Cara’s POV
I don’t know how many hours I slept for-but I knew I drifted in and out of consciousness a few times.
The first time was after the accident. I wasn’t fully awake, but I knew I was being carried by Adonis.
I’d recognize his masculine, woody scent anywhere.
My vision was blurry, and the pain was stabbing into my bones all over, but I could feel his rapid heartbeat as he breathed heavily. He was injured too. That much I could tell. Then he stopped and gently set me down on the grass before settling beside me.
I didn’t understand what was going on, but whenever I tried to think about it, my head hurt, so I stopped. Another wave of pain hit me, and just as I was about to lose consciousness again, I felt a soft, warm press on my nape as he pulled me closer.
The second time I gained consciousness was only for a short while. My heavy eyes opened for just a minute, and I could see people frantically running around me. I couldn’t hear a single thing due to the loud ringing noise in my head, and the pain was worse than before, so I passed out.
The third time I came to, I felt a bit better. Less pain and no ringing sound. The room was empty, or so I thought until I heard a voice.
A female voice, to be specific, but one I couldn’t recognize.
The person was on a call, and I tried to open my eyes but couldn’t. I couldn’t make out the full conversation through the short sentences and monosyllabic replies that were given.
“She’s still passed out. No. I heard he was awake. No, no one is with me. Hold on, I think she’s awake.”
And then I heard the sound of footsteps get closer.
“Cara, can you hear me? Are you awake?”
I tried to move my lips, but they felt like they were glued shut. I heard the person speak again.
“She’s barely awake. No, I don’t want to. Are you sure?” The voice went quiet, and then a warm object was placed to my ear.
“Cara, can you hear me?” The voice echoed, and I knew right away it was Antonio’s. “I got what I wanted, so we’ll meet soon. Don’t worry; it’ll take a while for them to notice it’s gone.”
I wanted to speak. To ask him why he did this. If he wanted something, he could have sneaked in only; the chase was unnecessary. His next words had me thinking he read my mind.
“The accident was a distraction. The Bernardis are always on their toes, so I needed to divert their attention somehow. Sorry, you had to be there, mio amore (my love), but if you weren’t involved, he would have suspected. I heard he knows you took the blueprint.”
My finger twitched.
How did he know that? Moreover, we were a team. Did he have to do it at the cost of my life?
“Anyways, it’s a good thing you’re fine. But remember, this is what I can do. If I ever find out that you’re in with Adonis,” he chuckled. “The next one might not be a test.”
Then the phone was taken away.
“I gotta go. Someone’s coming.” The unknown female hurriedly whispered as I heard the door open.
“Hi, Ta…..” my head began to pound again.
Ta what?
No. I shouldn’t drift off now. I was so close to hearing the name. I strained my ears, hoping I’d catch something else.
“…. and you, Cecelia.” The female spoke again.
Cecelia? Luca’s Cecelia? The same person I suspected? But she wasn’t the one in the room before, which meant she was the one that walked in.
Were they working together?
I felt myself drift off for the third time with so many unanswered questions lingering in my mind.
When I finally awakened, I knew I was better. My body felt lighter than before; I could still feel aches all over, but this time around, it was bearable. My eyes fluttered open to a bright white light, and I immediately shut them, taking a while to collect my thoughts before I tried again.
Was everything I heard true? The phone call had not been a fragment of my imagination but real?
Even to the threat at the end?
My heart sank. This shows that I have yet to achieve anything. I was still being tossed between the two families. Antonio saw me as a tool he could use and squash anytime, and I was still caught up in Adonis’s mess, just like the in very beginning.
How could I have been so stupid? Nothing had changed! I’ve been parading around, enjoying a life that wasn’t mine instead of fulfilling my main purpose of being here.
This was a wake-up call. I could’ve died for God’s sake.
I opened my eyes slowly this time around. If there was ever a chance to get close to Adonis, this was it.
The memory of how he held me close during the incident flashed through my mind, and I felt my heart squeeze in my chest.
I had been deceiving myself all this while, saying it was just sexual attraction, even though I knew it wasn’t. Adonis was beginning to grow on me.
Especially since that night at the mansion in Italy.
For the first time since I’ve known him, he behaved selflessly. I never believed he would shield me the way he did. Protect me that way… but I know it doesn’t mean he likes me.
Adonis may be sexually attracted to me. He might even care for me a tiny bit, but his family came first before anyone. He said it before, and so should mine. I should be independent and take charge of my battles instead of leaning on someone who could fail me at any time.
I wouldn’t betray my father just because of some flimsy emotion. I would get the chance to love again, but my father’s revenge was dependent on this one chance.
I heard someone stir beside me, and my eyes moved to the sofa by the wall. Cecelia sat up and let out a big yawn before looking over at me.
Our eyes met, and she stared for a while until it clicked that I was indeed awake.
She shot right up, tears streaming down her face.
I internally scoffed at her pretence. I should trust no one in this mansion; they were good at doing anything to get what they wanted… same attitude and very good actors.
Before I knew it, she was at my side. Clasping my hand in hers.
“I was worried. You looked so bad, Cara; if Adonis hadn’t protected you… he told us, Cara. I’m so sorry. I should… I should get the doctor. And Adonis. He woke up a while ago and had been waiting.” She ranted before darting out the door.
My chest squeezed at the thought of Adonis’s self-sacrifice again. I shouldn’t feel this way. I wouldn’t have been in that situation if it wasn’t for him in the first place.
The door opened once again, and the very man who occupied my thoughts stood at the threshold. He didn’t come in. Just waiting there as he stared at my lying form in the bed.
He was shirtless and had a bandage wrapped across his chest and a cast on his arm. There were also little patches scattered on his face and neck, and apart from that, he looked fine.
His hair was dishevelled and had fallen flat over his face. One could tell he had seen better days, but he still looked handsome enough to have any girl fall at his feet.
I felt myself come undone under his heavy stare, and moisture glinted in my eyes. I was too tired to get up, and I felt it was fortunate because it was the only thing stopping me from running into his arms.
My mind kept on reminding me of my independent woman concept, but it was all down the drain.
This was a wake-up call for both of us. It was time to admit what we’ve been trying to ignore. We both felt something for each other. He might not be sure, but I was.
And it scared me. It scared me because when the time comes, I know I’ll still choose my revenge over him.
Our eyes silently communicated. We both knew the truth, but no one was willing to back down.
I cleared my throat. “Come… come here.” I croaked out, expecting him to laugh in my face or tell me off for ordering him about it, but he didn’t.
Instead, he stalked towards me, a slight leap in his steps, and snatched my hands towards his lips.
“Never again.” He rasped. “I’m so sorry. Never again Bel. I will protect you with everything I have… For as long as you let me.”
I understood the meaning behind his words.
Me too Adonis. Me too.