The Debt of Love {The Fractured Hearts Series Book 1}

‡ Fifteen ‡

Alessio's Pov

I followed my father to the study, my heart racing with anticipation. What did he want to talk about? I knew it couldn't be good.

As soon as we were alone, Navas turned to me, his eyes piercing. "Alessio, I want to know about Gabriel Brown and Margaret Brown. The family you were sent to...take care of."

I swallowed hard, knowing where this was going. I had tried to push the memories away, but they still haunted me. "I did what I was told, Father. I executed them."

Navas nodded, his expression unchanging. "And the girl? Hazel?"

I hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. I had tried to justify it to myself, but the truth was, I had killed her parents. And now, she was living with us, oblivious to the truth. "She escaped. But she lost her memory. I found her in the hospital and...took care of her."

Navas raised an eyebrow. "Took care of her? You mean, you brought her here?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of unease. I had thought I was doing the right thing, but now I wasn't so sure. "Yes. I didn't know what else to do."

Navas sighed, his expression disapproving. "Alessio, I warned you. No attachments. No strings. You can't get involved with her."

I felt a surge of defensiveness, but I pushed it down. I knew better than to cross my father. "I know, Father. I promise. It's just...convenience. Having her here makes things easier."

Navas eyed me skeptically, but nodded. "See that it stays that way. I don't want to see you getting soft on me."

I nodded, feeling a pang of frustration. But I knew better than to argue.

As I left the study, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. But it was short-lived. When I saw Hazel, I felt my heart skip a beat. She was smiling at me, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

But I pushed it aside. I couldn't afford to feel anything for her. Not now, not ever.

"Hey," she said, noticing the change in my attitude. "What's wrong?"

I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "Nothing. Just tired."

But she looked at me skeptically, her eyes narrowing. "Alessio, what's going on?"

I sighed, feeling a sense of frustration. Why couldn't she just leave me alone? "Nothing, Hazel. Just drop it."

I saw the hurt in her eyes, but I pushed on, determined to keep my distance. Even if it killed me.

I started acting grumpy, pushing her away with every word. I knew it was cruel, but I had to protect myself. I couldn't let her in.

But as I looked into her eyes, I saw something there that gave me pause. A spark of recognition, a glimmer of hope.

And I knew I was in trouble.

What is she doing to me?

Seeing that I am not comfortable with staying with her in the same room, that would only make things worse.

"Look Hazel, I better leave you to this room and go find another room for myself" I said as the hurt in her eyes grew and that was hurting me.

"Ally...."

"Don't call me that" I said through gritted teeth before she could continue. "Allesio, I thought you said. I mean you promised to stay with me throughout this stay so why now wanting to go back on your words" She complained as she started to tear up.

Please don't cry.

"A promise is just some mere words and they are not to be taken to heart. I said what I said at that moment just to make you feel good, you weren't meant to take it to your mind, princess" I disdained. I really shouldn't have talked to her like this but no strings, no attachment.

Seeing she couldn't win this argument and seeing that she can't have a clue to what had caused for the sudden change of my attitude, she gave up.

"It's fine Ally! You can go. After all, I'm a grown woman and I don't need you" Her voice started to break as she sniffled. With her statement, I felt a pang in my chest, like I was hurt in the guts but I had to take it. I started it.

I grabbed my bag from the corner on the bed as I looked at her with pain and regret in my eyes. She shouldn't have come here with me, maybe we should have stayed back at Espanol (Spain).
I stole one more glance at her before finding my way out of the door, leaving the room and her for good.

The thought alone, ached my heart a lot.

~

"Buenas Noches Alessio" Roselia chirped as she pulled me in for a hug and I hugged her back. "Me perder usted tanto"

[Translation: Good evening Alessio]
[Translation: I missed you so much]

I chuckled at her behavior as we pulled out from the hug. "Me perder usted tanto demasiado Mama" I smiled at her as she held my cheek.

[Translation: I missed you too mama]

"You look so lean" She said spanking my arm as she walked towards the dining table. "I heard you brought a girl home. Is she your girlfriend" My eyes widened at her statement. How does she know Hazel is around.

"Antonia told me and Rita. Common let's go eat, everyone is at the table waiting" I followed her, my eyes traveled to where Hazel was sorted beside Antonio as they spoke and she smiled at what he said.

My heart melted at her smile, she looks so beautiful. Her eyes drifted to me as we locked eyes for a minute before she broke it looking away. I sat on the chair next to Lionel.

"I see you've got your eyes on her" Lionel teased drifting me out of my thoughts. "Shut the fuck up! I've got my eyes on nobody" I bite back as Rita passed the bowl of stew to me.

"Very good of you. You came around to Italy and didn't even bother to check on your Aunt? Alessio, I'm disappointed in you" She complained making me smile.

"Aunt Rita, I was so exhausted. I'd make it up to you" I apologized as she smiled back at me.

The dinner was going nice and quiet but I kept stealing glances at Hazel. I couldn't stop myself from looking at her because she looks more beautiful than before. I cautioned myself, remembering what I have promised my father. No strings, No attachment, Alessio.

"Who's this young lady, Alessio. Is she your girlfriend?" Rita broke the silence as all eyes fell on me even Navas. I cleared my throat to talk but Hazel spoke first.

"No. I'm not his girlfriend, I'm just an employee of his, nothing more" She clarified staring into my eyes. What she said made my heart feel like it was stabbed a thousand times but it was true.

She isn't mine and would never be mine.Welcome to Gboard clipboard, any text you copy will be saved here.