Chapter 55 In the clouds
Alessia's POV
I clutch my rosary as the engine hums steadily beneath our feet and the plane flies through the night sky. I watch the window in awe the clouds seem to part as we soar through them one after the other. I unbuckle my seat belt and fold my arms on my chest, settling back on the seat.
Luca takes a deep breath, finally letting his shoulders relax into his chair. The strenuous activity from the last few hours seems to have clung to him like a second skin, but being in the air seems to be loosening the knot on his shoulders.
I look at Alex’s profile as he picks up a book and starts reading on the cover.
“How to Win Before the War Begins.”
I smirk. Apt. Only Alex will want to read a book like that always one step ahead of his enemy, which will make him a formidable foe. Thank the Lord I have him on my side.He turns around and catches my gaze. He pauses, picking up my laptop and handing it over to me.
“Continue your lessons, Alessia. We need to cover more ground.”
I shake my head, knowing I won’t be able to concentrate on it now. I am too wound up, everything is happening so fast and I need to process it slowly in my head. I close my eyes for a few minutes taking deep breaths trying to calm my heart down. So much has happened within the last few days and it all seems to be pressing on me at once like a weight . I roll my shoulders back rubbing my palms on my dress as I fix my gaze on him.
“Alex, I can’t right now. My brain is being pulled in a million and one directions.”
He softens his voice. “It’s okay. You can take a small nap first, but you will need to get back to it sooner rather than later. Remember what I told you-”
I raise my hand, cutting him off.
“Information is power.”
A smile tugs on his lips, and Luca snickers.
“Yes, that’s it”
I exhale deeply, my gaze moving around the small but snug cabin. Alex’s fingers brush against my hand gently, and I feel a sizzle pass through me. As I raise my eyes to his, we exchange a slow intimate look that says I know we started something, and I will make sure we finish it soon. Luca coughs gently, breaking the moment.
“Alex, did it sound like Thomas was on a journey?”
Alex faces him, nodding.
“Yes. I heard wind rushing, like he was stepping into a plane. He has probably gotten a hold of the fake coordinates.”
I let out a dry laugh. “That’s what he deserves to be made a fool of.” Sighing, I face Alex. “I am not sure I can even sleep either. Can I watch a movie?”
He smiles. “Yes, that’s the perfect distraction. After, you can read.” He sets up the screen and picks a movie for me while he and Luca settle with books.
I notice Luca looking at both of us from the side before murmuring,
“I am glad you can take a moment away from it all and watch something. It is better than you fainting or trying to get off the plane.”
I chuckle as the mood lightens a bit.
I am busy watching when Luca suddenly clears his throat.
“Alex, do you remember the time we stole your neighbor’s grapes and figs?” His voice takes on a light nostalgic tone, as if he is reliving the moment from years ago. I pause the movie, watching Alex as he smiles.
“I remember. We used to get caught all the time. Stealth was not our strong suit.”
Luca grins. “Indeed. But it was so much fun especially when the old man tried to catch us and fell flat in the mud puddle.”
We all laugh at that; it’s just too funny a scenario.
My gaze flickers to them both. “The two of you have been naughty for the longest time.”
They grin like little kids.
“We were just carrying out a simple taste test on his goods. Free help, you know.”
I smirk. “Indeed, I do know, Alex. I understand.” I pat his hand gently as Luca snorts.it feels like we are all just friends on a holiday with no worries in the world,
Smiling , I continue my movie even though my mind keeps wandering to other thoughts routinely thinking about the life I left behind and the unknown waiting for us ahead. I finally get lost in the movie after watching for a while when the pilot's voice fills the cabin.
“Signores and Signorita, I hope you are enjoying the trip so far? We are stopping at Malta to refuel and pick up the flight attendant.”
And just like that, it all comes back in a rush as I lean back.
“Malta is just the next town, right?” I ask. I remember the Town from the lessons my Mother used to give me on geography. She always loved studying cities. My heart clenched as the usual pain that comes with the thought of a loved one that died way too soon hit me. If you were really killed by a witch In La Geneva, I will make sure I avenge you. Curling my hands into fists I suddenly feel Alex's hands covering mine. I pause looking at him
“Are you okay Cara Mia?” concern filling his voice “Yes, Alex I am I unclench my hands linking it with his fingers.
He looks at me “Yes Malta is the next town," he answers, “and it has a private tarmac, so we can be in and out safely.”
I nod slowly, as I peek out the windows. The clouds start to part as we slowly descend toward a small airfield. The lights illuminate the walkway as the wheels descend and we start circling, about to land. Soon enough, the pilot expertly lands without a hiccup.
Then Alex pulls out his phone, switching it on immediately.
His phone vibrates instantly. It seems to be a text.
I watch him as he looks down and freezes. His face sets in a grim line. He turns to Luca as Luca gives him an inquisitive look.
I wonder who that could be?