White Knight (Dirty Mafia Duet, #2)(41)

“There was a drive-by shooting,” I say, not wanting to say too much because no doubt a doctor or nurse is heading this way.

“Remember, Crey? We were all on the sidewalk, unveiling the car . . .” Holly prompts his memory, and Creighton winces.

“Fuck. The bullets started spraying. I didn’t want you to get hit.” Even laid up, his protectiveness over his wife is strong. “Are you okay? God, did you get hurt?”

“No. I’m fine,” she says, reassuring him to prevent any extra stress. “You should’ve been worrying about yourself because you’re the one who got hit. I’ve been losing my ever-loving mind since the second I saw that blood on you. Don’t you ever do that to me again. Ever. Do you hear me, Creighton Karas? I don’t care how—”

His expression softens to offer comfort to Holly, who’s about to lose it. “Shhh. I’m fine. I promise. I won’t get shot again.”

“Damn right you’re not. I’m not having it. I don’t give a damn how much money you have to spend on security. We’re not doing this again.”

Creighton’s gaze cuts to me as Holly buries her face against his chest. “I take it this has to do with Dom?”

“Of course,” I tell him, wondering what he’s going to do next. Disown the father that worships his every move?

“Where is he?” When Holly lifts her head, some of Creighton’s newfound color fades as he studies her face. “Oh fuck.”

“He’s in surgery,” I add quickly, because it’s obvious from his reaction he’s assuming the worst. “Heart attack. Not a gunshot wound. I swear to Christ he’s unkillable. He’ll pull through this too.”

Creighton attempts to sit up but relents with a slight grimace when he realizes it’s not a wise move. “Who else?”

I tell him who’s here, waiting to make sure he’s all right, and rattle off a few names of others who were gunned down at the party, not that I expect Creighton will know who the other victims are—but we’re talking. Something that we haven’t done in far too long.

Then a doctor comes into the room, and I back toward the door.

“Mr. Karas, it’s a pleasure to see you awake. I’m Dr.—” The doctor starts her spiel as I reach the doorway.

“Cannon. Wait.”

When Creighton interrupts the doctor to stop me from leaving, something too close to the feeling of hope rises in my chest.

“Yeah, Crey?”

“I want to talk to you. Alone. Before anyone leaves this fucking hospital.”

Slowly, I incline my chin. “Not a problem.”

Memphis is waiting just outside with Eden, Bishop, Cav, and Greer.

“Thank God he’s awake,” Greer whispers. “I don’t think I’d know what to do without that bossy, managing bastard trying to control our lives.”

The others laugh, but I can’t summon even a chuckle. I know exactly what it’s like not to have the bossy, managing bastard try to control my life. As great as it sounds, I miss my best friend.

Memphis slides inside the curve of my arm and wraps both of hers around me. “You’re going to get your chance to fix this with Creighton. I swear, I’ll shoot him myself if he doesn’t put this stuff between you in the past.”

Glancing down at her, I wish I was staring into her teal-colored eyes instead of the dark brown contacts.

“Is that right?”

She nods. “There isn’t much I wouldn’t do for you, Danger. I hope you know that. Whatever you need from me—today, tomorrow, or beyond—I’m here. Just tell me what you need me to do, and I’ve got it.”

I think about the conversation we had about safety and the brownstone. I need to get everyone out of here, except for Holly, because I know there’s no way she’ll leave Creighton’s side. Everyone else needs to be locked down where it’s safe.

I text Primo, and a few minutes later, he and one of his brothers cross the lobby to stop in front of me and Memphis.

“Yes, sir?” The respect in his tone is new. He knows the score.

With Dom and Enzo out of commission, I’m the man with the orders. The knowledge solidifies my decisions.

“Give Tempo your keys. He and Warren are taking the entire family back to the brownstone except me, you, and Holly. I’ve got more security on the way, and we’re holding down the fort to watch over Creighton, Dom, and Enzo. Everyone else is kept safe at the brownstone while we work out our next steps.”

Tempo’s jaw tenses as his brother fishes the keys out of his trouser pockets. “I wish we could retaliate. Won’t they come at us again harder if they think we’re too weak to hit them back?”

“Dom wouldn’t take a chance with his family. They’re our first priority. We get them out of here and make sure they’re safe. I’ll ask for another update on Dom and Enzo before everyone goes.”

When Tempo doesn’t reply at first, I stare him down to be sure I’m making myself clear. “Do you have a problem carrying out the direct orders you’re being given?”

His pale blue eyes take on an icy cast. “No, sir. I’ll keep them safe.”

I glance over my shoulder to where Memphis stands near Eden. “With your life, if necessary. Got me?”