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Drake approached the bed and clasped Noah’s hand. “I’ll do everything I can. You have my word.”
Once in the hall, Alessandra could no longer hold back her sobs. She almost collapsed, but Drake was there to support her in an instant.
“It’s okay, Alessandra.”
“I can’t believe he’s suffering because of me. This is all my fault.”
Drake carefully lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. He couldn’t stand listening to her blame herself.
“None of this is your fault. No one blames you.”
He enveloped her in his strong arms. One day she’d realize it was his fault and lay the blame at his feet where it belonged. A hospital corridor wasn’t the proper setting for the conversation they needed to have. It was getting harder and harder to keep the truth from Alessandra. No matter what he did, Alessandra’s continued suffering was unacceptable. Decisive action was all he had left.
Drake supported Alessandra with an arm around her waist as he helped her into the waiting Genesis. It was important to leave the flashy car at home this time. Alessandra slid into the passenger seat with a soft groan.
She didn’t question where they were going when he pulled onto the highway, and soon fell asleep next to him. They drove several hours out of the city into the state capital.
They drove past the Governor’s mansion and Lincoln’s home. Drake remembered taking an overnight school field trip when he was younger. Being stuck for hours on a bus full of stupid prepubescent teens before cell phones were mainstream was a rite of passage. He glanced at his still-dozing wife and again realized how deprived of experiences she was.
He pulled up to the modest two-bedroom home they would occupy for an indeterminate amount of time. He was determined to take her to see all the tourist attractions and make up for the things she missed.
“Wake up, bella. We’re here,” he said gently.
“Where are we?” she asked, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
“We’re at a safe house.”
“A safe house? Why?”
She shifted suddenly in the leather seat, causing it to squeak. Her emerald eyes widened with panic. Drake took her hand and spoke in a soothing tone.
“Luca made good on his threats by hurting you and Noah. Your brother is a free man now, and with Luca becoming underboss to replace your brother, we don’t know what will happen. But you are safe here Alessandra. We’re taking a chance to regroup and allow you time to recover. The only way to do that is by getting away from the city for a while.”
“How do you have access to a safe house? You’re just a lawyer.”
Drake ignored her question. Grant had access to numerous safe houses ready to go at a moment’s notice across the country for those in witness protection. While Drake and Alessandra weren’t entering the program, he had discussed his immediate needs with his boss. The man was fairly understanding, though he stressed to Drake it wouldn’t come free. Drake was expected to deliver results.
He helped his wife out of the car and pulled their luggage and several bags of groceries from the trunk. He left the unpacking for later but put the groceries away before grabbing a water bottle and a pill bottle and bringing them to Alessandra.
“Care for a drink?”
Drake twisted the top off the water before handing it to Alessandra and shook two pills from their orange container into her palm.
“You don’t have to take care of me, Drake.”
“Maybe not, bella. But I’d like to. Will you let me?”
She was silent for a moment and begrudgingly nodded her head.
“I know how strong you are, Alessandra. I admire the hell out of you for it. But when it’s just the two of us, you can let your guard down. You’re safe with me. I want to be here for you.”
Tears streamed down Alessandra’s face. He quickly sat on the cushion beside her and pulled her into his arms.
“Let me take care of you,” he whispered.
Drake kissed Alessandra’s tear-soaked cheeks, tasting the saltiness of her tears. His hands reached her tense shoulders and began gentle movements to ease the burden she carried. He continued down her back until he reached the hemline of her shirt and pushed his hands beneath it.
Her bare skin was warm and soft as he kneaded and massaged. He worked his hands around her hips and legs. A soft moan escaped Alessandra’s lips.
