Recovery

EMMA

I wake up slowly, pain radiating through my body like I’ve been steamrolled. I’m in Diablo’s bed and it’s dark outside.

One of my eyes won’t open, it’s swollen shut. I turn my head and see Diablo asleep in a chair next to the bed. He stirs, probably sensing I’m awake, and then he’s fully alert.

“Baby, baby, I’m here. Levi, get the doctor!” he calls out.

“I’m okay, baby, just thirsty.” He grabs a water bottle with a straw from the table and helps me drink.

I pull away when I’ve had enough. Levi comes in with the doctor, who asks Levi and Diablo to leave us alone.

“I feel like crap, doc. What’s the damage?”

“You look like crap too,” he laughs. “You’re one lucky woman, Emma. A few cracked ribs, lots of bruises. Your swollen eye will heal in a few days. I used cosmetic glue above your other eye to minimize scarring.

“I gave your medication to Levi. He seems like the calmest one out of those three men. I’ll check on you every day or so, but you should be healed within a week or two. I heard it was quite a fight,” he says, smiling.

“Yeah, it was.” I feel like a zombie. I just want to sleep.

“Listen to your body, Emma. Sleep, rest, do what you need to. Just make sure the guys take care of you, and for the love of my sanity, please avoid any future fights.

“You barely made it through this one. If one rib had broken and punctured your lung you wouldn’t be here today.”

“I know, doc, and believe me, I have no intention of getting into any more fights unless I absolutely have to.”

“Goodbye, Emma. See you in a day or two.”

“Bye, doc. Thanks for always being there when I need you.”

After the doctor leaves, Levi comes in to give me my medication. I expected Diablo to be the first one in. I wonder what’s going on with him.

“Hi, Vi. How’s everything?”

“Everything’s fine, Ems. Business is good. You sure know how to make a statement when you put your mind to it.”

“What do you mean, Vi?”

“Well, since Saturday, all the bosses have declared their undying loyalty to you, especially the ones that sided with Mason before. They’ve been calling non-stop asking if they’re safe from harm because they voted for him.

“It’s taken me a few days to reassure them all that you don’t have any intention of going after them. They seem satisfied, but maybe you can spend some time placating them when you feel better.”

“Wait a minute. A few days? What day is it, Vi?”

“It’s Friday, Ems. You’ve been out for almost a week. Doc has been keeping you heavily sedated so your body can recover.”

I can’t believe I’ve lost almost a week of my life. “Not that I mind, Vi, but why are you here and not Diablo?”

“Because he blames himself. Every time he comes in here he cries for hours until he falls asleep in the chair.”

“But I’m fine, Vi. I’m not dead. I’m here recovering, but I’m not dead. What’s his problem?”

“I think he’s realized how close he came to losing you and his true feelings for you surfaced.”

“Give me a hug, Vi, and send him in please.”

“Ems?”

“Yes, Vi?”

“We still need to talk about Alex and Blaine.”

“What about Alex?”

“He completely lost it with Diablo. If I hadn’t stopped him, he would probably have killed Diablo because of what happened to you.”

“He only comes to see you when Diablo is out getting your medicine or in the shower. Other than that, the two of them have been avoiding each other.”

“Why are you so calm about this then, Vi?”

“I’m not, Ems, trust me. I want to torture Diablo. I want to choke him until I hear his last breath leave his body. But someone has to be the sane one around here, especially with all the testosterone around.”

“And while the sane one that keeps us all in line has taken a little holiday in bed, I guess I had to step up,” he says, smiling.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Vi.”

“What about Blaine? Where does he fit into all of this? Don’t you remember, Ems?”

“I do, vaguely,” I say, unsure why I requested the amendment to the contract in the first place.

“Well, he showed up at the penthouse on Sunday with all his bags, ready to start working. I’m keeping him busy with mundane things but seriously, Ems, why do you need him?”

“When I’m ready, Vi, you’ll be the first to know, I promise. You’re always the first to know. Can you please send in my idiot boyfriend now?”

“Sure thing,” he says, smiling.

Diablo makes me wait for an hour, and I almost fall asleep. When he opens the door, the first thing I notice are the dark circles under his eyes. He’s lost some weight and he can’t meet my gaze.

He stands by the door, staring at the floor, his hands in his pockets, rocking back and forth on his feet.

“Baby, come here.”

He walks to the chair next to the bed and sits down, still staring at the floor.

“Diablo! Look at me, for fuck’s sake,” I shout.

Finally, he looks at me, his eyes shining with tears.

“That’s better. You need to understand one thing, Diablo. I knew what I was getting into the day we met. I’ve never once regretted it.

“Don’t blame yourself for what happened. I don’t have time for a pity party. Get over whatever you’re blaming yourself for and come back to me emotionally. I’m right here. Don’t push me away again.

“You’ve got one more shot with me. Don’t waste it feeling guilty. I’m here, alive, and still yours, just like you’re still mine,” I tell him, a smile playing on my lips.

He moves to the bed, resting his head on my chest. His hug is tight, but mindful of my injuries, causing me to wince slightly.

