Awake My Heart (The Bentini Brothers Book 3) Read Free Page B

Bentini agrees, her remorseful gaze
resting on William.
     
     
     
    ***
     
     
     
         “She looks so peaceful…like she’s sleeping.”  Tiressa whispers,
stroking Kathy’s arm.  As she sits down in the chair at her bedside, she prays
for the tiniest sign that her friend is conscious.
         “Yes,” is the whispered reply from William on the other side
of the hospital bed.  They both stare at Kathy’s still form hooked up to all
manner of devices monitoring her every breath and body’s function.
         “Mr. Bentini—”
         He gently interrupts her, “No, Tiressa, please call me
William.  You are my brother’s girl, pardon me—you are my brother’s lady.”  His
lips lift in a tiny smile.  “You know that’s what he calls you—his lady.”  
         Although his words please her, she can’t seem to find a smile
as she glances over at the man who has always been so fiercely intimidating to
her.  “I have to know…” her hesitant voice trails off.  Not quite brave enough
to look him full in the face, she nevertheless asks, “Do you hate me too?  I
know now is not the time to talk about…” her voice trails off again, but she finishes
before he can answer and she loses her nerve, “I never meant to come between
Antonio and your mother or cause disharmony in your family…”
         “Tiressa, you know my brother, he will let no one direct his
life, and that includes our mother.”
         “Yes, he can be very determined.”
         “Which is a nice way of saying that he is as bullheaded as an ornery
old Billy goat,” William says with fondness and they share understanding smiles.
         “Ah, I see you are amusing my lady with your wit.  Here is the
contact information for Kathy’s parents,” Antonio says handing an index card to
his brother.
         “I can call them, if you like,” Tiressa offers, wanting to do
something for Kathy.
         “No thank you, this is something I need to do.”
         “I understand.” 
         They both watch as Antonio place a kiss on Kathy’s forehead,
whispering to her, “It’s time to wake up Kathy-girl, you’ve punished him long enough.” 
Standing up next to Antonio, Tiressa whispers to Kathy, “Yeah Kathy, we need
you.  Please wake up!” her voice wobbles and Antonio takes her in his arms as
she quietly sob.  “Come on Ti, none of that,” he whispers rocking her gently, “Kathy
wouldn’t want you upset like this and it’s not good for the baby.”
         “Tony,” she gasp, turning big embarrassed eyes to the man
standing quietly observing them.
         “Well big brother, you’re the first to hear our happy news,” Antonio
announces, unable to contain his excitement. 
         “Congratulations,” Will reaches out to shake his brother’s
hand, but his smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
         “Thanks,” Tiressa adds quietly, unable to meet the other man’s
scrutiny.
         “Let’s get you home.  Will call me if anything changes or if you
need me—you know I’ll be here for you.”  Will nods in acknowledgement of his
brother’s support.  “You take Tiressa home, make sure she gets some rest,” his
glance slips down to her belly, “I’ll call if I need to.  Before leaving, Ti
places a kiss on Kathy’s forehead. 

 
     
    Chapter 3
     
     
         “Mr. Bentini, Mrs. Bentini,” their accommodating chauffer
greets as he opens the limousine door for them.
         “We are going to head on home Jake,” Mr. Bentini says,
ushering his wife into the luxurious vehicle.
         “Yes, sir.”
         Mr. and Mrs. Bentini ride in uncomfortable silence for a few
minutes until Mr. Bentini decides to speak what is on his mind.
         “Marella you’ve got to put a stop to this.”
         “I can’t help how I feel Dominic.  Is it so wrong for a mother
to want the best for her children?”
         “No Marella, of course it