Chapter 21

21

SCARLET

I sat in the chair by the hospital bed, my eyes fixed on Cristian's still form. The steady beep of the heart monitor filled the sterile room, a constant reminder that he was alive, if only barely. Three days had passed since the Russos' retaliation, and the weight of everything that had happened pressed down on me.

Tyrone had been a whirlwind of activity, systematically dismantling what remained of the Russo family. The last of them were gone now, their empire crumbling. Those who'd survived had fled the city, leaving behind a vacuum that the Silvestris were all too eager to fill. They were claiming their assets and buildings, distributing them to the other families they were allied with where they felt comfortable doing so. All stuff Tyrone had shared in his brief visits before he was off again to deal with everything.

I hadn't told Tyrone about the pregnancy yet. It didn't feel right, not with Cristian lying here, unconscious and fighting for his life. Only Julian knew, and he'd kept my secret, understanding the delicate nature of the situation.

My hand found its way to Cristian's, careful not to disturb the IV lines. His skin felt cool beneath my touch, so different from the warmth I'd grown accustomed to. I thought back to the weeks before the attack, how he'd been trying so hard to change, to make amends for his past actions.

The gifts, the constant attention, the way he'd doted on me - it had all been his attempt to prove himself worthy. And now, here he lay, having taken bullets protecting me. He'd taken care of me, just as he'd promised.

"You dickhead," I whispered, my voice cracking. "How dare you go and get shot right now?"

A lump formed in my throat as I remembered the moment he'd been shot. The look of determination on his face, the way he'd shielded me with his body without hesitation. Even as he fell, his only concern had been for me and the baby.

The baby. My free hand drifted to my stomach. A life Cristian had nearly died to protect, even in those first moments of knowing about it.

Hell, he could still die. The thought wormed its way through me as I ground my teeth.

"You need to wake up," I said, squeezing his hand gently. "You hear me? You don't get to check out now, not after everything. Not when..."

I trailed off, unable to finish the thought. The future stretched out before me, uncertain and frightening. I'd accepted this life, embraced the darkness that came with being part of the Silvestri family. But now, faced with the prospect of losing Cristian, I felt adrift. Tyrone and Julian wouldn't handle his death with ease. I could imagine Tyrone walling himself off, becoming colder, while Julian, well, I dared to think he'd start to withdraw, find a focus. Losing him would shatter what we had, changing everything.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. Julian entered, his face a mask of concern.

"Any change?" he asked, moving to stand beside me.

I shook my head. "Nothing yet."

Julian's hand came to rest on my shoulder, a comforting weight. "He's strong, Scarlet. He'll pull through."

"He has to," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

I leaned back in the chair, the weight of exhaustion settling over me. Julian's presence was a comfort, one I was deeply grateful for. He'd been my rock these past few days, a steady anchor while everything else seemed to be falling apart. We'd slept together in the pullout bed in this room, his arms around me as we'd listened to Cristian's monitors, praying for a change. Their soft beeps would haunt me as I drifted off, my hope waning. He'd braided my hair a few times, seeming to take note that playing with my hair helped ease me, and I was more grateful for it than he'd ever know.

Little Kenny couldn't be at the hospital, so he was at home with one of the Silvestri men looking after him.

"You should eat something," Julian said, his voice soft but insistent. "I can grab you a sandwich from the cafeteria."

I shook my head, but he wasn't taking no for an answer. It had been like this since we arrived at the hospital. Julian had made it his mission to ensure I was taking care of myself, even when I couldn't muster the energy to do so.

"I'll grab you one."

"Thanks," I mumbled as I watched Cristian's chest rise and fall while Julian left the room.

As soon as we'd reached the hospital, he'd insisted I get checked out. The stress of the attack, the revelation of my pregnancy, and Cristian's injury - it had all taken its toll. The doctor had assured us that the baby was fine, but stressed the importance of rest and proper care. It was still early days, they'd said. Take it easy.

Julian returned with a sandwich and a bottle of water. He pulled up a chair next to mine, offering me the sandwich before cracking the bottle open and taking a gulp.

"Any word from Tyrone?" I asked, picking at the sandwich.

Julian shook his head. "He's still tying up loose ends. Making sure there's no chance of another attack."