His tears soak through my pajamas. I run my fingers through his hair, the only words I can make out from his mumbles are apologies.

“I’m okay, Diablo. I’ll recover fully. I just need some rest.” I continue to stroke his hair until sleep claims me.

***

Most of my time is spent sleeping, only waking to eat, take my meds, and shower—with Diablo’s help, of course—before falling back asleep. By the third week, I’m going stir-crazy.

I can walk on my own now, and my bruises have faded from a dark purple to a light yellow. I’m starting to feel like myself again.

Dressing for the first time in weeks, I opt for black skinny jeans, black Vans, and a black top.

I tie my hair up in a ponytail and slowly make my way to the living room, where the guys are eating and discussing the football game on ESPN.

Diablo is the first to spot me.

“Baby, you need to get back to bed,” he says, wrapping his arms around my waist. “The doctor hasn’t given you the all-clear yet.”

“Actually, he cleared her yesterday when he was here,” Levi interjects, standing up from the couch and walking over to us. “She can go back to her daily routine, but no training for at least another week.

“Dean called earlier. He needs to talk to you urgently, Ems.”

I feel Diablo’s arms tighten around my waist.

“Where’s the phone, Vi? I’ll call him while you guys finish the game.”

He hands me the phone. As I turn to walk to the kitchen, I notice Blaine watching me. I hadn’t even seen him there.

“Blaine, welcome to the team. We should catch up once I’m done with my call.”

“That would be great, Ms. Taylor.”

“Blaine, it’s Emma. I’ve told you this before.”

“I’ll stick with Ms. Taylor for now.”

“We can discuss it during our meeting,” I say, heading to the kitchen. I could use some coffee.

I dial Dean’s number. He answers on the third ring. “Levi, please tell me she can talk now,” he says.

“Dean, it’s me.” He spends the first five minutes scolding me for not calling him sooner; the rest of the call is spent discussing the mission we’d briefly touched on before the fight.

He wants me to go with him. I’m not sure how the guys will react, but I owe it to him. I need to go.

“When do we leave, Dean?” I ask.

“In two weeks. You can fly to Cali two weeks from tomorrow. I’ll arrange our transport from there.”

“Sounds good, Dean. I’ll be there. It’s the least I can do.”

We chat for a few more minutes before hanging up. Now I just need to figure out how to tell the guys—especially Diablo. Shit. Knowing them, they’ll want to come with me.

Lost in my thoughts, I don’t hear Blaine enter the kitchen.

“Ms. Taylor, are you ready for our talk, or is this a bad time?”

“Blaine. No, now’s fine.”

He takes a seat next to me.

“Why were you so quick to agree to work for me, Blaine?”

“I want to work for the best, which you clearly are; you’re my ticket to making something of myself. Can I ask why you want me to work for you?”

“I need the best. When I first saw you, I saw the same thing in your eyes that I saw in Alex’s when I met him.

“You’re driven, relentless, but also loyal with an uncanny urge to protect—all the qualities I need in my team. I have a similar relationship with both Levi and Alex.

“Each of them brings something unique to the table, and I think you will, too.”

We discuss his salary and his duties—as well as him calling me “Emma” and not “Ms. Taylor”—before joining the guys in the living room.

Alex is still not talking to Diablo, which is frustrating. They need to sort out their issues; if not, then Alex and I are going to have problems.

“Guys, I have something to tell you, but before I do, you need to know I’m not changing my mind, and you can’t come with me.”

“What have you done now, Emma?” Diablo asks, apprehension in his voice.

“I’m going with Dean on one of his missions in two weeks. We’ll be gone for about two weeks. It’s the least I can do after everything he’s done for me.”

I’m bombarded with questions from all the guys except Diablo. He’s silent, but I can tell he’s furious. I know him well enough to know he’s going to give me hell when we’re alone.

After answering all their immediate questions, we agree to meet on Monday so I can give them instructions for the next few weeks until I return.

Excusing myself and Diablo, I take his hand and we head to our bedroom.

He takes a seat on one of the chairs as soon as we enter. I close the door behind us.

“Before you start, Diablo, you need to understand that nothing you say will change my mind.

“I owe it to Dean to go with him. I’m the only one trained well enough to handle this mission with him. His own crew isn’t up to par. If there was someone else, he would’ve asked them, but there isn’t.”

“Why you? Why can’t Levi go? Does he want you back? Does he think this will bring you two closer so you’ll leave me?”

“No, baby. I’m yours just like you’re mine. He knows what you mean to me and he’s accepted it. I’m going purely as a friend; nothing more, nothing less. I won’t be gone for more than two weeks.

“I need you guys to keep the businesses running, especially with all the plans I have in the works. I’m meeting with Levi on Monday to fill him in on everything.”

“And you, you need to step up a bit more, considering you’re dating the top Mafia boss.”

“As long as he treats you right and you always come back to me, I guess I can live with it. I’m not thrilled, but if it’s something you need to do, then so be it.”

For the next two weeks, we’re all hands on deck, getting everything in order for my absence. The guys are struggling to keep up.

