Chapter 161 Off to Mezza
Alessia's POV:
After a few beats he checks again “It's been ten minutes.” he murmurs in surprise, turning to me “Alessia, you can drop it now.”
I close my eyes and take a deep breath slowly allowing her to dissolve as my body reconstructs slowly and finally my face ripples into place. The release perhaps because I held it longer hits me hard and my knees almost give away.
“Oomph” I exclaim in distress as Alex notices and catches me immediately. “Alessia ,You dropped the facade too fast.”
I don't argue “But I held it way longer.”
“Yes that you did” Alex says his hand still holding my waist loosely “We will practice again later in the car”
Taking a few deep breaths, suddenly I hear someone walking up the stairs as Luca comes into view “Good morning,The vehicles are parked and ready to go”
I give him a tired smile “Morning Luca” I turn back to Alex once more.
“Alex, what about the luggage?” I know I won't be able to carry anything down the stairs after that magical marathon.
He squeezes my arms “Hugh will handle the luggage, there is a light breakfast spread on the dining. He pauses tucking me into his side “lets get you a quick meal you need to build up your strength”
My stomach twists and I don't know if my nerves will even allow me to keep food down but I follow him quietly. Taking a few deep breaths we navigate the stairs together his arms tightening around me and step into the small dining room Alex grabs some pre-packaged sandwiches “Even better we can eat on the way” I nod in agreement “Thats quite thoughtful of Mcgregor”
Perhaps once the journey has started in earnest my stomach will start to settle and Incan eat the sandwich. Once Alex's hand is loaded with food we proceed out of the dining room and onto the Porch. I stare into the garden, wondering who helps Mcgregor keep it so beautiful and organised surely with his limitations in mobility he cannot be gardening on this large scale as well. I take a deep breath and the sweet smell of the Roses and grapes assault my senses, filling my lungs as my shoulders release some pent up tension little by little. Looking beyond the garden I spot Mcgregor in a similar outfit as he wore yesterday leaning on his cane, by the gate and give him a small wave which he returns.
Turning to Alex I lace my hands with his as we finally walk down the entrance steps and head towards the SUV.
Once we reach the door Alex grabs the door “After you Cara Mia.” and I pause turning around to take one last look at the charming white cottage for a few minutes.
The upstairs room windows curtains are flying out the window as if by design to say farewell to its guests. The air hums with magic as well as anticipation. At that very moment Lucy and Angelica holding food packages , Luca and Hugh pulling our luggage step out onto the porch. This cottage will always hold a place in my heart because here I discovered my mind reading abilities with Alex.
I am sure I will be back but for now “Adieu safe house." I whisper and turn back around slipping into the car.
Alex shuts my door gently and walks around to slide in through the other side dropping the packed breakfast pouches and juices on the chair between us. He then gives the driver one-word signal “Drive” the Driver keys the ignition and drives towards the gate stopping a feet away from Mcgregor who is on my side. Pressing the window down I peek out at the ornery old man that had started to grow on me
“Thank you for your hospitality, see you soon.” His face splits into a wide toothed grin as he tips his hat at me “ Its my absolute pleasure Princess, May Natura be with you.”
Alex leans over giving him a stiff nod “McGregor”
Mcgregor tilts his head “Signore Ferrini farewell”
My window slides up as we drive out of the gates.
Alex turns to me giving me a teasing smile “I thought you had changed your mind about leaving when you were staring at the house so intently”
I smile “ I was just giving it a proper goodbye and taking note of the little things.” Alex reaches over then squeezing my hands once “ We will be back, many times we can't get to La Casa without passing through here”
I nod feeling slightly better “ You are right” leaning back I settle in for the journey my eyes locked on the passing scenery. My mind full of different scenarios of how the La Geneva trip will unfold.
We must succeed
Our very survival depends on it as they do not give second chances shivering I shut my eyes for a moment clearing my head of all doubts .
As soon as we are a few meters away Alex sends me a very clear message in his mind. He is getting better at it .
“You should Eat first then read the intel on her, we will need to practice again.When we arrive at la Concorde, you watch the clips again. Tonight we have another meeting rehearsing how we will enter.”
I turn to him giving him a sharp nod “I understand “ his arms wrap around my shoulder for a moment warming me instantly as he patches me a breakfast pouch and juice.
Turning to the front I watch the car proceed slowly down the road in front of us towards Mezza is full of bushes and shrubs.
I sigh deeply as something shifts inside me, not fear or doubt but certainty and anticipation. By the time we arrive at Mezza I should have perfected My glamour into Miranda Gross. So that when I enter La Geneva I don't have to sneak around the way they did when they infiltrated The Sirranos household…
I will walk in as if I belong….