” Felicia responds firmly, then guides her through the hallway and into her room.
Cara and I make our way over to the men. “How are you holding up?” I ask Orlando.
His sad eyes stare back. “Better when we end this.” He’s clearly angry. “This is my fault.”
“She wasn’t alone,” Nero says. “We found your man, he fought hard, but it was three against one. He ran with her. He fought to give her time to escape. They left him for dead. He’s the most critical, two shots to the gut. Doc’s still not sure if he’ll make it.”
Not wanting for Cara to hear anymore, I say, “Cara, sweetie, you know how much Olivia loves your tea. Could you make her some? We’ll take it in as soon as Felicia gives us the word.” I wink at her. Cara smiles brightly. She wants to be of help and is struggling to find her place in our world. Shy and quiet, she’s not like others her age. She’s so much more intelligent that she just doesn’t seem to fit in with the girls from school. She takes off to find the kitchen.
I gently pull Luciano to the side, taking his arm and walking a few feet away. I need to know, need to ask, just to be prepared. “Did Donato do anything…” I trail off, hoping my pleading gaze says it all.
“From what Sebastian told me, beside the initial hits from her fighting them off, Donato had a little fun touching her inappropriately, but didn’t go further. Donato promised virgins to his client,” he says with disgust.
Thank God for that, I’m thinking. Still, to be at the mercy of the jerk and knowing he was planning on selling her to the highest bidder must have been terrifying. “Sebastian?” I ask, tilting my head to one side. How the hell did he end up taking care of her with a slew of La Famiglia men present?
“He saw Ghost lose his shit and was the first across the room to shield her and the other woman they kidnapped. Once she latched on, she wouldn’t let go. We didn’t think it prudent to create more drama for her and had Sebastian deliver her to the doc for a once-over. Olivia didn’t want her father to see her broken like she was, so Sebastian helped get her cleaned up and somewhat presentable for her father.” Luciano shakes his head. “The ice worked wonders, but the bruises are going to be around for a while. Orlando’s not handling this too well.”
“I’m so grateful he didn’t rape her,” I whisper, for his ears only.
“But he would have if Ghost didn’t insist on virgins,” Luciano says harshly. “Orlando wants blood, and he will get it.”
Just then, Felicia pops her head back in the room, giving me the look that says it’s time to rally around our girl. I call out to Cara, who rushes back in with a mug in hand. I kiss Luciano on the cheek. “Thank you for bringing her home.”
Luciano
After checking in to see that Donato and the two Russians are secure and are being watched throughout the night, I sit with Nero and Orlando. Orlando is on his third scotch, and Nero is nursing his glass. We let an hour pass before deciding we need to check in on our women.
The three of us stand dumbfounded at the sight of the four of them, all nestled in, holding Olivia in her bed. Cara is tightly wedged next to Olivia in the middle, with Felicia cuddled in beside her best friend, and Grazia on the other side.
Nero and I walk to our wives, and before we reach their sides, they are already shaking their heads.
“We’re not leaving her tonight,” Felicia says.
“She needs us, honey,” Grazia says. “Family takes care of each other. What if she wakes up and is scared?”
I bend at the waist and kiss Grazia’s hair. “Famiglia per sempre.” I recite our family motto. Family forever.
“For life,” she whispers back.
Nero doesn’t fight it either, tossing a blanket at the end of the bed over them.
Once out the door, leaving it ajar so we can keep an ear open if they need us, Nero speaks up. “I guess we’re staying the night.”
“I can look after them,” Orlando states.
“And we are looking after our family. You’re family, so we’re staying.” I’m able to produce a genuine smile for them both.