Confused, I started to protest, but he placed a finger over my lips. “It’s okay, Angel. Everything will be taken care off.”
After giving me another kiss, he left the room, leaving me alone with my wandering thoughts. I was going out of the estate for the first time since I had escaped Alberto.
Fear slithered its way into my body, and I struggled to breathe.
Alessio’s words resonated in my head, loud and clear, calming me just a little.
You’ll be safe.
I need my Angel.
It was dangerous, yet I was willing to take such a big risk. Only because I trusted Alessio…only because I couldn’t bear to be without him. And I knew he felt the same way.
Throughout the day, I willed myself to be strong. I told myself repeatedly that everything was going to be fine. I was safe.
Maddie came to my room, and I told her. She was excited, deliriously happy for me. She talked animatedly about the beach and how much I was going to love it, but still the panic never left me.
And then, finally night had fallen, and it was time for us to leave. Alessio came into the room, and I jumped off the bed, swallowing nervously.
He made his way to me, his eyebrows furrowed at my tense expression. “Hey.” He cupped my face, tilting my face up so my eyes were on his. “What’s wrong, Angel?”
“I—” Words failed me, and I broke off with a shuddering breath.
Alessio quickly wrapped me into his arms, holding me tight against his body. I took a deep breath, and my muscles slowly started to relax. I held on to him for dear life and pressed my ear to his chest, listening to his beating heart.
“Ayla, if you don’t want to go, then you don’t have to. I don’t want to force you,” he whispered gently in my ear, his hand rubbing my back soothingly.
My fingers tightened around his suit jacket, and I shook my head. “No.”
“What is it? Talk to me, Angel.”
“I want to go,” I muttered.
“Are you sure?” he questioned, his voice slightly hoarse.
I nodded. “Yes. Take me with you, Alessio.” This time, it was my choice, not Alessio’s demand.
Alessio pulled away and looked down at me with prideful eyes. “That’s my girl. You always leave me in awe with your strength.”
I closed my eyes, feeling slightly relieved. His lips feathered over my lids. He kissed each one and then laid a kiss on the tip of my nose. His lips touched my cheeks in the softest kisses, and then they were on mine, kissing me slowly and deeply.
Pulling away, he wrapped his fingers at the back of my neck, caressing softly, and then gave me a reassuring squeeze. “Ready?”
I simply nodded. We walked down the stairs, my hand clasped in his tightly. He was my strength.
But when we reached the main door, my steps faltered. I saw Nikolay, Viktor, Phoenix, Artur, and two other men standing there, waiting for Alessio and me.
As we neared the doors, I started to sweat heavily, panic clawing at my throat. I was frightened that this would end in tearful hyperventilation. I cast a fearful look at the door, and my hands tightened around Alessio’s.
He gave me a squeeze and slowed his steps to match mine, giving me the time I needed.
My stomach rolled and twisted. My head was pounding, the blood rushing in my ears until it felt deafening.
I wanted this…yet I was still scared.
Alessio gave my hand another squeeze. There it was. His silent support as he sent me his strength. I could do this. I had to do this. I had to overcome this fear.
As soon as we stepped out of the door and into the night, my breath stuttered and my legs almost gave out, but Alessio quickly wrapped his arm around my waist, supporting me.
“I got you, Angel.”
I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. I have to do this. For Alessio. For me. I can’t live with fear anymore. I have to be strong. I have to be fearless.
We walked to the car, and Viktor opened the door. I slid in the backseat first, and Alessio joined me seconds after. The door closed, and darkness enveloped us. Alessio pulled me onto his lap and placed a kiss on my forehead.
“I got you,” he repeated again.
Placing my head over his shoulders, I breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“Never thank me for taking care of you,” he muttered in my ear. Alessio slid a hand around the back of my neck, beneath my hair, and squeezed gently.
I heard the door slam close, and then Viktor’s voice filled the car. “Ready?”
Alessio didn’t answer. Realization slowly dawned to me that they were waiting for my answer.
I can do this. Taking a deep breath, I gave them the words they needed. “Ready.”