AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“DON’T CALL ME THAT!” Drake roared before breaking down. “I promised to protect Alessandra, and I failed. I failed Noah, too. Can’t you see how sorry I am? I never wanted any part of this life.”
Drake couldn’t remember the last time he’d cried, but holding in his emotions caused immense pressure behind his eyes. His eyes stung at the foreign feeling that overwhelmed him. Alessandra was the only one who soothed his beast; he was a wreck without her.
Alessandra thought she knew everything about him, yet the secrets he hid would destroy them.
Jerry turned to comfort his friend now. “You’re a good man, Drake. I don’t doubt that about you. But now is the time for decisive action. I’m begging you, please.”
“And I’m telling you, you don’t understand what you’re asking of me. I could lose everything. I’m not willing to take any more gambles regarding my wife’s safety.”
“At least consider it, Drake,” Grant cajoled.
“No,” he was steadfast in his answer. “Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I’d like to try and be there for Alessandra when she wakes up.”
Drake realized how insensitive he sounded, given the condition Noah was in.
“I’m sorry, Jerry. I didn’t mean that.”
“Give her my love. We can continue this conversation another time.”
Drake ruminated on their conversation long into the night. What they asked him to do would bring Satan himself into their lives. He would throw the investigation before putting Alessandra in further danger.
Drake sat dutifully at Alessandra’s side, waiting for her to wake up. His stomach churned as the image of her lying on the concrete replayed in his head. He was scared shitless and wasn’t afraid to admit it. He was still afraid even though the medical staff assured him she would recover. Their situation was critical, and it was up to him to ensure her safety moving forward. He fought under the crushing weight of self-doubt and guilt.
Letting his guard down would never happen again. He almost lost Alessandra to his own thoughtlessness. When she returned, he promised to keep her safe and failed.
Beep… beep... beep…
The heart rate monitor registered an even heart rate. Her chest rose and fell steadily. She appeared almost peaceful, as though simply sleeping. Drake reminded himself that this was a gift. Whatever Luca’s goal was, she had survived. The beast within was plotting vengeance, but he needed to focus on his wife.
A knock sounded at the door. Drake assumed it was a nurse doing another vital check and didn’t bother saying anything. He moved from the bed to the tiny window that offered nothing more than a parking garage view.
“How is she?” Grant Ellis’ voice interrupted Drake’s reverie.
“Still unconscious, but they assured me she will be fine.”
The man nodded thoughtfully. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me for this. I’m sorry she was caught in the crossfire.”
“She was always a target. She would’ve been married to some other patsy if there wasn’t an advantage for Tony to marry her to me.” He sighed. “It should’ve been me. They didn’t deserve this. Anthony Russo needs to be stopped at any cost.”
“This was a message. Are you sure you haven’t been compromised, Drago?”
“How many fucking times do I need to tell you not to call me that?” Drake snapped.
His name was Drake. Drake Walker. Grant knew he hated being called Drago. The man took advantage of Drake’s anger to remind him of what was at stake.
Drake took a deep breath and truly considered the facts. What would Luca gain from attacking Alessandra? She was the one woman he claimed to want. What message was he trying to send?
“Luca attacked her because he’s a sick, jealous fuck. He better pray, because his days are numbered,” Drake growled, in response to his own musings.
“You can’t act outside the law,” Grant cautioned.
“Why the fuck not? My career is over. Look where biding our time and playing by the fucking book has gotten us. I’m done playing an honest game. Did you know that Drago means dragon in Italian? This Dragon is going to burn the city to the ground. I’m going to dance on the ashes of my enemies and reclaim what is mine.”
***
