Chapter 30: Redesigning his room

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The kidnappers had forgotten to feed them again two days in a row. The little kids were now malnourished with bones protruding off their tiny bodies and skins shrunken due to lack of fats.

They were pawns in some twisted cult that believed in primitive rites of sorcery and spirit possession.

Whenever the cloaked men came to haul some children for their sick rituals, Honey had volunteered and shielded Athena and Alessandro as much as she could. They were still innocent, unlike her.

She was tainted already and unlike her, they have a life, a family to get back to.

Athena was oblivious about a lot of things, in her mind she had fabricated the torment of real life as a fairy tale where she was to wait for her prince charming to come to save her like the princesses she was told about in kindergarten.

Alessandro, on the other hand, was observant. More than a number of times, he had piece together tiny details and adamantly demanded Honey answer his questions.

Why were they taken?

What was the cult about?

How many members were there?

And...what did they do to her every time they took her?

Honey honestly quenched his curiosity except for the last question. She couldn't bring herself to talk about it.

The secret organization of the virgin blood worshippers was a cult founded in the mid 20th century by a narcissist with a God complex, Bourn Perdi, who was often regarded as Mother Perdi by her worshippers. They manifested in the idea of the worship of virgin blood of young, untouched children. Abducting and rendering innocent young kids to their malevolent ill-treatments. Hundreds of children were killed brutally after they were of no use. They glorified pedophilia and sexual abuse.

Honey grew up in the streets of Las Vegas, the dark side of the city which was often overlooked by its splendid elite fine dining, nightlife, and gambles. She was only seven when she was picked up and forcefully brought to the cult. Her oblivious self had thought street life was the worst but the night itself made her crave to go back to the streets.

She had been subjected to sexual abuse for as long as she could remember and the aftermath was always bitter. She didn't want someone as innocent as Athena and Alessandro to witness that darkness and she promised herself that she would keep them away.

But that tempestuous night had a different tale to tell.

Honey was battered from the assault of the previous night when the men in dark cloaks stormed in. She couldn't comprehend what was real and what was not from her heavily closing eyelids but the scream of terror from Athena alerted her. Honey grunted and pulled herself to shield them but she was too weak, utterly exhausted.

"No! I-I don't want to c-come with you!" Athena wailed loudly as the men dragged her out.

Honey looked around for Alessandro when she caught his black mop of hair dangling down another man's shoulder. He was unconscious.

"T-Take me instead..." she yelled in her mind but it was an inaudible whisper.

Honey dropped her head as the screams and cries of Little Athena faded into the background. A tear escaping her closed eyes.

***

"-ssandro, wake up! Alessandro please!"

Alessandro groaned, grunting as he stirred out of his sleep, something was consistently poking his arm.

"Alessandro...You need to wake up..." the soft voice cooed on his side, a little distant but still loud enough. He slowly peeled his eyes open and turned to his side.

He was in the treat of a surprise.

What the hell was she up to?

Serenity was standing at a good distance from his bed, her arms stretched out, and was holding a long rolling pin. The most distracting thing was the pathetic giant helmet on her head and the fact that she was sandwiched between two ridiculous pillows with a piece of cloth tied around her waist to hold them together.

A weird armour, indeed.

She looked ready to go on war rather than anything else.

"What the fuck are you doing?" he muttered lowly in his hoarse voice.

Serenity shrugged her shoulders, "waking you up."

Alessandro raised an interested eyebrow, before taking her laughable state in.

"Oh, this." she pointed to her set up, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks, "It's just for protection, in case...you know...you decided to attack me in your sleep." she laughed to herself sheepishly.

"Don't tell me you're possibly going to wake me up like this everyday?"

Serenity shrugged again with an innocent smile, "I didn't want to take risk...you know...my neck still hurts-" she stilled and quickly zipped her mouth.

His eyes softened. He must have terrified her a lot, although she wasn't the one to voice it out, the matter was as clear as a crystal.

"Come here, love." Alessandro called affectionately, opening his one arm.

Serenity paddled towards him like a penguin, the pillows causing an uncomfortable hitch to her steps.

"My- My- This must be the most hardworking sandwich, I have ever seen." He said as she approach him.

Serenity huffed and smacked his arm with the rolling pin.

Alessandro lifted the heavy helmet off her head and she visibly let out a loud sigh.

"Where the fuck did you even get these from?" He muttered under his breath as he open her belt and throw away the pillows.

"Amazon."

He looked at her.

A fit of giggle escaped through her fingers that was covering her mouth.

"Just kidding, I asked the staff earlier when they came to deliver dinner."

He flicked her forehead.

"Ouch! What was that for?" She pouted, covering her head.

"Get ready, we have a long day ahead."

Serenity squealed while bouncing on her heels.

"Are we going out?"

Alessandro scoffed at her very expecting expression, "You are still grounded, young miss. We are going to fix the mess you made in my room."

Serenity exhaled loudly, dreading the day already.

The previous night, they had relocated for the night and had slept in the guest room in his wing.

