Giovan

shed forward, carrying the unconscious woman int

g deep gashes and bruises. Her head lolled to the side as they laid her on the st

nurses stammered, visib

wing close behind as they wheel

chaos around me. The moment we entered, the staff seemed to freeze, their eyes d

le," I ordered sharply. "I wa

se said, her voice trembli

, his face pale, still

id without t

Don Gi

nded. "Her name, her family, why she was

ied, bowing his head slightly befor

ckly to stop the bleeding. I watched silently from th

ly, one of the doctors approached me

e respectful. "We've moved her t

ly. "Good. Le

lked briskly through the sterile hallways. The

tal bed, her face pale but peaceful. Bandages covered her

dying her. Who was she? And why did

ind me, and Luca entered,

autiously. "I've gathered

not taking my e

wenty-four years old. Recently returned to Los Angeles. From what

ly?" I asked,

hospital," Luca continued. "It seems he suffe

m the bed. My head snapped toward her as her e

e Loren

rsh white light above me. My head throbbed, and

m I?" I murmured,

ital," a deep voice

uit stood at the foot of the bed. His face was partially h

ou?" I stammered,

ovanni," he

d, my voice rising slightl

my car," he repli

emory began to surface. Running.

ered, my hands clutching the s

ry's,"

nch to the gut. St. Mary'

uptly. Pain shot through my leg, but

ep forward. "You need to

e blanket off me. "I need to

jured leg protested. The moment my feet hit t

" Brayden called aft

rs streaming down my fa

" he asked, his foots

repeating it like a mantra. "My father...

esence looming behind me. "Luca," he said qu

Don Gi

medical bills are," he ordered

s,

n. My mind was consumed by one t

r. "My father," I said, my voice frantic. "Where is he? Mr. Lor

er fingers flying across the keyboard.

d softly. "We lost h

ense at first. I stared

ead. "No, that's not true.

gently, her eyes filled w

nees buckled, and darkness began t

ing I heard before I felt strong arms catch