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The next morning Andrea has me up earlier than usual for his feed. When I roll over, I notice Alessandro’s side of the bed isn’t only empty, but it’s cold to the touch.
After feeding and changing Andrea, we make our way to search for Alessandro. I smell the faint aroma of coffee coming from the kitchen, so we start there.
As we enter the room, I’m surprised to see Alessandro fully dressed.
“It’s six o’clock,” I frown. “How come you’re up and dressed so early?” I place Andrea in his swing and take a seat at the island.
Al passes me a perfectly made cappuccino.
“We have business to deal with,” is his curt reply.
I’m not sure if he means to be rude, but it’s not fair. I’ve given him space, but he has no reason to be short with me.
“Okay,” is all I say as I hop off the stool and take my coffee to sit with Andrea.
Before I make it to the couch, big muscular arms engulf me from behind. He buries his head in my hair and inhales deeply.
“I’m sorry, baby, it’s unfair of me to take my shitty mood out on you.” He kisses down my neck as his thumb strokes the underside of my breast.
I lean back and tilt my head to the side to give him access to my neck.
“You smell fucking divine.” He squeezes my waist. “Tell me you’remine, Carmella. You need to know; I’ll never give you up.” His voice hitches, which fills me with fear as he practically nuzzles my neck.
I raise my hand to run it through his longer than usual wavy hair, tugging slightly.
“Talk to me, Al, what happened?” I lean back to meet his deep chocolate eyes while rubbing his cheek.
He leans into my palm and then releases me, casting his eyes downward. “Jade’s dead.” His voice catches as he lifts his eyes to meet mine.
Dead.
Shit, shit, shit.
My eyes instantly fill with tears.
“How? Was she… the baby?” I hiccup through the sobs building in my throat, unable to articulate what I want to say.
I look toward Andrea, suddenly feeling his distance. The need to seek comfort from him has me picking him up and holding him close to my chest. Looking toward Alessandro, his eyes flick between me and his son.
Al begins to shake his head.
“Oh, Al.” I hold out my free arm as I pull him into me.
“We didn’t… I wasn’t quick enough.” He growled as he steps away, balling up his fists. “He fucking beat and tortured her, Cam, how can I ever forgive myself for that?” He turns away from me to look out the window.
“Al, this is not your fault. Did they, was the baby…” I can’t even finish my sentence.
Imagining the horrors of what Al faced yesterday.
“The baby wasn’t there. We have no fucking clue where the baby is.” He looks toward the celling as he inhales a deep breath.
Al leaves straight after our discussion to start working with Jake to find the baby.
I text Bea and Nell to update them on what Al told me. Though I’m sure Bea’s already got it out of Leo.
Me:Al’s not in a great headspace, understandably. Do you think we should do a dinner tonight? I thought it might help distract him. I’m not sure if it’s insensitive though? xx
