The Thrill Of Your Love

Chapter Four

Alice had been taking Terzo his morning coffee for just little under a week by now and despite their interaction only lasting five minutes , she looked forward to it. It was arguably her favourite part of the day, getting to converse with the Emeritus brother who treated her as though he'd known her all of his life, his flirtatious and humorous nature always putting a smile on her face.

She approached Terzo's room, the tray in her hands carrying the steaming cup of coffee. However, as she entered, she immediately noticed that something was amiss. Terzo, typically vibrant and lively, seemed unresponsive and lethargic, still curled under the covers without a girl by his side.

"Papa, your coffee." Alice timidly spoke, placing it down on the counter. No response. "Papa...are you awake? Your service is in-"

"What?!" He shot forward after waking up suddenly, his usually expressive eyes dulled with exhaustion. Concern flooded through Alice's features as she approached his bedside. "What time is it? What did I miss?!"

"Papa, are you alright?" Alice asked softly, her tone of voice laced with genuine worry. "You...don't seem well."

"Oh, Alice. It's you my love." He finally smiled, his hand reaching out to encase hers; he was extremely hot to the touch. Terzo let out a groan, his voice raspy. "I'm afraid I've caught a cold, sorella. It seems to have gotten the best of me."

"Oh, that's not good." Alice's frown deepened, her brows furrowing with empathy. "Is there anything I can do to help? Should I fetch someone? Or can I get you any medication?"

"Thank you, amore." Terzo shook his head weakly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "But there's no need. I'll manage. Just bring me the coffee over if you don't mind." He motioned towards the steaming mug beneath the curtains that were still drawn.

Alice nodded and quickly hurried back over to fetch the coffee. Terzo struggled to heave his aching body up from the covers and sit up against a wall of pillows covered in soft cotton covers that lined the headboard of the bed. As Alice pulled back the curtains, he squinted, the sudden bright light making him feel nauseous.

"Cazzo." He hissed, rubbing his tired eyes. He smiled warmly as Alice stood beside him, holding out the mug with a caring look on her face. He took it from her, his hand gently squeezing hers with gratitude. "Grazie mille, darling. Oh, and one more thing." He sipped the hot beverage, wincing as it came into contact with his stinging throat. "Could you tell the Sisters that help with my makeup not to come today? I'll do it myself, I wouldn't want them getting sick too."

Alice hesitated for a moment, torn between her concern for Terzo's well-being and his unwavering determination to never let down the ministry. Reluctantly, she nodded, her gaze fixed on his weary form.

"Papa, are you seriously planning to go and deliver the church service today?" Alice asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "You're sick."

"Alice, the show must go on. The faithful have come to listen, and it is my duty to deliver the sermon. Illness may have weakened my body, but it won't break my spirit." Terzo, despite his state, held a smug expression, a glistening smile suggesting he was proud of the large crowds he attracted.

"But surely someone else could do it just this once, no?" Alice's asked. "Pushing yourself when you're unwell isn't wise; it will only worsen your condition." She saw him raising his eyebrows sternly at her and decided it was best to ease off. "Alright...fine. But promise that you will rest up afterwards?"

"Anything for you...infermiera bella." He teased.

"Oh Papa, cut it out." Alice laughed, blushing a little when collecting the empty glasses beside his bed. "Is there anything else I can do?"