Nonnina stood at the entrance as Luca was wheeled in, her heart breaking. He looked smaller on the gurney, stripped of his armor, dark hair damp with sweat, skin sallow beneath the harsh lights. Her boy. Always her boy, no matter how much blood followed him home.
She reached out, brushed her fingers over his knuckles before the doctor and nurses closed in around him.
The room sealed itself off.
Authorized personnel only.
Vee stood just outside the threshold, the invisible line suddenly heavier than any locked door. She hadn't been told to leave. She hadn't been dismissed. She simply wasn't included. She swallowed hard, hands curling at her sides, and let out a slow breath. At least he was alive.
At least he was being cared for by people who knew exactly how to stitch him back together.
That would have to be enough.
She turned away before anyone could see her face crumble and walked back toward the smaller apartment tucked behind the mansion.
He was married.
