Chapter 66 La Concorde
Alessia’s POV
As we step inside, the hotel staff all bow with respect. I look around the lobby, admiring the black and chrome theme, including all the black leather furniture. The lobby is empty except for an older couple seated on the large leather black sofa, browsing through some catalogues.
We walk towards the counter, and Alex addresses the receptionist.
“We are here to check in to the Presidential Suite, and I also booked two Business Class rooms for my staff. Booking name, Ferrini.”
She smiles. “Okay, sir, let me just check the system and get your keys.” She walks off and returns moments later, placing the key cards on the counter.
“Here it is. Enjoy your stay.” Alex picks the card with Presidential on it and puts it in his pocket, turning to me. Then he turns around to the pilot, handing him the remaining two keys.
He accepts gratefully. “You should all make yourself comfortable. Order room service, and don’t wander out. Remember, we are here en route.”
“Si, thank you, Signore Ferrini.”
Alex nods as he turns to me. “Come on, Cara Mia, let’s go up.”
The manager rushes out in a dark brown suit that has seen many days. Brief greeting follows as he leads us to the elevator.
Just before we step in, Alex asks the manager, “Have you got tour guides available?”
He nods his head, beaming. “Yes, sir. The hotel always has tours planned . I will let you know when the next tour will.”
“Okay, that’s perfect, thank you,” and we step into the elevator.
Luca whistles. “Must be nice to be a billionaire,” he mutters.
Alex gives him a lazy look, and he keeps quiet.The ride up is silent. I feel my palm growing sweaty for no reason, so I rub it down my dress, straightening the creases. When the elevator doors slide open, we step into the lobby of the Presidential Suite, done up in shades of cream with soft lights, with an intricate console with a gold mirror and a large flower vase filled with flowers on top. Inside the suite, there are two bedrooms on the left, then a living room tastefully decorated with modern beige fabric chair set and a small dining room with an open-faced kitchen. Very spacious and lovely.
Angelica steps into the suite last, shutting the door behind her.
I notice that Luca’s eyes are still glued to her as he follows her steps around the room.
She stops in the middle of the living room and says softly,
“We should all have an early night. Mezza always feels draining for newcomers.”
Alex snorts. “We will all be staying indoors. Except we are going out together, no wandering off alone.”
She tilts her chin. “Si, Signore.”
I drop my bag on the single chair. My fingers shake slightly, but I hide them behind my back before Alex notices I am jumpy. He touches my chin, lifting my face to his.
“What’s the matter, Cara Mia? You look pale?”
He must have seen my fingers… he doesn’t miss a thing.
“It’s nothing, Alex, I am fine.” I lie.
He narrows his eyes but doesn’t call me out on my lie.
“We will have dinner, then retire for the night.”
Dinner is sent up moments later, and we sit around the small dining table. We eat quietly, everyone lost in his thoughts. Even Luca doesn’t make his usual jokes, which is weird. Alex breaks the silence.
“We should all take the hotel tour tomorrow to get more acquainted with Mezza.”
Angelica sips some wine and swallows her food before responding.
“That is a good idea. We can study the map when we get back. There will also be a guide from La Casa apart from the Hotel guide I advise we go with him. They have felt our presence already, but I don’t know when He will arrive.”
“A guide?” Luca repeats. “From La Casa?”
“Yes. From La Casa sending their own,” she says.
I gulp hard. I hope he will be nice.
Alex asks sharply, “La Casa will send Him? In that case we won't even need to take the hotel tour...”
Angelica meets his gaze squarely. “Yes Signore,They already know we are here. They will want to meet us.”
I choke on the morsel of food in my mouth.
“What’s the rush?”
She nods gently. “It is their way.”
Alex mumbles as he tightens his hand on the glass flute. “If any one of the witches tries anything-”
“The two of you are safe. They will not hurt Men that protect us,” she says calmly.
Luca looks at her. “That’s a very confident statement. How can you be sure?”
“I am very sure,” she replies simply.
We finish eating soon after.I and Luca clear the plates for lack of something else to do, while Angelica watches us with a blank expression. Then Alex rises. “Let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day.”
Luca stretches and yawns. “Angelica, me and you are sharing the second room.”
She nods and gets her bag.
Alex faces me, his eyes softening. “Come on, Cara Mia, you are with me.”
There is no room for doubts or uncertainty. I wasn’t planning to argue anyway. I follow him into the room, and he shuts the door gently. It’s done up in neutral shades of cream and grey. I move towards the podium and sit on the edge of the bed.
Alex crouches low in front of me, lifting my chin up to look into my eyes.
“What is bothering you?”
I whisper, “It’s nothing to worry about, because I don’t understand it either.”
He looks at me for a while, then he nods.
“Whatever is bothering you, please know that I will protect you. Whatever Mezza thinks it knows, or whatever it is planning, I will not let them take you.”
I stare into his eyes, letting out a deep breath, feeling a bit lighter around my chest.
“Thank you, Alex.”
He settles on my side, his shoulder lightly brushing mine.
Warming me.
Anchoring me.
In the next room, I can hear Luca and Angelica’s murmurs, and it helps me relax a bit more. At least we weren’t alone. Angelica appears to be at peace here, as for me? I am patiently waiting for the other shoe to drop.