Chapter 2- I Can't Do This Shit Without You Brother

The dark SUV continued to speed through the back streets of The Fringe while Amberleigh continued to sob in Grayson’s arms, Leo continued to be too still and too pale, and Giovanni’s hands were now just as bloody as the rest while he continued to hold pressure on the wound. He also showed concern for his daughter and her mental status as he kept turning his head to look at her in the seat behind him.

“Giovanna has been through much to get you back. Before she went inside that warehouse, she tried to get Lazy Eye to tell her where they were keeping you. Even I do not know all that happened to her in his room. But he nearly killed my daughter that much I do know.”

“Fuck! Why did you let her do that? Why did you do that Amber? Especially in her condition!” asked Grayson.

“Surely you know my daughter well enough to understand that you cannot change her mind when it’s made up. Even as a child, she has always been stubborn. But she gets that from my side of the family. And she loves you. Giovanna was willing to do anything to get you back.”

“I know. And that’s the fucking problem. I asked her and Leo not to pay the ransom. I didn’t want either of them involved or to get hurt. I guess I fucked that up. Because look where we are now. Just please get help for Leo. If he doesn’t….”

Grayson choked up on his own words and couldn’t bring himself to finish them. Amber’s sobs ebbed into silent tears, as her body and mind were exhausted. He continued to hold her and she wrapped her arms around him. Right now it was hard to tell who needed it more or who was holding who. But Amber didn’t want to let him go.

“We will do everything we can for your friend. We are nearly there,” said Giovanni, “Doc has patched many men up, many worse off than Leo.”

“I hope so. I could use a fucking break that’s for damn sure. But I never did thank you for saving our assess back there. Thank you.”

Grayson reached one hand across the seat towards Giovanni. He shook the billionaire’s hand quickly. Both of the men’s hands were stained in blood. Leo’s blood. Amber could still barely believe this all wasn’t the best dream and worst nightmare rolled into one. Grayson back in her arms. But Leo clinging to life with nothing more than hope, his will to live, and prayer. And she was praying to God alright to just let Leo live. Just hoping he answered her second prayer today. Another Christmas miracle.

Giovanni smiled, “No need to thank me. We are family now. Just take care of my daughter and we will get along just fine.”

“I plan on it. Even though Amber and I are not together anymore, I will do right by her and our child,” promised Grayson.

Her father nodded. An understanding passed between the two men. Amber took in a deep breath.

“Just do right by Leo, Padre. We can sort out the rest later. Please don’t let him die. I love him very much. I can’t lose him Padre. You trust this man with your own life?”.

Grayson gave her a gentle smile. He was glad to see Amber had seemed to snap out of it and was talking again. But she was far from fucking okay. None of them were okay. But at least she could take a breath now.

“I do Figila. I will not let you down. The Doc is good at what he does. He will help Leo.”

“Then I trust you Padre. Thank you for everything you have done. Without you, bringing Grayson back to us would not have been possible. And I believe in my heart you will help save Leo too.”

“I am honored by your faith in me Giovanna.”

So far he hadn’t let Amber down since she came to him begging for help. She had every reason to trust him now. Giovanni had come through for his daughter when she needed it most of all. She would never forget that. And it made it easier to forgive him for past mistakes. Easier to look towards the future and getting to know her father better.

Amber felt Grayson’s arms tighten around her. It seemed she wasn’t the only one not ready to let go. The billionaire was just as scared for Leo as she was. Maybe even more. She could feel it by the pounding of his heart and see it by the sheen in his eyes. And he felt like it was his fault, just like Amber felt like it was hers. She reached over the seat and stroked Leo’s head softly.

“He feels cold. Hold on Leo. We need you. We’re shit without you. We are almost there babe. Just hold on a while longer. I love you so much Leo.”

Grayson finally eased his grip on Amber to remove his soiled suit jacket. He draped it over Leo carefully. He gazed down at his friend with tears shining in his eyes and a smile touched his lips.

“I need you to get better Leo. So I can kick your ass for coming to find me you bastard. This isn’t it buddy. Not the end. We have so much more shit to get into. I can’t do this shit without you brother. You know that.”

Amber felt a fresh crop of tears in her eyes as she leaned over the seat and gave Leo a kiss on the forehead. The chef looked peaceful, almost like he was sleeping and having the most serene dream.  Or perhaps he heard them. Took comfort in their words and knew how much he was loved. Amber just hoped Leo knew how much he still had to live for. How much they both needed him. Even if that was a selfish reason to want him to stay.

 Leo was the heart of their group. The center which held it all together. And Amber and Grayson didn’t want to face this life without their heart. No one can survive without their heart.

Beside her Grayson sniffled. She watched a tear escape and roll down his cheek. It dripped down his chin and hit his filthy designer dress shirt. She had been so wrong about him from the start. The billionaire never had a heart of stone. He just guarded it carefully because it was too big and fragile, so easily broken. Without a doubt in her mind, if Leo didn’t survive this, Grayson’s heart would shatter. There would be no fixing him. But Grayson wouldn’t be the only one broken beyond repair if they lost Leo…