Page 278 of Ricardo

She looks down at our joined hands. “I don’t want to stay here today.”

“Julia—”

“I know this house is safer,” she says quickly. “I know that. But Dante is at the hospital, and if he wakes up, I want to be there.”

She continues before I can speak.

“I need to be there. Last night, I promised him that I'm still the same person. That I would not let another relationship change me or change what we have. Don't make me break that promise.”

Those words cut through every argument on my tongue.

I let out a sharp exhale. “All right.”

Her breath catches. “All right?”

“You will go to the hospital,” I say. “With me. With security. You will stay where I put you unless there is a reason to move. You will eat what you can. You will tell me if you feel sick, dizzy, or weak.”

“That’s a lot of conditions.”

“There will be more in the car.”

A small smile moves across her lips.

It nearly brings me to my knees.

“And the doctor?” she asks.

“I will arrange to have a proper test done at the hospital.”

Her hand covers mine where it still rests on her stomach.

I kiss her gently.

Then I offer her my hand.

“Come,” I say. “We go to Dante.”

Chapter Thirty Seven

Julia

The hospital looks different in daylight.

Last night, everything blurred beneath flashing lights and blood and voices I could not follow. This morning, the halls are full of ordinary movement. Nurses at computers. A man carrying coffee. A woman in a coat too thick for this time of year filling out paperwork. Someone laughing softly near the elevators, which feels strangely out of place here.

Ricardo keeps one hand at my back as we walk.

He does not rush me, though I know he wants to. He was already with Dante this morning, and he has been keeping updated over the phone constantly, but he would still rather be with Dante.

Two of Ricardo’s people walk ahead of us. Two more trail behind. And I know there's more I don't see. I know that it's necessary, and I suppose it's time I accept that this is my life now. Now that I'm carrying Ricardo's child, I'm always going to need protection.

But it's not quite so easy to accept.

Ricardo’s hand shifts slightly on my back.

“You’re pale.”

“I’m in a hospital.”