Alberto raised an eyebrow and started to back away slowly. “You are right. We will let Ayla decide.”
Alessio’s fists tightened even further, his face murderous.
Alberto sent me a wink. “I will be waiting, love.” With that, he got into his car, his men following behind as they drove away.
And then we were alone.
Alberto was gone, yet my heart pumped fiercely, fear still coursing through my body until I was weak in my knees. I was going to be sick. I bent forward as my stomach rolled, and I dry heaved in the driveway.
Alessio walked by me, leaving me there. Artur and Phoenix followed closely behind. “Alessio,” I gasped through my dry heaving, my throat closing, tears stinging my eyes as I tasted the bitterness on my tongue. “Alessio…”
But he never turned. Viktor patted my back awkwardly until my stomach settled. He grabbed my arms again and pulled me inside, closing the gates behind us before locking it.
I shrugged off his hold and ran after Alessio. “Alessio! Please listen to me. Please.”
But my legs weakened. I went down in a heap but struggled after Alessio. “Give me a chance to explain, please. I was going to tell you the truth. That’s why I wanted to come back. Let me explain. Alessio!”
But he never looked at me. Not even once. None of the men turned. I was left on the ground, crying after Alessio, begging for him to listen.
“Alessio. Please,” I whimpered. “Just let me explain.”
Viktor stopped and turned toward me. “Let it go, baby girl.”
“No. Viktor, let me explain, please.” But he, too, followed Alessio into the house.
And then I was left alone. I sank to the ground and sobbed. Wrapping my arms around my knees, I rocked back and forth, my mind quickly going numb, my body growing colder with each passing second.
You’re my Angel.
The creek. The piano. Flowers. Alessio’s smiles. Sweet kisses, gentle caresses, and softly spoken words.
I filled my mind with the good and tried to forget the bad. It’s okay, Ayla. You’re okay. Everything is okay. Perfect. Complete happiness. Laughter, love, and beautiful smiles. I floated and went to my happy place.
I rocked myself gently and smiled. I laid on the ground. Happy. I was happy. Alessio was kissing me. He was making love to me. We were happy.
We were at the creek, playing in the stream. Alessio was running after me. Laughter. Happiness. We were happy.
We were dancing. Alessio twirled me around the room. We were happy. I was his Angel. I was loved. We were loved.
Happy. Happy. Happy.
I smiled, pulling my legs to my chest. It’s okay, Ayla. You are happy. Everything is okay. Nothing is wrong.
And then suddenly I was thrust back into reality. I didn’t feel anything for a minute. I felt so cold.
But then my skin was on fire. I was burning. My skin prickled as if thousands of tiny bugs were crawling under my skin. I scratched and scratched. I was sobbing again, my chest squeezing with so much pain, it was impossible to breathe.
I had to explain and make Alessio listen to me. Even if I had to resolve to beg on my knees, I would. But he needed to know the truth—from my side.
Swiping away my tears, I went to stand up but fell back down again. My legs wouldn’t support me. My body was weak from my panic attack, and my vision was still blurred with dizziness.
So I crawled. I had to get to Alessio, no matter what.
When I reached the steps, I swallowed and wiped off the sweat on my face. Holding onto the banister, I stood up and walked up the three steps.
I stood in front of the porch and went to take a step forward.
But never got the chance.
Artur stood in front of me, blocking my way. I breathed out a sigh of relief. “I need to speak to Alessio. Please, let me in. Let me talk to him and explain,” I begged, holding onto his arm.
But he sent me a glare so cold that I cowered away. Artur grabbed my arm roughly, and I squeaked as pain shot through my muscles. He pulled me away, and my knees buckled underneath me. But still he didn’t stop.
He pulled me down the steps, and I shook my head wildly. “No, let me go. Artur, let me go! I need to talk to Alessio.”
But he didn’t stop. Instead, he pulled me toward the gates, my legs dragging behind me as I tried to force him to let go.
He was stronger. I was dizzy, sick, and weak from my melt down. It wasn’t a fair fight.
“No. Let me go. Artur! Stop!”
He did. I bumped into his back, and he swiveled around, his face filled with hatred and anger.
“Bitch! Do you really think Alessio wants to see you? After what you did?” he snapped, his lips curling up in disgust. “You are more delusional than I thought.”