21. Alessia
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
ALESSIA
C aro texted me after we silently did the walk of shame out of the bathroom and to Astor’s car.
“Text her and tell her we’re going home. If she isn’t back yet, he’s taken her hostage by now, I’m sure,” Astor says with his hand on my lower back.
“She just texted me…looks like you’re right.” I hold the phone up and show it to him.
Caro:
Holy shit. There’s no way one time will be enough—I’m going home with him. See you tomorrow. Love you, bitch!”
“Tell her if she happens to call you a bitch again, I’ll block her number from your phone.”
“It’s a friendly bitch, not a mean bitch.” I shrug, but he doesn’t acknowledge me as he opens the door to his car. I climb in and text her back.
Me:
Astor said you aren’t allowed to call me a bitch anymore. HAHAAHHA.
Caro:
Bitch, does your man know I’m a part of the mafia, too?”
Me:
Be nice. Have fun tonight, lunch tomorrow to tell me about it?”
Caro:
Fuck yeah.
I watch him as he drives us home, his hand resting on my thigh. He tightens it and I raise my eyebrow.
“Tell me about your wedding dress.”
“Ehh, I picked the first one I could find. Since it’s not a real wedding,” I say jokingly.
“Funny, tell me about it.”
“I can’t. It’s bad luck. All I’ll tell you is that our mothers wasted no expense.”
I’m not exaggerating. When we walked into the bridal shop, we were worshiped, shown the best of every designer. The dress I chose was gorgeous, it even made me cry. It was a fitted type, with see-through sides, and a deep, low cut V neckline. It was covered in diamonds and made me feel as beautiful as it looked. It also cost $42,000, and my mother and Astrid didn’t blink a fucking eye when they agreed to split the cost.
“That doesn’t surprise me. They spent $15,000 on fucking flowers, so I’m sure they went double that on your dress.”
“When are you going for your tux?”
“Tomorrow. How are you feeling? You look pale.” He’s right, I’m starting to feel lightheaded and nauseous again.
“I’m ok.”
“You’re lying. When we get home, I want you in bed.”
“Bossy.” He gives me a side eye and I sink into the seat, closing my eyes when another wave of nausea comes. “Can you pull over?”
“Are we back to you not wanting to be around me?”
“No, I just—” I cover my mouth and he quickly rears the car to the side of the road. I push the door open before the car comes to a stop.
“Alessia, wait until I’ve stopped!”
I lean over, not being able to wait. Vomit goes everywhere and I barely miss Astor’s car. I climb out and drop to my knees as it comes out uncontrollably. He’s at my side in a second, pulling my hair back out of my face.
“I didn’t want to…mess up your car.”
“It’s just a fucking car. Are you ok?” I run my hand over my mouth and try to stand up. He’s there, helping me and rubbing my back.
“Yes. I’m ok. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. Let’s just get you home.” I take a deep breath, mentally telling myself that we’re only a few minutes away. He secures me in the car and zips us home as fast as he can.
When we walk through the doors, I’m hit with a wave of relief. I did manage to not vomit in his precious fucking car; even though he said he wouldn’t care, he was driving like a psychopath. And I know it was in fear of me not being able to hold it in.
Astor’s hands circle around me and he scoops me up in his arms.
“What are you doing?”
“Putting you to bed.” He eases his way up the stairs, glancing at me when he feels my stare. “What?”
“You’re just…nothing.” He doesn’t push me on it, he lays me down in the bed and helps me out of my clothes. He grabs one of his shirts and pulls it over my head, tucking me tightly under the comforter.
He feels my forehead and takes a deep breath. “You’re burning up.” He rises and retreats into the bathroom, coming back a moment later with a thermometer. “Under your tongue. If it’s higher than 101, we’re calling a doctor.” I open my mouth and wait patiently for what I already know.
“What’s the verdict, boss?” I ask as he stares at the numbers.
“Doctor. 102.8.” He pulls out his phone. “I need the doctor here as soon as possible. Alessia is sick or something, I don’t fucking know.”
I start to shiver and I turn on my side. My body feels weaker and weaker as the minutes pass and my headache is coming back. I can hear Astor talking, calling my name, but I can’t open my eyes or mouth to answer him.
I just need rest.