Unraveling Him | A mafia Story

Chapter 51 - Big Bad Boy

"One word from you could conjure the heavens back to my earth."

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Nikolas's POV

As the moonlight bathed the room in its silver glow, I sat there, silently by the bedside. Hours continued to tick by with my eyes locked on the little figure beside me. I haven't left his side since the doctor bandaged his wounds and left. I couldn't have it in me to leave him alone again in such a state. He has been lying here for hours, his young form deep into the tranquil embrace of sleep.

Each soft, rhythmic breath he took was a whisper against the chambers of my conscience. I couldn't help but feel the weight of guilt pressing upon me, an unbearable burden that no words could ever truly convey. How had I allowed this to happen?

My gaze lingered on his face, still marked by the scars of the attack. Those marks, etched deep into his skin, were a testament to the darkness that had threatened to consume his innocence. Having lived through such a childhood before, I had hoped to succeed in shielding him away. Capturing and locking him far from Isaac didn't mean that I wanted to steal his childhood and taint his young self. I wasn't Frank, I wasn't about to commit the same sins. I was sure of that.

My hand smoothed his hair back, as tenderly as possible, with the utmost care, as if my touch had the power to shatter him further. It's my curse, I'm aware, the one woven into my very being,  where everyone I hold close ends up wounded. Everything I come into contact with seems to wither away.

A low pained moan vibrated from Nathan's chest when he tried to move his body around. His eyes were still pressed shut, still deep in his sleep as the pain meds locked him far away from this cruelty. He wriggled slightly, yearning for some warmth, nestling closer to my body, his hand reaching for something till it curled tightly over my shirt, needing something to hold onto, someone to rely on, searching for security and safety.

The weight on my chest intensified and I lowered my head down just slightly. My hand was still in his hair and my lips brushed gently against his temple as I whispered, "I will fix this, I promise." My determination surged, more than ready to track down those responsible for this and ensure they faced the worst consequences.

I heard the main door open and then close, signaling Ronald's arrival. I had ordered my men to leave and keep their distance, and not to show me their faces until I had a chance to figure out what to do with them and how to handle the situation. I had called Ronald here, as I needed his assistance in dealing with this mess. His footsteps drew nearer, and the door to the room clicked open as he popped his head inside, his questioning gaze initially landing on me.

I nodded my head inside, silently urging him to step further into the room. As he did, his eyes fell upon Nathan beside me. Shock rippled through him, evident in the tremor that passed through his body. He hurriedly moved to the other side of the bed, breathlessly sinking down to the edge as his wide eyes darted over the boy, trying to make sense of what had transpired. His bewildered gaze eventually lifted to meet mine, and he asked, "What happened?"

My jaw clenched tight and I shook my head, unable to form coherent words. A low breath pushed out of my lungs as I said, "Let's go talk outside," I signaled, not willing to disturb the kid further. My hand carefully curled over his, gently removing it from over my shirt and allowing it to rest by his side. I brushed his hand soothingly before I backed away from the bed.

Ronald's terrified bewildered gaze remained fixed only on the kid, caressing his wounds and scars as he struggled to process what had happened, "God, Nathan," He whispered softly as he brushed the side of the boy's hair. His jaw clenched, and his fingers curled over the blanket as he fought for control. He briefly closed his eyes, then leaned closer to his brother, planting a kiss on his head before rising to his feet. He joined me at the door, and as I closed it behind us, I could feel the tremors of unease, fear, and concern emanating from him in waves.