Ever since we hosted the Patriots party, the club and restaurant have been packed. And when people are in town, they’re hitting up my other clubs too. Business is booming.

But the effort it takes to keep everything running and to keep the other bosses happy is driving everyone a little crazy.

Blaine’s been a big help, but it seems like I’m the only one who can keep track of everything. At the end of the day, all the ideas and plans that need to be put into action are mine.

I just hope they can keep things afloat while I’m gone.

Every day, my relationship with Diablo grows stronger. During the day, it’s all business, but at night, when the guys leave, we can barely make it to the bedroom before we’re all over each other.

But tonight is different. It’s the night before I leave for California. I said my goodbyes to the guys earlier. I’ve packed a small bag with the essentials.

I’m in the middle of putting my necklace and ring in the safe when I hear Diablo coming up behind me.

“What are you doing, baby?”

“I’m just putting away my necklace and ring.” I close the safe and turn to face him. His eyes are filled with sadness.

Without a second thought, I walk over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist, resting my head on his chest, and listening to his heartbeat. It soothes me.

“Are you sure I can’t change your mind, baby?”

“No, babe. I need to do this. Everything’s been planned. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“What do you need to help him with, anyway?”

“It’s classified, Diablo. Just know I’ll always come back to you.”

I lift my head from his chest, pulling his face down to mine, and kiss him. I bite his bottom lip and he moans, letting my tongue slip into his mouth. Our mouths and tongues move in perfect sync.

The passion and desire we have for each other is palpable in every movement of our mouths, my tongue massaging his.

He deepens the kiss, lifting me up. I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me to our bedroom. He lays me down gently on the bed, then stands up to undress before coming back to undress me.

“I need you to be rough with me tonight, babe. Mark me as yours.” Without hesitation, he starts kissing my neck, leaving a trail of marks down to my collarbone.

He bites down hard, leaving a mark there before moving his lips back to mine, kissing me roughly, one hand massaging my clit and making me even wetter than I already am.

“I want you. I want you now, Diablo.” He pulls back slightly, breaking our kiss, and lifts my legs, placing one on each of his shoulders. He thrusts into me, making me moan in ecstasy.

His thrusts become faster and harder; with each one, he goes deeper and deeper inside me, hitting my G-spot every time, driving me wild. The heat inside me builds.

“I need to cum, baby. I’m close. Cum with me, baby, now!”

With one final thrust, we both climax, shouting each other’s names. Diablo collapses next to me and we both try to catch our breath, riding out our highs.

“I’m going to miss you, baby love, so fucking much,” he says, pulling me closer to him, my back resting against his chest, his hand finding its favorite spot on my stomach.

“I’m going to miss you too, babe. It’s just for two weeks max, I promise, then I’ll be back.”

“I love you so fucking much it hurts,” he says.

“I love you too. I’m yours as you are mine,” I whisper.

I love this man more than words can express. We’re finally so happy. I saw a red velvet box in his drawer earlier this week.

I hope when I return from the mission, we can make our relationship more permanent. We’re perfect for each other. I’m his and he’s mine.

I hope he’s planning to propose. It would be perfect. ~We could rule our empire together, at last~, I think before drifting off into a dreamless sleep.

The next morning, I say goodbye to all the guys, including Diablo, at the apartment. I hate goodbyes, and they have things to do while I catch my flight.

Last night was the perfect goodbye between Diablo and me. No matter what life throws at us, we always find our way back to each other.

When I arrive in California, Dean greets me with a warm hug before we board a private jet, which will take us close to our destination.

Apparently, two of his team members have been captured and taken to Iran, where they’re being held hostage. We have to go and rescue them. Now I understand why he asked for my help on this mission.

“I see Diablo made sure to mark you. He’s still suspicious of my intentions toward you, isn’t he?”

“Yeah. He’s working on his jealousy, but honestly, things are going really well between us. I haven’t been this happy in a long time, Dean.”

“Then I’m happy for you, Ems. You know that.”

“I know, Dean. I also know you wish sometimes I were with you, but I love him more than anything. I think he’s going to propose when I get back.”

He looks surprised for a moment but quickly recovers, hiding his reaction as best he can.

“Let me fill you in on what I know. I have all the weapons waiting for us when we arrive. It should be a straightforward extraction.

“I’ve arranged for transport to pick us up and bring us back to California as soon as we have them.”

“It sounds simple enough, Dean. I just hope everything goes according to plan.”

LEVI

Emma had promised to keep in touch using Dean’s satellite phone once they reached their destination. She did call once after they arrived, but that was it. I haven’t heard from her since.

Three weeks have passed without a word from her. She should have been back by now. Something’s not right. Emma’s always been good about checking in. I need to figure out what’s happening.

I start dialing numbers, reaching out to some contacts that Dean and I share, including members of his team. The news I get isn’t good.

I rush into the living room where all the guys are hanging out, but I freeze in my tracks. Diablo’s not handling her absence well at all.

How am I supposed to break it to them that Emma and Dean have been captured and are now hostages in an Iranian concentration camp?