"When she wanted to get pregnant so quickly after losing our first child, I agreed. I thought it was the best way for her to get over her grief. I never thought—" The tendons of his throat flex. "I never thought it would endanger her life. Never thought it would come to her fighting for her life. If something were to happen to her—"
"Nothing’s going to happen to her," a new voice says from the doorway. "Not if I can help it."
Michael swivels to face the new arrival. All of our eyes are locked on the man who steps through the doorway. I recognize Dr. Weston Kincaid from my investigator’s reports. Like I said, I’m thorough when it comes to researching who I’m working with.
Michael prowls over to him. "How is she? Is she okay?"
"She’s fine. She had a bad scare, but she’s resting now."
"Is she going to be okay?"
Weston hesitates. "For now."
"What do you mean, for now? Is she still in danger."
"Being pregnant with her heart condition means she is always going to be in some level of danger. This time, she was lucky, and hopefully, there won’t be any further episodes until she gives birth."
"And if there are—?" Michael’s voice trembles. "What if—"
"Let’s not speculate, shall we?" Weston claps him on his shoulder. "For now, why don’t you come back and take a look at your wife? And when you’re done, why don’t you come by my office and we can talk? We’ll come up with a care plan for your wife to minimize the possibility of this happening again during her pregnancy."
"Thanks for seeing me home." Lena glances up at me from inside the doorway of the house she’s currently occupying. A house I personally inspected to make sure it would be comfortable and secure for her. If I had security cameras installed around the perimeter, and I’m not saying I did, that’s me watching out for her. That’s all.
"Are you going to be okay?" I survey her features. There are dark circles under her eyes. Her cheekbones seem to stand out in relief. "When was the last time you ate?"
As if in response, her stomach grumbles. She laughs a little. "That wasn’t embarrassing at all."
"Is there food at home? Should I order some for you? I—"
"I’m fine, JJ. Really. It wasn’t me who almost lost my child again."
Karma and the baby were going to be fine. Summer also wanted to meet with Dr. Kincaid, so Sinclair had gone with her and Michael. Karma’s brush with death had changed the dynamics of the relationship between Michael and Sinclair completely. Summer wanted to be there for her sister, and Sinclair wanted to support Summer. Lena and I waited outside Dr. Weston’s office as the three of them met with him.
When they came out, Summer informed Lena that Karma would stay in the hospital under observation. Michael insisted on staying with her, and Summer and Sinclair were going to arrange to have clothes and food delivered to him. Also, once Karma was better, she was going to move back into their rental near Summer’s place. Karma and Michael were going to stay in London until the baby was born so Karma could also be near Summer.
Summer and Lena hugged, with Lena promising Summer she’d be over to visit. Considering Lena stays in a bungalow on the grounds of their home, that’s going to be sooner rather than later. Oh, and I told Michael I’d be there in his corner if he needs anything.
Michael held my gaze, then ignoring my proffered arm, he’d hugged me. Huh? Apparently even a Mafia Don needs people around him in times of crises. He told me his brothers were on their way to keep him company in the hospital, but he appreciated the offer. Then, he turned to Lena and thanked her for being there for Karma.
As I left with Lena, I ran into Luca and Adrian, who were on their way to stay with Michael. Adrian was on his phone issuing orders—to his team, no doubt—to block out the floor and have security posted around it. The right thing to do. The Sovranos might be turning legit, but their past would always dog their heels. I should know. I harbored the same concern. And when it comes to my woman, I’ll stop at nothing to make sure she’s safe.
"Do you want to come in?"
I blink, glance down at the features which are imprinted in my retinas, on my brain tissue, in my blood cells, in every fiber of my body. The face that haunts my dreams and stalks my every waking moment. Also, because I can’t resist pulling up the security app on my phone and watching the live feeds of her to reassure myself she’s safe.
Yeah, my comment earlier about not resorting to the amateur tactics of having eyes on her? Disregard that. Turns out, when it comes to her, I’ll do anything to keep her safe. If it had been her in that hospital, if it had been her who’d had that scare, if it had been her who’d have to be monitored for every single second of her pregnancy to ensure that she made it through safely and after, to make certain that she was okay… To be honest, I’m not sure how I’d be able to survive. The constant fear that something could happen to her, something that’s out of my control, something I could do nothing about except watch her keenly, keep her as close as possible, lavish as much attention on her as possible… And act as if every day, every minute, every second with her is a precious gift I’ll never take for granted.
"JJ?" She frowns. "Did you hear what I said?"
I open my mouth to speak, but my throat is too dry. My brain cells seem to have all fused together. My guts clench. A shiver grips me, and all of the pores on my body pop.
I must make a sound, for her gaze widens. "JJ, you okay?"
I bend my knees, snatch her up, and throw her over my shoulder.
56
Lena