Laughter shook my body, causing Ryan to jump off my stomach where he’d been peacefully napping.
SASHA:Poor baby. What’d shedothis time?
SCOTT:She said it was cute that Luca was giving so much “new talent” a chance. She hoped we wouldn’t blow it.
My body flushed with anger. Both Scott and I worked damn hard to be where we were. In fact, we were both on the cusp of being on the same tier as AxelLapusan. The buzz surrounding SA Designs BEFORE we got the Moretti contract had been growing.
SASHA:Bitch is just jealous. She’s her dad and Luca’s lap dog. She’s a law degree playing paralegal.
Scott sent a gif of an explosion.
SCOTT:You’re right, but you still owe me.
SASHA:Fine, next late-nightmeal’son me.
SCOTT:Perfect.
Dropping my phone on the coffee table, I snuggled into the couch and watched an ancient, terrifying man try to get with a pretty-young thing.
In classic day drinking fashion, I passed out on the couch. Rolling off, I woke up to Netflix asking if I was still watching and four missed calls and one voicemail from a local number.
Switching off the TV, I started the long trek upstairs to bed. As the voicemail played, my heart raced.
“Ms. Mitchell. This is Officer Russo with the St. Louis Police Department. Please give me a callback—”
I immediately pulled the phone from my face and hit call back on the number. I stood on the stairs, waiting for the officer to answer. After three rings, they finally picked up.
“Officer Russo.”
“Uh, hi. I’m returning your call. This is Sasha Mitchell.”
“Ms. Mitchell, I was calling regarding Luca Moretti. You’re listed as his emergency contact?”
My heart fell. The lump in my throat made speaking difficult, but I squeaked out a yes.
“I’m sorry to inform you that Mr. Moretti sustained multiple gunshot wounds tonight during an alleged mugging outside the Emerald Nightclub. He’s currently at Barnes-Jewish hospital receiving care. I would advise youtomake your way down as soon as you can.”
“Is he . . .” I couldn’t say the words. Luca had been shot, and I couldn’t even ask how bad the damage was. I stared at the picture of him and Dante, promising myself if he was okay, I would give him all the little Lucas andSashashe wanted. At that moment,it was clear that Luca was my future, my life.
“He’s stable, Ms. Mitchell.”
Tears spilled from my eyes, my whole body shaking with both relief and fear for Luca. I couldn’t control the sobs that racked my chest. Swallowing down the bile rising in my throat, I calmed my breathing.
“I’ll be there soon. Thank you,Officer Russo.”
Quickly, I grabbed my purse and rushed to Adriana’s door. After knocking for what felt like an eternity, I gave up and ran to my car. I would call her when I got to the hospital. My first concern was seeing Luca.
Driving like a bat out of hell, I made it to Barnes in fifteen minutes. I parked in the garage, and then it hit me.
Why was Luca in St. Louis?
THIRTEEN
I don’t remember making it into the hospital or asking for Luca’s room information. I don’t remember the elevator I must’ve taken to the floor or navigating through the maze of hallways.
Why was Luca in St. Louis?
Slow, plodding feet dragged me through the sitting area like my body knew only bad things were waiting for me. Like my feet were trying to save me from my future.