Chapter 56 LVI.
I woke in Alessandro’s arms. If someone had told me three weeks ago that this would happen, I would have dismissed it as a dream. Even now, I found it hard to believe he was actually here, lying in bed with me. I never thought this day would come so quickly.
Last night was easily one of the best nights of my life. Alessandro had dominated me in ways I never could have imagined. I enjoyed every second of it; it was as if he were finally fulfilling every fantasy I’d ever had about him. The dull ache in my body served as a delicious reminder of everything that had transpired between us. I had never felt so satisfied.
My eyes trailed over his face. He was still fast asleep, and I took the opportunity to really look at him. He was as handsome as ever, but his features looked drawn, weary—like someone who had been through hell. I could see the evidence of violence on his skin, marks that suggested he’d been in a fight before arriving here.
Wait, I thought, my heart sinking. Did he really get into a fight?
Who would dare to hurt a man like Alessandro? His physique alone was enough to instill fear in anyone who dared cross him. His tattoos practically screamed “mess with me if you dare.” So, how the hell did he get hurt?
I reached out, tracing a nearly unnoticeable bruise on his cheek. My gentle touch was enough to stir him. He opened his eyes, blinking sleepily as he focused on my face.
"Rowan," he murmured softly.
The sound of my name on his lips gave me butterflies. "Hi," I whispered, my voice sounding weak and throaty.
Alessandro smiled back. "Hi." He pulled me closer into his warmth, holding me so tightly as he said. "I was almost afraid it was a dream."
I chuckled softly. "I was afraid of the same thing. I’m still finding it hard to believe you’re right here in my bed."
"You better start believing it, Rowan," he said firmly. "Because now that I’ve found you, I’m never letting you out of my sight again. I’ve decided—I’m taking you back to California with me."
A heaviness settled in my chest as reality came rushing back. I was suddenly reminded of why I’d had to leave in the first place. "We... we can’t, Sandro. Your grandfather..."
"Forget whatever my grandfather said, Rowan," he growled, his voice low and angry. "All that matters to me is that I love you, and I am never letting you leave me again."
Despite his words, I remained worried. Mr. Ricci was a man I respected deeply, and the thought of disappointing him still troubled me.
Alessandro noticed my expression and kissed the top of my head. "If you’re worried about Alessandra and Grandpa, you don’t have to be. Alessandra has already forgiven us. In fact, she’s the one who gave me the address to find you. She talked to my grandfather, and he finally agreed to let me come see you."
I pulled back, stunned. I couldn't believe Mr. Ricci had given in so easily. He had seemed so adamant about keeping us apart. "Do you really mean that, Sandro?"
He nodded with a genuine smile. "I mean every word, Rowan. Right now, everyone wants you back. The company isn't the same without you and, to be honest, I think my grandfather misses you more than he'd like to admit."
I laughed, feeling a massive weight lift off my shoulders. The guilt that had been eating at me regarding Alessandra finally began to ease. If I was being honest, she was one of the main reasons I had run away; I couldn't stand the thought of how much I had hurt her.
"So, you're really here to take me back to California?"
Alessandro didn’t hesitate. "Yeah. I’m here to take you back and never let you out of my sight again." He placed his hand over my heart as if making a silent vow.
"I won't mind going with you, Sandro," I whispered. "Being here alone made me realize that I can't live without you."
He grinned mischievously. "Glad to hear it." I felt his fingers trail up my thigh as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper against my ear. "Otherwise, I might have had to show you who the boss truly is between the two of us, and exactly who you belong to."
"I wouldn't mind that either," I breathed back, my entire body lighting up at his touch.
"I know you wouldn't," he teased. "But I also know how tired you are from last night’s... activities. You still need some rest."
I smiled, leaning my head against his chest. Alessandro could be intense, but he was also deeply caring. I loved that about him.
"Before I rest, can I ask you something?"
He nodded. "Anything."
I traced the bruises on his face again; they still looked fresh. "What happened to your face, Sandro? It's obvious you were in a fight."
He looked away for a moment, sighing tiredly, before meeting my eyes again. "After you left, I was miserable. I couldn't find you, and the frustration drove me insane. I started getting into fights, ruining my own life... it wasn't pretty, Rowan."
I cringed, feeling a pang of guilt that I was partially responsible for his pain. "I’m so sorry, Sandro."
"It’s fine, Rowan. None of that matters anymore," he said, pulling me back into a kiss. "I have you now. You’re right here with me, and I’m never letting you go."
"And I’ll never leave you again, Sandro," I promised, sealing the deal with another kiss.
We were meant to be. I knew then that it was finally time to stop fighting fate.