“Let’s eat, babe.”
I nodded, turning to the stool.
Chapter 27
Two weeks later
My gaze followed Alessio around the room. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He moved fluidly, his steps filled with purpose.
Alessio moved around like he owned the room…like he owned everything. And it was reality.
I liked his strength and the dominance he exuded. The pull I felt toward him made my body hum with pleasure.
Alessio shrugged on his dress shirt, quickly buttoning it up. His form was the most perfect I had ever seen. Not that I had seen a lot.
But he was absolutely perfect in my eyes. Inside and out.
I got off the bed and took his suit jacket in my hand. He gave me a warm look as I helped him. My hands made their way to his chest.
I laid my palms there, over his chiseled stomach. I could feel every muscle definition through his shirt. Alessio’s hands held my hips, moving me closer.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, running his fingers over my hips.
“Perfect.” I smiled up at him.
He nodded, and a sudden shadow crossed his face. Alessio looked thoughtful for a moment, and then he swallowed hard, like he ate something big.
I could feel that he was suddenly nervous. “What’s wrong?”
“This is going to be huge, Ayla. But we thought it’s time for you to know,” he started.
“Know what? What’s wrong?” My eyes went wide as panic started to course through my system.
Alessio placed a gentle finger over my lips. “Shh…calm down, Angel. Everything is fine. But Isaak wants to talk to you.”
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Isaak? But why?” I questioned.
Isaak had barely said any words to me. He never talked. But I caught his stare every now and then. It felt like he wanted to speak, but he just didn’t know what to say.
If I wasn’t mistaken, he was avoiding me. Just watching from behind the shadows sometimes. It was strange, but I never thought much of it.
“He has a lot to say, Angel, but he means well. Okay? Just keep that in mind. He’s not the bad guy,” Alessio explained, staring at me expectantly.
I nodded but then jumped in fright when a sudden knock sounded on the door. I was too tensed, my muscles locked tight.
“That’s him,” Alessio muttered before calling out. “Come in!”
I stood, staring at Alessio as the door opened. He gave me a small smile and turned me around so I was facing Isaak.
“Hey,” Isaak started with a tight smile. He looked really nervous. His hands were fisted by his sides, and he fiddled around on his feet.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime type sight. To see a man like him nervous.
“Hi,” I replied almost timidly.
Alessio walked us to the couch and sat down before pulling me on his lap. He settled me sideways, his hands drawing circles over my rounded belly.
I breathed out a sigh of relief and stared at Isaak expectantly.
He swallowed again and looked around before moving his gaze back to me.
“This is going to sound crazy, and you might even hate me after this, but I think you need to know. I need to tell you. It’s driving me fucking insane keeping it inside for so long,” he started.
“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s going to be okay,” I replied, trying to make him as comfortable as I could.
After my years of torture, I had learned that it was easier to see the positive in things.
Let the wave of negativity flow around you but never let it affect you. I guessed I was my own medicine to the virus.
My eyes caught Alessio. His attention was already on me.
Or maybe he was my medicine?
I smiled internally at the thought. My savior. I had the sudden urge to kiss him again but quickly bit on my lips and tried to concentrate on Isaak again.
When Isaak started talking, I didn’t have to force my attention anymore. He had my full attention.
My breath hitched as he continued his story. My heart ached with each word, and tears slid down my cheeks.
Alessio caught them for me. He soothed me with his touch.
But every word Isaak uttered, it broke my heart further.
When he was done speaking, he let out a loud breath and stared at me, watching my reaction. I sat still and stared back in shock.
My throat closed as I tried to speak. “You knew my mom?”
He nodded.
“You loved her?” He nodded again, a wave of pain crossing his face.
My eyes blurred with tears. “I can’t remember you.”
“Of course, you can’t. You were only a year old,” he replied gently.
My heart stuttered at his fatherly voice.
“But I wish I could remember you,” I whispered. “You were more a father to me than my own ever was. You cared for me when he didn’t.”
“I always cared for you, Ayla. Since the very first time I laid eyes on you. Even when I thought you were dead, I still loved you. You were my daughter.”