Chapter 148

Chapter 148
"One ticket to Rome. First class," Alexander said, his voice tight, as he shoved his passport across the counter.

The airline attendant gave him a polite smile as her fingers flew across her keyboard. "We have a flight leaving in three hours. Would you like me to confirm your reservation?"

"Yes," he returned without wasting time on civilities.

"Checked luggage?”

The moment the ticket would clear, Alexander's mind strayed to Bernice. Chased the image of her by Rafael's side at the hospital, tearful but resilient, he just could not rid his head of. He bit his teeth, forcing his anger not to flare into being. She was to be his, his and his daughter Lily's. Since when has it gone like this?

The soft voice of the attendant brought him back to the present. "Here's your ticket, Mr. Cole. Have a safe flight."

He nodded and took the ticket from her without a word. Away more to a quiet corner of the lounge, he strode away. The clutch on his phone tightened, his gaze fixed on that blank screen, willing it to light up with just that one message from Bernice. The phone remained dead-no calls coming through, no texts, nothing.

He leaned back with a sigh, rubbing his temples. The last conversation they'd had replayed in his mind, and the words sliced deeper into his soul with each minute.

"You don't understand, Alexander," Bernice had said, her tone strained. "Mia needs this transfer. Rafael has the resources, the connections-

"And I don't?" he had shot back, frustration lacing his words. "This is about more than Mia. This is about him. He's manipulating you, Bernice, and you're letting him."

Her silence was her answer.

The flight to Rome seemed inordinately long. Alexander lay awake, sleep avoiding his eyes, while his mind turned into a torture chamber with memories of life together flooding his brain-moments sweet and bitter alike: how he first met Bernice, the way she laughed, sparkling of her eyes with determination-she had always been so strong, independent, that's what drew him to her.

And now? Now she was in Rafael's clutches, and he knew for sure he was going to lose her.

He stood, staring out of the window-the darkness of the Atlantic inky black beyond the panes of glass. His mind began to wander to Lily, his two-year-old daughter. Innocently, she would ask a question, but once in a while torture him with the 'whens'.

He had lied, told her Bernice was helping Mia get better, but how long could he keep doing that? How long before Lily realized something wasn't quite right?

No, that could never happen. He had to bring Bernice back. He loves her, so does his daughter.

The instant the plane touched down in Rome, Alexander knew exactly what he was going to do. He charged through customs, watching every movement. Every step took him closer to the confrontation that he knew was due.

He stepped outside into crisp Roman air, foreign and heavy with the weight of his mission. He hailed a cab and climbed in without a single hint of hesitation.

"City center," he said; his voice was firm.

The driver nodded and swerved into the busy streets. Alexander sat back, his mind racing.

He needed to find Bernice and Mia. He needed to get them out before Rafael closed in.

His phone buzzed, and he looked down. A text from his assistant: Penthouse secured. Address attached. Let me know if you need anything. He exhaled a breath, and in that moment, the wave of relief washed over him, at least of having some base from which he could operate.

The cab wove in and out through narrow, meandering streets. The grandeur of Rome passed in a blur. He hardly noticed. His mind was riveted on one thing: Bernice.

They reached the penthouse, and Alexander stepped out onto the pavement, his eyes running over the elegant building. It was a temporary refuge, but it would do.

He walked in, taking the lift to the top; doors at the top opened into an opulent suite. Letting his bag fall on the chair, he moved outside onto the balcony overlooking the city. His jaw clenched as he stared into the sprawl before him. Somewhere out there was Rafael,  playing his game. Well, Alexander wouldn't lose.

The night had fallen long ago, but Alexander's brain just would not go into a relaxed mode. He had paced around in the room, replaying every decision that brought him to that point in his life. His guilt chewed at him: Had he pushed her away? Had the need to keep Rafael out of Bernice's life been one that had, in turn, driven her right to him?

He shook his head, feeling frustration boil over. No, this wasn't his fault. Rafael had manipulated her, and used Mia's illness for leverage. But that is going to change right now.


The next morning, Alexander was standing by the window of his room, observing as morning came alive in this city. Immediately, he answered after one buzz of his ringing phone.

"We've got something," said his contact. "Rafael's hosting a private function tonight at his estate. Small number were invited. High security."

His heart pounded faster. "I need to get in."

"Not advisable," the contact said. "He'll know you're there. You might blow everything."

"I don't care," Alexander snapped. "I have to see Bernice.

For several moments, there was a long pause. "I'll see what I can do. But prepare yourself. This isn't going to be easy."

"Nothing worth it ever is," Alexander said, ending the call.

Placing the phone down, his eyes grew severe. Tonight, he'd confront Rafael.

And he wasn't leaving without Bernice this time.