33. Alex
THIRTY-THREE
Alex
I walk into the room, the crop report clutched tightly in my hand. My heart is pounding, adrenaline coursing through my veins.
I’m ready to deliver the news to Bella, but the sight that greets me stops me dead in my tracks. Ricardo is there, standing ominously in the middle of the room.
He turns to me with a smirk and I’m expecting him to shoot me.
“You’ve got yourself a good wife here,” he says. “She didn’t sell you out, would have died to keep your secrets. She’s welcome in this family anytime.”
Relief washes over me, quickly followed by guilt. I glance at Bella, who is staring at me with a mixture of anger and betrayal in her eyes. “Bella, I need to explain…”
Her expression hardens. “Explain what, Alex? That you were only dealing with me to get the crop report from my father?”
I take a deep breath, stepping closer. “Yes, that was the original plan. But things changed as soon as I met you. I fell in love with you, Bella. You changed everything for me. You’ve changed me by believing in me.”
Ricardo interrupts, his voice calm but firm. “Bella, I tested your loyalty. You passed. I’m happy to give you two permission to remain together, but now it’s time to end this. Call him.”
Bella’s eyes flicker with a mix of emotions. She takes a deep breath, then pulls out her phone and dials.
“Dad, it’s me. Alex got the crop report and I’m still alive. We need to meet you or Vince Russo will kill you. Where are you?”
She mutes the phone. “He wants me to come alone or he won’t meet. He’s worried you’ll kill him.”
I nod, reassuring her with a look. “Do it.”
She returns to the call, listening for a moment before hanging up.
“I’ve got it,” she says. “Will you be here when I get back?”
“You have my word. Remember what I taught you. Stay sharp.”
She nods, her eyes meeting mine. “I’ll be fine, Alex. Just promise me you’ll be here for me.”
I take her hand, squeezing it gently. “I promise, Bella. No matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you.”
As she walks out the door, I feel a mixture of pride and fear. Pride in her strength and fear of what might happen next. But one thing is certain – I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and end this once and for all. “What are you waiting for?” Ricardo asks once she’s gone.
“Nothing,” I reply, handing him the report before walking out for good.