“What about Edoardo?”
“If he tries to stop you, tell him I'll consider it the first act of war.”
“I will,” Vittoria replied regretfully.
After hanging up, Gianni dragged me down into a seat as the jet started skidding across the runway. I barely gave it a chance to taxi before I leapt out of my seat and stood by the door.
When the steps finally unfurled, I took them two at a time. Rushing over to the SUV, I threw the door open. Gianni had barely climbed inside when I ordered the driver to go.
“Jesus, Leo,” Gianni grumbled after nearly pitching forward onto the floor.
The driver probably broke every traffic law known to man while getting us to the hospital. I was going to have to get his name to give him a reward.
After dropping us off in front of the ER, we found Rafe was waiting on us. “All they will tell me is that she's in the ICU on the 4th floor.”
“Fuck. That can’t be good.”
“It could be just a precaution,” Gianni argued.
Ignoring him, I started heading to the elevator. “Do you even know where you’re going?” Rafe asked.
“I’ll figure it out.”
He and Gianni fell in step behind me. When the elevator doors opened, I saw a map on the back wall. I punched the button for the 4th floor.
In silence, we took the trip upstairs. My heart was beating so loud I was sure my brothers could hear it. When we got off, I headed back through the doors and straight to the nurses’ desk.
“Can I help you?” a nurse asked.
“My wife…”
Suddenly, my strength faltered, and I couldn’t find the words. Something about saying them out loud to a stranger made them seem more real.
Rafe placed a hand on my shoulder. “His wife was brought here from the OR. Andrea Neretti.”
She gave me a sympathetic look. “Yes, she’s in room 9.”
“What happened?”
“I’m afraid a doctor will have to explain that to you.”
Glancing around, I asked, “Where can I find one?”
“I’m sorry, but they’re not on rounds at the moment.”
My patience snapped. Leaning over the desk, I jabbed my finger at her. “Find me one,” I snarled.
She narrowed her eyes. “While I’m sorry for what you’re experiencing, you just can’t come in here making demands,” she shot back.
With a cruel smile, I said, “Obviously, you didn’t recognize my name, or you would be doing everything within your power to help me.”
At the commotion, another nurse came over. “What is the problem here?”
“I’m Leandro Neretti, and I demand to see a doctor about my wife’s condition.”
When the nurse’s face paled slightly, I knew she was aware of who I was. “Yes, sir. We’ll get someone for you right now.”
“Thank you.”