I nodded, understanding the necessity but missing Tyrone's presence all the same. Julian had been incredible, but there was a completeness when all three brothers were together. Cristian needed it right now.

"There'll be nothing left of the Russos soon, if not today," Julian said, his eyes meeting mine. "Tyrone won't allow this to stand, not with what's at stake now."

His gaze flickered to my stomach, and I felt a rush of emotion. Julian had taken the news of my pregnancy in stride, immediately shifting into protective mode. He'd been there since that moment, by my side, while Tyrone went off to protect us from threats outside.

"Thank you," I whispered, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "For everything."

"That's my job, pyro. Cristian would be pissed if I didn't too," he said with a small smile and wink before he sobered. "I'm here for you, always."

I nodded and focused back on Cristian. "Stuck in a coma again, he's going to be pissed when he wakes up." I said, not wanting to even contemplate the thought of him not waking.

He'd pulled through before, he could do it again.

Julian fished his phone from his pocket as it sounded off, answering the call.

"Got it." He said with a nod before hanging up. "Tyrone is on his way here, wants me to meet him downstairs, needs to share some details with me and have me look over some things. He'll come up after to see you," he shared, those dark eyes heavy.

"Should I tell him now?" I asked softly, my stomach knotting. Would he be upset I'd not told him?

"He said the last of the stuff involving the Russos is getting sorted, so we can rest easy knowing that they're no longer an issue, and the other families are in line," he said to reassure me. "So I think it's safe to tell him now."

I'd not wanted to tell him for fear it would affect him while he was trying to get everything sorted, especially since he had Cristian's condition weighing heavily on him already.

"Okay." I nodded softly, and he kissed my cheek before he rose and headed out.

I sat there, lost in thought, for what felt like an eternity as I watched Cristian. The steady beep of the monitors had become a constant companion, almost hypnotic in its rhythm. The door creaked open, startling me. Tyrone strode in, his face a mask of barely contained anger.

His eyes locked onto Cristian's still form, and I saw his jaw clench. "Fucking hell," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

"Any news?" I asked quietly. Tyrone, despite not being present, was the one speaking with the doctors the most, barking at them when he was here, and speaking with them on the phone when he wasn't. Julian had said he was getting more information than he was, especially since he was the one flying in specialists from all over.

Tyrone shook his head, his gaze never leaving his brother. "The specialist's flying in again today. Some of the doctors seem hopeful, but..." He trailed off, frustration evident in every line of his body.

I swallowed hard, gathering my courage. "How come he hasn't woken yet?"

Tyrone finally turned to me, his expression softening slightly. "His injuries were severe, Scarlet, remember what the doctor said? He was in surgery for a long time." He paused, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Honestly, I'm surprised at my brother's ability to keep on kicking. He's refusing to die, the stubborn bastard."

"Good, I want him to be around. He needs to wake up," I said as I got to my feet. "Tyrone, I need to tell you something."

He frowned as he stood before me, all tall and imposing in his suit. Tyrone, the big, bad mafia boss who'd just wiped out an entire mafia family essentially, dismantling them completely.

But also the man who was a part of my future now. And possibly the father of the life growing inside of me.

He watched me, waiting for me to continue as I sucked in a breath and jutted out my chin.

"I took a test, I'm pregnant," I said, bracing myself as I stared at him.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but the softness that touched his features as a smile spread across his face was more than welcome.

"Pregnant," he breathed as he closed the space between us, touching my stomach softly. "A little Silvestri."

His smile faltered as he glanced at Cristian, his brow furrowing.

"He knew. I told him right before…" I left my words trail off as Tyrone swallowed and nodded before focusing on me.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"You had a lot going on, wiping out the Russos, divvying up their assets, handling all that headache inducing stuff, along with Cristian…"

"You didn't want to mess with my head more," he said knowingly as he cupped my cheek. "I won't lie, it may have played on my mind. This is the best news I could hope for right now." He pressed his lips to my forehead, and I relaxed as he pulled me into his broad chest, holding me tight.

"I just want him to wake up, that's the news I want," I mumbled into his chest. "Despite everything he's done, I don't want to lose him. I…" I what? I cared about him? He'd declared his love for me, but was that something I felt in return? Not yet, but it could be growing. I had a fondness for him despite everything. Especially now.

