The Mafia Heiress

Quattro

***

I watched the door, waiting with baited breath with everyone present for the return of my husband and his companions. The gun shots had subsided over time, easing the anxiety within the room for the moment but fear was still present, permeating through the room. Amanda held my hand tightly in her own, pity reflected in her gaze. I could understand her emotions. We weren't sure what fate awaited my husband and his companions.

I'd also just tied my life to his...If this is to be my future, then its looking pretty bleak in her eyes no doubt...

I wanted an explanation, to understand what in the world was going on and why there were people trying to hurt Alex. Yes, he was a wealthy businessman but it didn't warrant such a violent attack. And the fact that he and Kyle had gone to tackle the danger head on rather than keeping away from it like other people did.

I didn't realize they were that close, enough to charge head first into a volatile situation...

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Silent, fearful gasps reverberated through the room before relief overtook it all at the sight of Viktor, Max, Kyle and Alex. My body moved of its own accord, straight to Alex whose gaze settled on mine and mine alone. His arms opened at my approach, engulfing me in a warm hug that destressed my body instantly. I hadn't realized how worried I was for him until this moment, feeling him wrap around me reassured me of his safety.

Losing my husband on my wedding day would definitely be a record...

The thought in itself sent a fearful chill down my spine as I gazed up at him. His gaze revealed nothing but the tension coursing through his body was palpable, the only sign of everything that had just happened.

"Are you okay? What happened?"

I questioned for the first time, the two of us stuck in our moment as I gazed up at him and waited with bated breath for his answer. Alex said nothing for the moment, simply brushing the lose strands of my hair in a more so comforting manner for himself rather than for my appearance.

"I'm okay. We'll talk as soon as we handle everyone's departure."

I nodded, remembering the people around me who were currently being led out of the kitchen and towards the living room by Viktor and Max. Kyle stood in the hallway, holding Amanda close who seemed to be more relaxed now after ascertaining his safety. We were both more nervous for the men in our lives than we thought we were. After a quick kiss on the cheek, Alex headed towards the living room where he reassured the scared men and women gathered and arranged transportation for them to return home.

My heart warmed at the sight, amazed by how calm he was and put together despite the craziness that had happened. His ability to handle high stress situations was clear now more than ever and I found myself loving him all the more for caring for his employees. With Viktor and Max's help, cars were brought in and soon enough, the house was empty save for Kyle and Amanda who hung back, both of them settling in the cleared out living room drinking some chamomile tea.

"I never thought today would go like this but I'm glad we're all safe."

Amanda murmured, calmer now than before but the apprehension was still within her gaze as she turned toward Alex beside me who had been silent for most of the evening after the exit of the employees. His hand was in mine the entire time, never letting go even as he sipped his own beer. None of us said anything, each of us glancing around at each other. We knew he had a lot on his mind after what happened today.

"Yeah, its been a crazy day but we should dwell on the happy moments which is that you two are married now! Congratulations, guys. We are so happy for you and despite the crazy moments, we hope you have a long and beautiful union."

Kyle commented, earning an excited nod from Amanda who wholeheratedly agreed. I granted them both a smile, grateful for their words and the fact that they stuck around despite everything.

"Thank you, for everything. It means so much to me that you're here."

I responded, earning smiles from my two friends before they announced their own exit.

"Tonight is your first night as a married couple and we would not want to spoil the moment. Enjoy your honeymoon, guys. You deserve it."

Amanda commented as we all headed towards the exit where some guards were still patrolling. All marks of the chaos that had been were gone, replaced with the calm tranquillity that had been before the madness that ensued. It was incredible, how quickly they had cleared up all the craziness. No law enforcement had come with Alex expounding that Viktor and Max would handle it themselves to allow us time to ourselves.

"Thank you both for coming and apologies once more for everything."

Alex spoke for the first time in a long time, his gaze travelling from Amanda to Kyle who simply shook his head, the two achieving some sort of understanding and silent communication. I didn't have time to decipher it all, though, as Amanda pulled me into a warm and comforting hug. I knew she didn't want to leave me and I understood her fears- and so I ensured to hold her as close as I possibly could to reassure her.

"Please be safe, babe. I love you and if you need anything at all, I'm here for you, okay?"

She murmured in my ear, her love for me warming my heart even more as I held her even tighter.

"I know, A. I love you too and I promise that I'm going to be just fine. Have fun tonight."

I granted her a mischievous wink, gesturing covertly at Kyle who was waiting for her on the side with Alex who spoke silently with the Doctor. It was weird seeing them so close to each other but I was glad for it, knowing well enough that Alex needed more genuine friends around him.

Amanda blushed profusely, winking at me as she allowed Kyle to open the passenger door of his Mercedes for her. They were on their way soon enough, Alex and I waving them off as they left the estate. Silence engulfed us momentarily before Alex released a small sigh, his hand wrapping around my waist to pull me close and simply breathe in my scent.

"Alex..."

I murmured, revelling in the comfort and safety of his touch and the fact that he found the same comfort in my presence and my affection. We said nothing for a full minute, simply basking in each other's presence and decompressing after the day's events.

"No matter what they do or how hard they try, they can never take you from me."

He murmured, his words sending a sudden chill through me that seemed to startle my husband back to the present. He pulled away instantly, keeping me at arm's length as he looked everywhere but at me. The darkness did nothing to help me assess his features, to know exactly what he was thinking and why he had said what he said.

"What are you talking about, Alex? Who is trying to take me from you?"

I couldn't hold back the question. I needed to know, to hear it from him and him alone and not the silent voice in the back of my mind that was trying to put two and two together- trying to warn me to run from him. The anxiety that had been present before the ceremony was back and the little voice begging me to open my eyes was louder now.

Alex said nothing, simply gazing at me before he let out a small sigh.

"Nothing, Reina. Just the musings of a tired man. Its been a long day and I really don't want to talk about that. Instead, I want to enjoy my first night with my wife so we're leaving."

He stated, the finality in his voice silencing me instantly as I simply nodded and watched as one of the patrol guards stopped the sleek, black Chevrolet SUV before us and opened the back doors. My entire body was alive with conflict, part of me pissed that he had found it so easy to dismiss me and my questions and yet another side of me was trying to be understanding of all he had been through today.

Hang onto the anger...Let it fuel you to run!

The voice insisted, trying and failing to fire me up. I chose to ignore it, yet again, focusing instead on settling into the back seat with Alex beside me. His hand reached out for my own, holding it close and although it was supposed to make us feel closer but...

But I've never felt farther away from him than I do now...

***