Viola

Chapter 9

Alessandro's POV 

I shake myself awake as I hear a gurney rushing down the hall. Jumping off of the couch worried about Viola I look out the window to find that it's an elderly man being rolled away. 

Releasing a breath that I didn't know I was holding in I take a look around the room. 

I smile slightly when I see Benedetto hugging Lucas tightly against his chest as they cuddle. I walk to them, giving them both a kiss on the head before leaving the room. 

Walking back to Vi's room I'm startled but sigh as I see Antonio sleeping on a chair outside of her room.  I know it's going to be a pain to get him to leave her side. He was the closest with her and I can tell he's not letting her go again.

I take off my jacket placing it on top of him. Planting a kiss on his forehead as well I walk past him and quietly open the door.

As I walk in I smile at the sight I find. My princess and my queen cuddled up on the bed. Before Vi woke up I was scared she'd react the way the boys did with Roni. I shouldn't have underestimated her. She changes us all for the better. She's an angel. 

I walk to her and push her hair out of her face. She slightly shakes awake. Looking around frantically. 

"Shh, shh it's okay. It's just me Principessa," I say trying to calm her down. As her eyes rest on me she relaxes. 

"How are you feeling sweetheart," I ask her, reaching up to cup her face. She nuzzles into my hand slightly yawning. 

"Eh," she says wincing slightly as she tries to sit up "Not great." she finishes as I rush to help her get out of Veronicas hold.

"Thank you," she says as I pull her up. 

I smile slightly. She turns to face me hanging her legs off the side of the bed. 

Looking down she stumbles through her words blushing. 

"I- um, can you help me get to the bathroom?" she asks still looking down. 

"Of course, Principessa." I respond slightly chuckling at her shyness. 

She tries to stand but winces as her leg touches the ground. Without hesitation, I reach forward lifting her up bridal style. She tenses slightly but as I pull her into my chest she begins to relax. 

I take her into her bathroom making sure that she's situated before standing outside the door so she could do her business. I stare at the floor until I hear the toilet flush, the sink start and stop, and finally, I hear her softly call out for me.

"Papa?" she calls out. 

"Yes, Principessa?" I respond.

"I'm done," she says. At that, I enter the bathroom smiling slightly at her as she yawns but losing a bit of the happiness in my eyes as I see the bruises on her.

Seeing me frowning she leans forward to hug me taking me out of my trance. "I'm okay," she whispers. I feel tears spring in my eyes. I should've looked harder. Why couldn't I find her before this happened to her? Hot tears rush down my face as I stare at her in the mirror. 

She snaps in my face and I'm brought back to reality. "Stop, don't do that papa!" She says sternly. I look down feeling a fresh batch of tears form. 

"Papa, there was nothing that you could've done." She says pleadingly. I keep my eyes down not being able to meet hers. She sighs lowly pushing me away slightly before grabbing my hand and limping towards a chair a few feet away. She turns around pushing me into the chair slightly.