Give Me Up

I paced the sterile halls of the hospital, my heart pounding with anxiety. I had been by Massimo's since he got shot and we had to take the back exit of the club to the hospital, and now I could only wait, praying for his recovery. The minutes felt like hours, the white walls of the hospital closing in on me. Finally, the doctor emerged, a reassuring look on his face.

"He's stable, but he's lost a lot of blood. You can see him now," the doctor said, his tone clipped.

I rushed into the room, my breath catching in my throat as she saw Massimo's pale, unconscious form, bandages wrapping around right shoulder where he got shot. I sat by his side, my hand gently resting on his, willing him to wake up.

Massimo's eyes fluttered open, the bright lights of the hospital room blinding him momentarily. He groaned in pain as he tried to sit up. "Ruby?" he croaked, his voice weak.

"I'm here, Massimo," I whispered, squeezing his hand. "You're going to be okay."

For the first time in a long while, I felt a wave of relief. He nodded slowly, still visibly in pain

Over the next few days, I remained by Massimo's side, tending to his every need. I didn't know why but I felt partially responsible about his injury. 

I even followed him to his penthouse, trying my best to nurse him back to health.

I was making breakfast in his vast kitchen when I heard someone move behind me.

" Hey…" I said sharply, startled by his sudden presence.

" Good morning Ruby" he greeted me.

" You should still be in bed resting, the doctor said you shouldn't move your arm too much" I cautioned eyeing his injured arm in a cast.

" I'm okay, Ruby, trust me I've had worse injuries" 

I gave him a little smile as I returned to chopping up the vegetables for the dish I was making.

"Ruby, I need to make a call," he announced as he walked towards his study.

" Sure".

His house wasn't soundproof because I could hear his voice on the call.

"Franco, it's Massimo. I need you to bring Eve back. The attack was very serious, and I can't leave her out there unprotected," I felt guilty listening to his conversation, but he wasn't being quiet 

" Bring her back immediately, I want you on the neck flight here, I don't care if she doesn't want to come, you take orders from me not her. I'm doing all this for her safety" he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

A sharp knife turned in my gut as I overheard his conversation. Who was Eve, and why was he so concerned about her safety? Was she his girlfriend or wife?

I instantly realized I knew absolutely nothing about Massimo Valenti, except he was a very powerful man with dangerous enemies.

I continued making breakfast but I couldn't get the conversation off my mind.

That night as I sat down for dinner, I couldn't help but sneak glances at Massimo, I knew very little ability this man, here I was in his house, acting as I nurse and making him Mel's and worse of all I was starting to have feelings for him.

Massimo caught me looking at him, his brows rose shooting a questioning look at me.

" What's wrong?" He asked, but I couldn't tell him the truth.

" Nothing" I replied.

" You've been acting strange all day, something is wrong just tell me". He persisted.

I looked up at him, his piercing hazel eyes locked on me. " It's just that I know very little about you Massimo". I confessed.

" What do you want to know, I would answer all your questions" he offered.

" Why were those men after you, why do walk around with a gun at your hip like you're going to be attacked and why do you need so many men for protection".

" There are something's I can't tell you Ruby, but just know you are safe here".

" What are these 'things' you can't tell me Massimo and what am I safe from ".

He looked at me frustrated at my questions " Ruby, I need to keep something from you but it's all from your protection".

I stood up from the table, my head whirling with anger. " If you have to keep your whole life a secret from me, then what am I doing here? I'm leaving " I announced in annoyance.

I stormed into the guest room, where I had been staying while he was in recovery, throwing my clothes and belongings in my bag.

I went out to the living room, heading to the door, when I felt Massimo's tight grip on my wrist.

" Wait Ruby, don't leave. You just have to trust me".

" I'm leaving, I don't even know you so how can I trust you not when your in love with Eve". I tried to pry my wrist free from his grip but he held on tighter, standing in front of me.

A deep frown marred his face as he stared at me in confusion " Eve is my sister, and why were you listening in on my conversation".

I stared at him, not sure if I should believe him or if this was all part of his lies.

" Ruby, look at me, I'm a very dangerous man and I don't want to taint you with my sins".

" Then let me go now, you should have never even left me close."

" That's the problem, Princessa, I tried my best, but I can't let you go. I can't stop thinking about you whenever you're not around".

I stood frozen stunned at his abrupt confession, the air between us suddenly suffocating as he stepped closer.

" Everytime I tell myself to stay away from you, but you're the bane of my existence, I can't Ruby".

My breath hitched as he got closer, closing the distance between us " I need you" he whispered, his warm breath fanning my face his lips hovering over mine.

Our lips met in a slow sensual kiss, his hands wrapping around me and I melted in his arms.

We ended up on the couch, his body covering mine, my clothes and underwear discarded on the floor.

I ran my hands down his body, reaching for his zip, and pulling his p and off Massimoplanted wet kisses all over my body, as I put my hands into his boxers reaching for him.

As I thrust into me, the fear and uncertainty of the past days melted away as I lost myself in the warmth of our connection. Massimo's touch was gentle, his kisses tender, and for a moment, I forgot about everything.

I woke up sore, a small smile on my face that wiped up immediately I felt the other side of the bed and it was cold and empty.

I stood up pulling up a robe as I went down the stairs, I walked into the living room to see Massimo in a deep hug with another woman.

" Are you Ruby? So nice to meet you. I 'm Eve" the woman, asked as she walked to me and engulfed me in a hug.

Massimo's sister was the opposite of him, she was a free spirited woman with a huge smile.

Her name instantly dropped as she took a second look at me.

"Wait a minute, I know you" Eves voice was a mixture of shock and anger

"Eve, you know her?" Massimo asked, confusion marring his features.

"Yes, she's the daughter of the New York mafia. The same people who kidnapped me when I was a teenager," Eve spat, her eyes blazing with anger.

My blood ran cold. I turned to Massimo, his eyes filled with betrayal.

"Is this true?" he demanded.

"Massimo, please, it's not what you think," I pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

But Massimo looked at me, his trust already shattered. He grabbed me by the arm and dragged me to his room, locking the door behind me.

I stayed locked in the room, my heart breaking. I had never meant to deceive Massimo, but my past was something she couldn't escape. 

Hours passed before the door opened. Massimo stood there, his expression unreadable.

"Explain," he demanded, his voice cold.

I took a deep breath, my eyes meeting his. "Yes, I'm Alfredo's daughter. But I left that life behind. I never wanted to be a part of that. My mom and I ran away to escape my father. I never meant to betray you."

Massimo's eyes softened, but the hurt was still there. "Why didn't you tell me?."

"I was afraid," I admitted. "Afraid that you would see me as the enemy, that you would never trust me."

Massimo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know if I can trust you, Ruby. But for now, you're staying here until I figure this out."

Massimo 

I picked up the phone, my hand trembling with rage. I dialled a number I hadn't used in years, a number that connected him to the

very heart of my enemy.

"Alfredo, it's Massimo," I said, my voice icy. "I have your daughter. If you want her back, we need to talk."