Chapter 133 Àlvaro's Pov.
“Good to see you again, Àlvaro.” Santiago smiled at me across from the chair he was sitting on and I instantly regretted my decision to come here at all. “Although, I didn't expect you to contact me so soon.”
“You wanted to talk, so talk.” I interrupted him impatiently, leaning on the couch opposite him. “Or I can just leave.”
“Always the grumpy Àlvaro.” Santiago muttered, no longer looking so happy to see me as he leaned forward, placing his hands on his knees. “I'll have to tell Camilla to work harder to change that.”
I looked around the living room, looking so empty with just me and him in it. This time, there were no guards with him in the room.
The only reason I was here now and not at home with Camilla was because I gave him my word that I would have this conversation with him and I always keep my word. He saved Camilla from Vincenzo's men and for that, I owe him my life. That's the only reason why Santiago is still standing in front of me right now, smiling like an idiot.
Still, I wanted to end it all faster just so I could go home to my woman, who was probably waiting for me, snuggled up on the couch, watching some stupid movie and eating some ridiculous flavored ice cream mix. I caught myself smiling just thinking about her. God, I'm down bad for this woman.
More than a week had passed since the incident with Leonardo and even with a lot of damage to himself, the old man was recovering faster than I expected. The last time I saw him, he was barely breathing, soaked in his own blood but now, he was doing a great job recovering in the hospital. Camilla is happy which automatically makes me happy as well.
For her to be closer to the hospital where her father was recovering, I bought an apartment in a luxury building in Miami under her name. She objected of course but it was not up for discussion anyway. She said that I spoil her too much, so fucking be it. She deserves it. A stupid apartment is the least I'm willing to spend my money on for her.
Camilla fell in love with the apartment and quickly set on a task of decorating it to her liking. Her time was filled with decorating the rooms and thanks to my girlfriend, those lonely walls quickly started to look like a real home.
Our home. A brand new start for the three of us.
“Talk, Santiago.” I sighed, returning my attention to him. “I don't have all day.”
“Straight to business, I guess.” He muttered, not very pleased and I spread my arms on the couch waiting for him to speak again. “I know that things have not been good with us but with the fall of Leonardo's empire, I would like to come back in as your right hand to restore the Castillo's name to the heights it truly belongs to and to clear our names of all the things Vincenzo and Anthonio did behind our backs.”
I looked at Santiago, shocked. I'm not used to things going well in my life. Camilla is the only exception. I'm expecting that any moment from now, someone would burst into the room and slap me in the face for the fool I am to belive in this.
Santiago's face stayed serious and rough, his eyes shining with hope and everything he said enticed me even more. Santiago and I would be unstoppable as we once were. I was a fool to think that I could just cast him out after he's been by my side since my father died.
“Seriously Àlvaro, stop being such a dick and just say yes. You know you can't do without me.” Santiago leaned forward further, a sly grin playing on his face.
“Let this be a brand new beginning.” He said to me and I scratched my head casually. “Let's show the world who the fuck we are.”
I loved seeing the familiar fire in Santiago's eyes, the desire, the passion with which he spoke. I had no doubt that despite what happened in the past between us, he would still remain a loyal right hand man.
“Fine.” I said and Santiago smiled victoriously. Let's fucking do this.”
“That's what I'm talking about.” He grinned so widely as we both stood up, shaking our hands.
Well, I think our conversation is over here. Whatever details we needed to talk about can wait. I want to see my woman now.
Camilla’s Pov.
I hate hospitals.
There's something about those buildings, painted in dirty white walls, that makes me not want to set food in them. I don't like the sight of dying people on their hospital beds or the not-so sincere faces of the doctors who most likely doesn't give a shit if you're going to live or die.
When the time comes, I want to give birth at home and that's something I've talked with Àlvaro about many times. I don't even want to think about stepping into a hospital to give birth to my child. Àlvaro's team of doctors is one of the best in their profession. I trust them fully. Besides, they already know that one wrong step and they answer to Àlvaro, something they know to avoid.
But in the past week, I had to spend a lot of my time in this white painted hospital only because my father decided to be a thorn in the ass and receive treatment here instead of at home with me, where I could watch him constantly.
He's saying that he has ruined my life enough and he doesn't want to also do it now. That's complete nonsense if you ask me.
Also, whenever I bring up the topic of a conversation with my mum and Hector, he keeps dismissing it saying he wasn't ready.
I want to take care of him but I can't win against him in this argument. Let's not forget that this is Leonardo Torres after all.
“Please baby, stop looking at me like I'm going to die.” Leonardo tried to joke but I didn't laugh. He's healing faster than we all expected but it'd still take him a long time to regain his full strength.
“I'm sorry but you still look really awful.”
He laughed, resting his head on the pillow. His beard had grown quite a bit more than usual.
“You see why I don't want your mother and brother to see me like this? They might just hate me even more.”
“Trust me, father. They won't think that. But just come home with me.” I tried again and he sighed, visibly tired of hearing the same thing everytime I visited him. “You'll be better in no time and then maybe you'd finally talk to them.”
“I can get better here too, Camilla. We've already talked about this.” I pursed my lips into a straight line, letting another refusal shut me up. “Besides, you already made sure I have too many guards here at my disposal. I don't like it one bit.”
“Àlvaro's orders.” I replied. “We both want to make sure you're safe here.” Leonardo stared at me for more than a few seconds, allowing a big warm smile to settle on his face.
“That man loves you so much.” His words made my cheeks turn red and my lips curled into a smile like a teenage girl.
“And I love him.”
“I know.” He laughed, more to himself as he gently squeezed my hand. “It's written all over your face. You're glowing, Camilla. That's exactly what you deserve.”
His words tasted like victory but sadly, we had to go through a lot to get here but I guess it was all meant to be this way.
We sat like that for about a minute before a knock on the door interupted us and then one of Àlvaro's men appeared in view, looking around the room with an awkward expression knowing he was interrupting us but he cleared his throat and spoke anyway.
“Miss Torres, Mr Castillo is waiting for you outside the hospital.” Was all he said before quickly leaving the room after apologizing for interrupting us.
I looked at Leonardo who smiled, urging me towards the door.
“Go to your man, baby. I'll be fine.” He convinced me, nodding. “Castillo is not a very patient man.” He tried to joke again and this time, I laughed.
“He is with me.” I replied proudly and he nodded.
“I'm sure he'll do anything for you as long as you ask him to.” I never thought I'd hear Leonardo speak with such kind words about Àlvaro and me. “Now go.”
I kissed him on the cheek saying goodbye before I left the room.
With quick steps, I crossed the distance to the exit of the hospital where Àlvaro was waiting for me. He was leaning on his black sports car with his hands in the pockets of his black suit, his expensive watch on display. His hair was neatly done and his beard was freshly trimmed.
I was drooling just looking at this man, knowing he was only mine. My hormones were raging thanks to the pregnancy.