"He will," Tyrone said firmly. "He's too stubborn to die on us, not when he could be a father."

I smiled and hugged him tight, hoping he was right.

"Have you had a check-up?" he rumbled, and I rolled my eyes. Of course he was stepping into protective mode. They were all the same.

"Yes, Julian was on top of that. He's been taking care of me really well actually, making sure I eat and drink, all that jazz."

"I was the last to know?" He arched a brow, and I smirked.

"Aw, big bad Tyrone pouting?" I joked, drawing a smile from him before it waned.

"I'm glad he knew. It could be what he's clinging to right now."

"I hope so." I turned in his arms, reaching out to take Cristian's hand in mine. He'd pull through. He had to.

A gasp escaped my lips as I felt a slight pressure.

He'd squeezed my hand.

"Tyrone," I breathed, my heart racing. "He just-"

Before I could finish, a groan came from the bed. Cristian's eyes fluttered open, unfocused at first.

Tyrone was already moving, calling for a doctor as Cristian's gaze settled on me.

"The Russos better all be dead," Cristian croaked, his voice barely above a whisper, "because this hovering on death's door thing is getting tiresome at their hands."

A shocked laugh bubbled up from my chest as I leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his forehead. When I pulled back, I saw a weak smile on his face.

"Good to see you, kitten," he murmured. "Were you worried about me?"

I scoffed at Cristian's question, trying to mask the relief flooding through me. "Of course not," I lied, but my facade crumbled as I cupped his face gently.

"You dickhead," I whispered. "You scared the shit out of me."

A weak smile tugged at his lips. "Just wanted to keep you on your toes, kitten."

Before I could respond, the door burst open. Julian rushed in, followed closely by a doctor and two nurses. His eyes widened as he saw Cristian awake.

"Well, look who decided to join the land of the living," Julian quipped, but I could hear the relief in his voice.

The medical team swarmed around Cristian's bed, checking vitals and asking questions. I stepped back, giving them space to work. Tyrone, ever the boss, started barking orders at the staff, demanding updates and explanations.

Julian appeared at my side, holding out a paper-wrapped bundle. "Thought you might still be hungry. Got you a burrito from that place across the street."

I took it, mumbling thanks, but as the smell hit me, my stomach lurched. The room suddenly felt too warm, too crowded. Without a word, I bolted for the bathroom, barely making it in time.

As I retched into the toilet, I heard concerned voices from the other room. I rinsed my mouth and splashed water on my face, trying to compose myself before facing everyone again.

When I emerged, three pairs of eyes locked onto me. Even Cristian, still surrounded by medical staff, had his gaze fixed on me.

"Are you okay?" They asked almost in unison, concern etched on their faces.

I stared at them incredulously. Here was Cristian, barely conscious after nearly dying, and they were worried about me throwing up?

"Am I okay?" I repeated, shaking my head in disbelief. "Cristian just woke up from a coma, and you're asking if I'm okay?"

"Morning sickness kicking in, right? Or was that some death dream I had?" Cristian smirked, and I rolled my eyes.

"It's midday," Julian pointed out, and I snorted.

"Someone check her over too. She's pregnant," Tyrone ordered.

"It's nothing, I'm fine," I said dismissively, waving my hand in the air as if I could swat away their concerns. But Tyrone was having none of it. His dark eyes bore into me with an intensity that made me squirm. Before I could protest further, a nurse materialized at my side, gently guiding me to sit down.

As the nurse began checking me over, I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck. "I'm so sorry about this," I mumbled, but she just smiled kindly, seemingly unfazed by the whole situation.

"So, how long was I out this time?" Cristian asked, his voice still a bit raspy but undeniably alive. The familiar mischievous glint in his eyes made my heart skip a beat.

Julian laughed, a sound of pure relief that echoed through the room. "Long enough to give us all a scare, you dumbass," he replied, affection clear in his tone.

I couldn't help but smile, drinking in the sight of Cristian awake and animated. The fear that had gripped me began to loosen its hold. He was here, he was alive, and he was still very much himself.

The audacity of this man, I thought, shaking my head in disbelief. Only Cristian could wake up from a coma and immediately start cracking jokes. It was infuriating and endearing all at once, a combination that summed him up perfectly.