I took my phone out of my purse and spoke up.
"Your assistant blocked me on all socials and I couldn't reach you so you did not get to see this."
I opened a picture of Nicolo in the hospital and one at his birth and without looking at Alessio, brought out all of Nicolo's blood work and hair. I spread it all over the bar stand and then looked at him.
The expression all over his face was confusing. It had anger, confusion and something else I did not recognize.
"Why did you hide this from me Reina?"
I shivered as I felt the fury in his voice.
"He has only seventy-two hours to live and I have already spent twenty-four of those hours."
He called a guard close to him and spoke up.
"Prep the jet."
He turned to me and asked.
"Where did you stash yourself this whole time?"
"Country Z."
"Prep the jet. We are going to Country Z."
Huh? Just like that? We were going to Country Z? I should be glad but somehow my fear increased. Alessio moved closer to me and said,
"You will know what it is like to hurt me but my son comes first."
He took me by the hand. Squeezing it tightly and dragging me with him. Well looks like I would worry about all of this later. Right now, all I cared about was making sure Nicolo got that transplant.
***
"I just want to know where you're going."
"I will speak with you tomorrow Olivia and that is final."
"But Alessio."
"What?"
"Why won't you just tell me hmm?"
"That's enough Olivia."
Beep beep.
Alessio disconnected the call and put off his phone. He took a look at me and I flinched. He had my bags brought from the hotel and checked me out. It was time to go back home
I walked behind him as he boarded the plane. I had no intention of sitting close to this monster throughout an 11 hour flight. I would not be able to survive his bloodthirsty aura combined with thoughts of Nicolo.
I took the seat at the far end of the plane and sat for take off. The plane taxied out of the runway and I could feel my tension easing up. I grabbed my headphones and played light but upbeat music. The way I felt called for it. I was in my element till I felt a tap on my legs. My eyes opened in reflex and I saw Alessio standing right in front of me.
Dear God. What did he want? I took off the headphones and he spoke up,
"Move."
I moved my legs out of the way and he slid into the seat next to me. Why was he doing this?! Why was he making things this difficult for me? If I had a choice, I would have never contacted him at all.
"Why did you run away?"
I carefully weighed my options before answering. He was right beside me and could get angry and strangle me. I knew this man like the back of my own hand. He could kill me without a second thought.
"The contract clearly stated to cut off all forms of contact and communication at the end of the marriage. I was only honoring the terms."
"Even when that included my own flesh and blood?!"
I wanted to yell at him badly for that stupid statement. Who would believe me then? And Alessio I knew would only lock me up and I would be like a toy to him. Plus he was too dangerous. I would never do anything that would compromise Nicolo's safety.
I refused to reply to him and put my headphones back on. I saw his fingers tighten and edged away.
This was going to be a long flight.
***
I felt a jolt and woke up with a start. I realized that we were landing already!
That was quite fast. It felt so good being here and with Alessio and this surgery, Nicolo was going to be ok!
The plane taxied into the runway and unbuckled my seat. I was in such a hurry to see my baby. I switched on my phone and was surprised to see several missed calls from Alicia. What was wrong?
I tried calling her but there was no service. The plane had stopped and I quickly moved to get my luggage. I got off and wanted to call an Uber when I Alessio spoke up. Oops! I was so focused on Nicolo that I had forgotten all about him.
"Get in the car."
It was then I noticed that a jeep was waiting for me and Alessio was already in it. I hopped in and closed the door.
"Saint Miguel National Hospital." I said to the driver.
The driver sped off and all I could do was sit here and pray for my baby to be alright. Why was Alicia calling though? What was wrong?
***
The car had stopped in front of the hospital and I had gotten down as fast as I could. With Alessio behind me. He was slowing me down! In anger, I grabbed his hand and ran down the hospital corridors and burst into Nicolo's doctor's office.
"Here's the donor."
"Ahh I see you've found him Miss Reina."
"Yes I have. How soon can we begin?"
"Well we have to conduct a test first to see if it's compatible first and your bills—"
"Forget about the bills. I will pay those right now. Conduct that test. Give me two minutes to transfer the funds to you."
"Alright."
I let go of Alessio's hand and quickly wired the money into the hospital's account. This was it. I was broke and penniless. Before the surgery and Nicolo's recovery, I needed to settle some bills or else.
"Done."
"If you would come with me Mr–"
I answered.
"Alessio". Now doctor don't waste my damn time. My son's life depends on this."
"Oh don't worry ma'am. Nicolo is doing just fine. Him and Alicia were playing in the ward."
On hearing that, I rushed out of the doctor's office and to the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) where Nicolo was admitted to and heard baby gurgles coming from him.
"Who's the cutest baby?"
"You are. Who is aunt's joy and delight? You are. Who's mommy's special one and only? You are my darling baby!"
Nicolo bubbled with his baby talk and I felt my heart melt. I smiled at the sight of Alicia bonding with her godson. I took out my phone and took a picture of them. They looked so damn cute together.
"You still have the time to take pictures as it is? Aren't you worried?"
I jolted in surprise as I heard Alessio's voice from behind me. I replied to him as I stuffed my phone into my bag.
"No I am not and you want to know why?"
He looked at me with a questioning gaze as I smiled.
"Because you are here."
This was the only time in my life I was ever grateful for his presence.
I pushed the door open and Alicia spoke up.
"Oh my goodness Rei! Welcome back. Did you manage to get in touch with–"
Her question got stuck in her throat when she saw Alessio in front of her.
"Good. The bastard came after all."
"Excuse me?"
"Yes you heard me Alessio Rodriguez! I said you're a bastard! But I won't tell you how just yet. After the surgery, I hope you get a taste of your own medicine."
I gulped down saliva in horror.
Did Alicia have to say all that?!
"We must certainly have a talk after the surgery."
The tension in the air was so thick, you could cut it with a knife.
Just then the doctor stepped in, bringing an abrupt end to the dark cloud that had settled over the PICU.
"Miss Reina and Miss Alessio, please exit the room. We want to commence the bone marrow transplant.
Finally! I dragged Alicia but paused for a moment. I walked to the crib where my tiny baby was and watched him stretch out his hand to me. I let him touch my cheek then kissed his forehead.
"Estar seguro mi amor."
I dragged Alicia out of the room and prayed while I sat in the hallway.
"How did you manage to get in touch with him Rei?"
Alicia asked with a surprised expression all over her face.