Page 42 of Loving the Enemy
Alex raises his hands and says, “Hell, I’m just along for the ride. I got nothing.”
“Good. I’m gonna go spend some time with Zaira and then I’m gonna go to the hospital. I’ll be back when visiting hours are over, and we can deal with Darius.”
“Sounds good,” Ricco replies. “I’ll go get Gio.”
I leave my office and search for Zaira. I go up to her room, but it’s empty.Where could she be?I figured she would want to stay in her room today, but I guess I was wrong. I run back down the stairs and turn the corner, heading toward the dining room. I don’t get very far when I run right into her, knocking her against the archway of the dining room.
Grabbing hold of her arm to ensure she doesn’t fall over, I ask, “Are you okay? I didn’t see you.”
Righting herself, she replies, “I’m fine. I was just coming to see if you were done with your meeting.”
“I am, and I was just coming to find you. I went to your room, but obviously you weren’t there.”
“I came down for breakfast. Dina fixed a wonderful omelet for me—I assume from your instructions.”
I smile.
“So are you ready to talk?”
“I am. Where would you like to go? I know how you love the patio, but I’m sure you have already noticed it’s really not at its best.”
“I did! What happened?”
“The night you were kidnapped, Gallardi sent us a message. They flew in by helicopter and opened fire on the house. Luckily, I heard the chopper approaching, and we had enough time to get the guests inside. The only thing Darius did right was get you out before it all happened. He obviously knew it was coming.”
“Oh, Michael, that’s horrible. The damage is awful. The men who took me said they attacked, but I didn’t know what they were talking about. So I assume nobody got hurt?” she asks.
“No, not from the gunfire, but my father had an attack in the midst of it all. We thought it was his heart, but it ended up being pancreatitis. They are keeping him in the hospital for a few days, but he could be home as early as tomorrow.”
“I was wondering why I didn’t see any of the family this morning. I’m glad he’s gonna be okay.”
“Yeah, me too. One less thing to worry about.” I pause as an awkward silence settles between us. “So, you wanted to talk?”
“Since we can’t go out on the patio, can we go someplace more private?”
“Of course. How about my office?” I suggest.
“Perfect,” she replies. She turns and heads down the hallway toward my office, and I follow behind. I’m not really looking forward to this talk even though I know it has to be done. I get the feeling Zaira want to reconcile, which is what I want too, but dammit, I have to know she is all in this time. I can’t let her jump back in only to jump back out a couple months later because she’s changed her mind. My heart can’t take it. I brace myself for what’s to come and ensure my guard is up and ready.
