Chapter 187 First night Back
Alessia's POV
After all the excitement wears off the suite slowly quiets down . Lucy and Angelica leave for their assigned room still chatting animatedly about the view from the rooftop . Luca relaxes on the sofa, legs up remote in hand and starts watching all the movies he missed . Hugh picks the single armchair near the window , as usual . Scanning the view as if an enemy is going to fly into the suite any moment.
I take it all in ,my heart beats slowly returning to its normal rhythm after everything we have been through the last few days . For the first time in months we don't have a pending trip to take ,no alarms to set ,no plan to oversee ,No watching our backs every second, no worrying about coven politics and tricks.
Just peace and even if it won't last I plan to savor it for as long as I can. Alex walks into his office for a moment to take a call. His voice is low but I still hear bits and pieces.
“I want you to double my security personnel on the rooftop”
He pauses listening to the person on the other line then -
“No body is allowed up here without my express permission.”
He pauses again
“In fact Family only”
When he returns to the living room his eyes linger on my tired face and it softens immediately
“I have put everything in place.” he says
Luca turns to him raising a brow Alex you run a ship that is tighter than fort Knox ..”
Alex shrugs “it's important that we are not disturbed, tonight we rest up. Tomorrow we can start working on the scripts.”
I lean back on my chair “Isn't that too quick?” I whine
My Father answers before he can “Alessia the sooner we translate the scripts the better ..so we know what steps to take next.”
I nod I can't argue with that logic even if I wanted to
Luca adds quietly “the sooner we unearth all La Rosa's secrets the better.”
We all watch the movie in silence , the TV filling up the gaps until Alex waves towards the hallway that leads to the bedrooms .
“We have enough rooms for everyone," he says Lucy and Angelica already picked the one near the balcony, Luca and Hugh can have the adjacent room.”
Luca shifts in the sofa “I hope I don't even sleep off on the sofa. I am so low maintenance.”
We chuckle at that ,he really is one of the most down to earth Mafianos I have met after Alex of course
Hugh nods.
My father is quiet for a moment, “I will take any room that is left.” Alex waves towards the room at the far end “That one is yours Gabreal.”
He says my father's name in such a respectful manner, calm and unhurried. As if he is given his due respect knowing fully well the Man is not only a guest but would be family soon .
Their growing attachments is really lovely to watch
My attention returns to the television as I get engrossed in the room com until. Until Luca makes his excuses muttering something about needing a hot bath.
Hugh stands shortly after acknowledging us with a sharp nod before heading for their room.
Only the three of us are left in the living room . My father stands up walking towards the balcony doors ,he looks at the view of Sicilian lights almost mesmerized
“I had lost hope of ever seeing this city again.” He says quietly
Something shifts in my heart, it's going to take a lot of nurturing before my father will be okay again after the torment he experienced. I get up and approach him slowly placing a hand on his thin arms.
“Dad you are free now.” he remains beside me still admiring the view before turning to Alex
"I can't thank you enough.”
Alex meets his gaze unflinching
“No more thanks needed.”
My father nods and then gives Alex a huge smile before turning in for the night.
Sleep well, he adds before disappearing down the corridor.
After he disappears I turn to Alex and find his eyes on me “Alessia you look exhausted.” he says gently
I laugh “I am not sure exhausted even covers it or begins to describe how bone weary tired I am.”
He reaches for my hand gently tucking me into his side.Warmth spreads through my body like fire, my fire swirls in my tummy responding to his simple touch
“We have been through so much.” I whisper softly
“Yes we have.” he says and turns me to face him “And we made it back home.”
For a moment we says nothing , I stare at him the way the lights cast shadows against his perfectly chiseled Grecian features and I feel shy
Which is ridiculous considering everything we have been through and the fact that we have been sharing a room since we left
Alex's mouth curves into a teasing smile “Are you blushing?”
I protest weekly. “What ? Why would I blush ?”
“You are.” he says
I step back crossing my arms on my stomach as my heart races
“Alex we should go to sleep.”
“Yes we should."He says quietly but neither one of us moves . Until he gently tugs in my hand.
“Come with me.” He leads me to the master bedroom. It looks exactly the way I remember done in tones on white and gold. The master king bed is set on a podium in the middle of the room with a matching sofa and center table . The lighting has been set to dim ,the white oak furniture shines brightly as if it was just polished.
I pause by the doorway for a moment and Alex waits patiently beside me
“Alessia do not overthink it ...”I look at him the man knows me too well.
This isn't the first time we will be sharing a room. I glance at the floor numbing a "Yes"
“We are bonded Alessia," he adds quietly.
“I know Alex.” My mark flares in response to his nearness and I resist the urge to brush my fingers on it.He steps closer to me, his hand pulling a soft tendril of hair away from my face. I shiver in response to that one touch.
“It's your Alex , please relax.”
His voice is gentle and coaxing now .
“We can finally have some time together without worrying about ..... Mara walking in on us.”
My heart melts at his words . He is right, it's been a long time since we were able to just relax and enjoy each other's company.
There was always something to worry about .He slowly coaxes me into his arms , and I stand there.
Frozen ,Listening to his heart beat against my forehead. Tonight everything else will have to wait ,it's time for me to feed my soul. We are home and for the very first time in weeks we are alone.