Saving Isabella

Chapter 20: Found

I try to pull out of Roger's grasp but he holds me in place. I don't know who he called, but he was going to come and get me. I didn't hear much of what 'Boss' said but I heard yelling and him saying "arriviamo" (we're coming). I swear my day couldn't get any worse than being kidnapped by this guy's boss. I zone out looking at the ceiling lights.

–time skip–

The door to the McDonald's bursts open with a loud crash, making me jump out of my seat. My heart pounds as I turn to see who's coming in—and then I freeze. Storming towards me are my nine brothers, their expressions a mix of anger and worry. I swallow hard and instinctively take a step back, my eyes darting around the restaurant. The kitchen is empty, and aside from Roger, the only other person in here, there's no one left. It's just me and my brothers, and they don't look happy.

Before I can even think about running, arms wrap around me, and I'm lifted off my feet in a tight, bone-crushing hug. "Hey, let go!" I squirm, trying to breathe and wriggle out of the grip, feeling like I'm being squashed to death. Whoever's hugging me finally sets me down, and I take a deep breath as my feet hit the floor. I look up to see Alex standing in front of me. He crouches down a bit so we're at eye level, his hands gently holding onto my arms.

"Are you hurt, sorellina?" he asks, his voice soft but full of concern. I shake my head quickly, reassuring him that I'm fine. His eyes search mine for a moment, and then he pulls me into another hug—this one much softer, almost protective. "We were so worried," he whispers, his voice low and strained. "We couldn't find you." His hand strokes my hair gently, the motion calming me down, and I can feel the tension start to leave my body.

After everything that's happened today, I didn't realize how exhausted I was. The adrenaline that had been keeping me alert starts to fade, and my muscles feel heavy. I lean into Alex's embrace, my eyelids growing heavier with each passing second. He's so warm, and his hug feels like a blanket of comfort. I try to stay awake, blinking slowly, but it's a losing battle.

Before I know it, my body sags against him, and my eyes flutter shut. I barely notice when Alex picks me up again, bridal style, holding me close in his arms, like I'm weightless. I nestle my head against his chest, shifting a little to get comfortable as he carries me. His steady breathing and the sound of his heartbeat are the last things I hear before I drift off completely, letting sleep take over.

I wake up to the steady rhythm of Alex's breathing, his chest rising and falling beneath my head. For a moment, I keep my eyes closed, savoring the warmth and safety of this quiet moment, not daring to shift even an inch. The familiarity of this room begins to creep back into my mind. I recognize the navy blue walls and the black sheets draped over both of us. It's the same room I've seen only once before. I lie there for a few seconds longer, before finally making the decision to move.

Carefully, I push myself up from Alex's chest, carefully as not to disturb him. His breath remains steady, deep, oblivious to my actions. Quietly, I slip out of the bed and place my bare feet on the cold hardwood floor, tiptoeing my way toward the bathroom. The room is still, eerily calm in the early morning light. I open the bathroom door with the gentlest of touches, almost as if the house itself is fragile and I might break it with any sudden sound.

Once inside, I take a moment to glance at my reflection. My face is pale, eyes shadowed by exhaustion, but it's me. I take a deep breath, trying to ground myself. The events of the past few days have left me exhausted. I shake the thoughts away and do my business, grateful for a moment of solitude.

As the cold water splashes against my face, I feel a flicker of normalcy. I close my eyes, letting the coolness wash over me. When I'm done, I grab a towel, drying myself off with slow, measured movements. The quiet doesn't last.