CHAPTER 72
CHAPTER 72
ALEC'S POV
I couldn’t sleep.
I waited till Carla was asleep beside me, and only then did I allow myself to relax. Even then, I couldn’t truly relax. I was haunted by Carla’s tears, by her fear, by her words. She had children to get back home to. I couldn’t keep her here even though I wished we could just remain here forever and explore this startling electric connection between us.
This was temporary and I hated that. But I had to make sure she got back home to her children. I would do my best to make sure she got home.
When sleep continued to evade me, I got up carefully, took the phone, and walked to the living room. I called my brother. He picked up on the second ring.
“Been waiting for your call.” He said, and I exhaled, massaging my temple. I wasn’t one to run away. I should be there. I should be torturing those bastards until they told me who sent them. I should be at the battlefield, not holed up on an Island with the woman I desperately wanted but couldn't have.
The fact that she was right in the room next to me, yet untouchable was driving me insane, hence work would have to be a worthy distraction.
“What is this I'm hearing about you torturing prisoners? Immersing yourself in the Mafia, are you, Gabriel?” I said dryly as I walked to the kitchen, pouring myself water.
“Can you blame me? I was playing poker when I heard about the attack. Pissed the fuck out of me. Why the fuck will someone send mercenaries to you? You could have been hurt. You could have been killed. It was clear I had to step up when you needed to keep your woman safe.” He explained, obviously pissed off by the attack, but not as pissed as I was.
I was just a bit confused because Gabriel has always been vocal about not being interested in the Mafia world. For a very long time, I lived with my father so I could protect him and Irene, but time had changed now. I no longer spend my entire days at home. I bought the estate when Carla got back – I wanted somewhere without the restrictions that my father's house came with. Irene was in school now, and Gabriel was no longer wandering.
It was hard to make sense of everything, so much was changing and I hated not being in complete control.
Instead of pointing out his random interest in our world, I asked for the Mission report. If he were so desperate to be a part of this world, I wouldn't try to stop him.
He exhaled and began. “Luca got hit. He is out of surgery now. I want him transferred to the estate where he can heal and keep an eye on things. Viola hasn’t left his side. Chad is enraged. He has been torturing the fuck out of the shooters, and we are getting somewhere, but still very far from where we need to be. We have four of them in the dungeon, separated. There is a woman amongst them. We are trying to get everything we can on them.”
“Can you get it done in less than a week? Carla has to get up to her children.” I stated.
“Yes, I will. Also, I was thinking of sending a team to Carla’s home, just to be safe. I mean, they will be safer in the mansion, but I doubt she will want that, so we keep them safe where they already are?” He suggested, and I nodded, “Do that. Get in touch with Bertram. I want to know what’s happening every three hours. Can you do it, Gabe? Are you game?”
His response came immediately. “Yes, I can. I won’t let you down. You should get some sleep.”
“Sure. Also, send out our spies into the streets. I want to know everything. I want to know who has the fucking audacity to attack me, to attack us. Looks like it is time to show Bolivia who we are. They seem to have forgotten. Let’s remind them.” I snarled, blood roaring in my ears.
We didn't become the largest and strongest Mafia house in the entire continent by playing small. I was attacked and I must spill blood or everyone else would think I was suddenly weak and fair game.
My father and I might disagree on a lot but we fought for this position together and we will always agree that we must keep it in the family.
“Yes, sir.” He agreed, and I ended the call.
I was so fucking angry. I wanted to go back home and let my face be the last thing those fuckers saw before I killed them.
My phone beeped and I glanced at it. It was messages from Vivian. Pictures. I clicked on it and exhaled slowly as I stared at Carla’s children. Alex and Rosa. They were asleep on their beds. I felt my heartstrings tug as I stared at the children. They were beautiful, just like their mother. A wave of something I couldn’t identify washed over me, and my heart ached, growing heavy.
I heard a footstep and reached for the gun I’d taped under the kitchen counter.
I let it go when I saw it was Carla. Her face was swollen with sleep. Her cheeks were raw. Her eyes settled on me. My gaze ran over her body. She was wearing my shirt and shorts. My gaze lingered on her thick thighs, which made my dick harden in my sweats. I wanted to run my tongue over her body. I wanted to settle between her legs and licked her dry. I wanted everything.
Blood rushed to my dick, and it hardened.
“Why are you awake?” She asked, walking closer to me.
“I had to speak to Gabe. Viv sent pictures of your children. Do you want to see?” I asked, and her face came alive like a Christmas tree.
I passed her my phone, and her smile widened with every swipe.
“Oh, I miss them so much.” She mused, zooming in on the sleeping faces. I watched her as she watched them.
“Thank you.” She said moments later, handing my phone back. A shiver went down my spine as our fingers grazed.
“Let’s go to bed. I’m sure you will speak to them in the morning.” I said, leading her back to the bedroom. I knew a video call wasn’t advisable, but what harm could it do? She wanted to see her children, and she would. It would keep her sane.
“Thank you, Alec.” She said, then fell asleep on her stomach, her hands below her.
My gaze lingered on her before I succumbed to sleep. She was all I dreamt about.
I woke up as the birds started to chirp, but that wasn’t all I noticed. Carla was on me, lying on my chest, her legs sprawled on my stomach, her feet resting on my hard dick.
Fuck.