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I see Enzo speaking calmly, trying to pacify Alexandra while she’s screaming and spitting.
A length of rope is looped around his arm, ready to be used as a restraint. The gun is tucked into the back of his briefs, and I thank my lucky stars he was able to get it away from her.
We slip out into the chilly early morning air, and I close the door behind us.No need for Alessia to hear what’s about to happen down there.
We run to the helm as I half-pull, half-drag her with me. Once we climb inside, I shut the door and take the first deep, hopeful breath I have all night.
Adrenaline rolls off my body like steam, and my heart thuds so loudly in my chest that I’m sure they can hear it downstairs.
“Alessia, stay here,” I whisper once I’m able to speak. “I need to go find Matilda.”
Alessia doesn’t answer, but she nods gently. Heartbreak washes over me when I see her curled up on the floor like a tiny kitten.
I’m just about to pull myself off the floor and go search for Matilda when a pair of bright green eyes peer out from behind the captain’s chair.
“Mama?” she whispers, disbelief clouding her face. I realize how terrifying I must look right now, with cuts and bruises all over me, but I smile anyway.
“Come here, honeybee,” I whisper back, opening my arms. She glances around and carefully picks her way over to me, falling into my embrace.
“Mama,” she whispers again and breaks into tears.My strong girl. She held it in for so long.
I stroke her hair gently as she cries into my chest, clinging onto me for dear life. My eyes meet Alessia’s as she watches us intently.
I beckon for her to join the hug, but she glances back at the floor quickly, refusing to move.
“It’ll take time,” I say to myself, kissing Matilda’s head firmly.
“What will?” she whispers, confused.
“Everything.”
She studies me with her tear-streaked face, as if searching for the hidden deeper meaning of this revelation. Finally, she nods and buries her head in my chest, safe again.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Enzo
Alexandra’s gotone hand free as I pin her down. Her legs are flailing, trying to buck me off, but I refuse to let go.
A rush of strength helps me overpower her, but she’s too quick. In one smooth motion, she pulls the gun out from the back of my briefs and presses it to my forehead.
“I’ll shoot,” she warns. Her hand is shaking dangerously as her eyes dart from my face to the gun. “Let me go.”
“No,” I tell her calmly, moving the gun away from my face.
“Enzo,” she screams, waving the gun around. “I’m not joking, I’ll kill you right now. Then I’ll go find that bitch and her kid and kill them too.”
“No,” I repeat, refusing to give in to her sick little games. “No, you won’t.”
She cocks the gun, aiming it straight at my chest. Her pupils vibrate as her jaw hinges open and closed.Definitely consumed something stronger than just wine tonight.
“I’ll kill you,” she growls, attempting to throw me off one more time.
“How are you gonna do that?” I ask gamely, prying the gun out of her shaky hand. “With no bullets? Thanks for leaving just the right amount for me to get rid of your hired thugs.”
Her eyes widen, and her body goes slack beneath mine. I smile tightly, enjoying having the upper hand after feeling terrified of this tiny woman for hours.
“You’ve been ruining my life for weeks,” I hiss at her, getting in her face. “It’s time for that to stop. I need to move on, and you need to move on. It’s time.”