Chapter 106: The Billionaire’s Prodigal Wife

As they stepped into the condo Nuncio and Carlos immediately went through and made sure they were safe before they were permitted all the way inside and Mackenna wrinkled her nose at their actions. They were taking Salvatore’s threat from earlier in the day very seriously even though he was an ocean away.

She started to walk towards her bedroom but stopped when she realized Alessandro was not following her. She turned to look at him. “What’s wrong?”

“You are exhausted.”

“I know,” she didn’t deny it. “My head is throbbing, my arm is aching and after going through the inquisition earlier tonight, I know my emotions are raw. I’m ready for bed.”

“I will let you get some rest,” he stepped forward and kissed her cheek.

“You’re not staying?” she queried quietly

“I feel as if I’ve put you through the wringer today and perhaps you might sleep better on your own.” He seemed unsure as he ruffled his hair with his fingers. “I am not ready for bed, and I have a lot I need to work on.”

“You’ve worked here the last two nights. Is this something you need to do at your office?”

“No,” he denied.

“Then why do you need to leave?” She felt tears welling in her eyes. “If you don’t want to stay, then just say you don’t want to stay. It’s because I messed up tonight, right?”

“No,” he protested seriously and then grimaced, “you did not mess up. You were incredible. I just feel I put a lot on you today while you are supposed to be healing. You are pale and even Samuel’s make-up is not hiding the bruises under your eyes. I am feeling guilty for forcing you to do too much. I just want you to have a good night’s sleep without me intruding.” He stared into her eyes and noted the dejection. “I feel I am always forcing my life onto yours and right now you do not look well Mackenna. I noticed you holding your head in the car and I’m feeling a complete jerk for putting you through the wardrobe today and then dinner tonight. I should have paced things better. If I stay, then I’m afraid I will keep you awake and you will get ill. I’m trying to be respectful.”

“Alessandro,” she stared up at him and let out a sigh, “I need to go to bed. You can work in the living room, or you can work in the chair in the bedroom, or you can sit in the bed propped up with pillows. I don’t care. You’re not leaving. I need you to stay because I don’t feel well. I need my husband to stay and be with me.” She watched as a hundred emotions crossed his face with relief as the last of them before he nodded and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“It’s settled then, let’s get you ready for bed.” He let her lead him down the hall to her bedroom and he turned the light in the bathroom on. “Would you like a hot bath before bed? I can run it for you?”

“No, I just want my bed.” She shook her head and grimaced at the action as it throbbed. She watched him disappear into the walk-in closet and reappear with a silk nightdress dangling from his fingertips. “Oo, pretty.”

“It is and it’s also going to be easier to get you into than anything else,” he lay it at the foot of the bed and started to undress her by gingerly removing the bolero. He helped her step out of the dress and he tossed it over the back of a chair. At her huff, he chuckled, “I promise to hang it up. I know you don’t like things hanging over your vanity chair.”

She mumbled something incoherent, and he knew he’d guessed her irritation correctly. He helped her out of her undergarments and then into the silk creation. He pulled the sheets back and held her arm as she crawled into the bed. He stood over her watching her as she tried to nestle into the pillows.

He walked out of the room and reappeared several minutes later with pain tablets and a glass of water. Making certain she took the medications he tucked the blankets up to her chin and kissed her cheek.

“You’re not leaving, right?” she fought the sleep pulling on her eyelids.

“No,” he touched her cheek softly, “I’m going to grab my laptop and sketchbook and I’ll be sitting right there,” he pointed to the other side of the bed.

His words seemed to have reassured her and she immediately fell into a deep sleep.

In the early morning hours Mackenna rolled over and reached for him and found he was not there, and she sat up in the bed in confusion.

“I’m here my love,” he spoke quietly as he stepped back into the bedroom. “I had a call from my father and didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Is everything alright?” she saw the concern etched on his face in the light from the hall.

“No,” he admitted and rounded the bed to sit beside her. “Salvatore is missing.”

Her hand immediately went to her mouth. “How?”

“I don’t know,” he shook his head in disbelief. “I have his house being watched and there’s been no activity in or out. My father cut his phone lines and took his cell phone. I do not know whether he had another phone or not.”

“Do you think he’s coming here?”

“He had to surrender his passport when he made bail. He is quite recognizable so it’s not likely. It’s unsettling. My father is furious, and he has my mother on edge.”

She remembered the man had threatened his mother. “Is Rosetta, okay? She must be terrified.”

“She is fine. She dared the man to approach her, and she’d show him what happens to someone who takes her family away from her. She is quite angry.”

Mackenna gave a surprised gasp and he chuckled. “My mother is your champion Mackenna. She’s been yelling at me for years. She was looking forward to being a Nonna and he stole it from her. She wants her pound of flesh.”

“Don’t we all,” she muttered dryly. “We will have our day in court I hope.”

“Mm,” he looked away and she tried not to consider what he was contemplating.

“So now what?”

“Now, we continue as we have been. Carlos’ team in Milan is working to find him. Because he was under house arrest, he’s broken the conditions of his bail, so the police are also looking for him. We will find him.” Alessandro spoke quietly. “I would like for you to stay home today and not venture anywhere. If nothing more than for mine and Nuncio’s peace of mind.”

“You’re going to the office?” she questioned

“Yes,” he nodded, “but not for a few hours. It’s just five. I was hoping to come hold you for a bit longer before I get showered and head over.”

“I would like very much for you to come hold me.” She waited for him to round the bed and then once he was in the sheets, she lay her head on his chest, draping her arm over his waist.

His arms moved to wrap around her, and she noted he was holding her more tightly than usual. “Are you okay Alessandro?”