The stench of wet paints had made it difficult to breath in the room. Serenity felt immense guilt at what she had done. She didn't stop apologizing until Alessandro threatened to gagged her mouth at the end of the day.

But then again, the thought of spending time with Alessandro for the whole day filled her tummy with the butterflies stampeding all around. Her cheeks bloomed with shades of all pink as she stepped out of the shower. She had changed into one of her cheapest Tshirt and a denim overalls.

It took quite a while to finish the design and layout of the room before the two of them mutually agreed on something. Alessandro could see a different side of Serenity as they worked together. He didn't know that she had an accurate vision of tiny details that often miss people's eyes but are important to give the final touch.

She was like a little rabbit high on red bull, bouncing around the room with her everlasting excitement. Everything fascinates her and it intrigued Alessandro how someone could be so pure and innocent until...

'Alessandro, let's do this!'

'Alessandro! This is not the right shade.'

'Alessandro...Pass me that roller.'

'Alessandro, you are already tall! Get down, I need the ladder more than you do."

"Alessandro...This is so cute but I believe you won't fancy having princess walls. So, Can I have these wallpapers in my room?"

"Do you think this is the best blue, Alessandro?"

"Alessandro, Can we have silhouette designs?"

"Do you think we should watch Five minutes craft again?"

His glare at her last question shut her up effectively.

As much as he loves the way his name sounded from her sweet mouth, he might jumped out of the window if he heard another 'Alessandro'.

"Alessandro!"

Alessandro winced visibly, clenching his jaws.

"Yes, love." He gritted his teeth under a tight smile.

Serenity stilled and looked at the ceiling with a frown, "I forgot what I was about to say...I will tell you when I remember it."

By the time the evening rolled by, the room was fully renovated and done. Alessandro had added silhouette designs on one part of the wall much to his little red head's coaxing.

They could shift in the next day after the helps clean the room.

Serenity exhaled dramatically as she enter the guestroom. She kicked her slippers off and jumped on the bed for a short nap. Just as her head hit the pillow, she was out like a light.

She was waken up by constant murmurings near the door. She pouted and yawned, stretching her sleepy limbs as she climbed down the bed. The moon was high in the sky. Her tummy growled loudly from hunger. How long did she dozed off?

Serenity blinked and turned to the clock on the wall.

It was late, almost time for supper.

"I can't do this! This is ridiculous!"

Her ears perked up as she heard Alessandro's frustrated voice. Serenity walked to the door on her tip toes.

" You have to! It's just for one night, Vitali." This time it was a sharp feminine voice. Serenity sucked a deep breath in.

"It will fucking change everything. There is so much to lose! I will never hurt her, Athena."

Athena Springton...was here.

Serenity clenched her jaws at the uneasy feeling sprouting inside her. The name left a bitter taste in her mouth. And she instantly felt guilty of thinking evil about that one girl who had saved her on a number of occasions.

"Love..."

Serenity jumped and snapped her head towards the direction. Alessandro was still outside the door. She wondered how he knew she was eavesdropping them.

The door opened and Alessandro stood there with the ever so gorgeous Athena. They both stared at her, when on one hand Alessandro had a soft look on his face, Athena replicated more of an annoyance and irritation.

She ducked her head shyly, "I am sorry...I-I didn't mean to-"

"Curiosity killed the kitten, sweetie. And the remorse fucking extinguish the soul for there is no satisfaction in the truth, Serenity." Athena sneered.

"Athena!" Alessandro called in warning.

"We will talk later and I expect you to be in my room tonight, Vitali."

Serenity watched as Athena flipped her hair back and strolled out, her heels clicking loudly as she stepped away.

Alessandro cleared his throat, closing the door behind him. Her eyes found his with a pitiable smile.

"She is staying here for a few days."

Serenity tried to hide her fragile insecurity and disappointment when she nodded.

"Oh!"

"Is there anything you wanted to say, love?"

Serenity blinked, "...No?"

She could see the slight hardening of his jaw as he nodded to himself. He seemed to be deep in his thoughts. Whatever the conversation they had had earlier was clearly absorbing his mind.

"Alessandro..." she called softly.

"Huh?" He quickly turned to her, clearly distracted.

Serenity blushed and timidly said, "Where are you lost?"

Alessandro sighed lowly and before she could react, he grabbed her waist and squeeze her into his arms, embracing her warmth into his cold stature.

He dropped his head on her shoulder and inhaled tiredly. She slowly brought her arms around him.

Silence enveloped them, a rather comforting silence.

Serenity tightened her small hands around him as though to ensure him that she was with him. What was the use of asking if he was okay when they both clearly know he wasn't. So, all she could do was comfort him wordlessly all while reminding him that he wasn't alone.

"I am tired, love." He confessed in her arms.

Both of them knew what he meant. He was exhausted, perhaps not physically, but the unseen load that he carried on his shoulder, the wordless misery that has been bottled up deep from his roots. And the fact that his mouth has been sealed for long, Alessandro knew no way to let it out.

"I am here for you, Alessandro."

***

Athena stared at the little phial on her hand.

"Use it wisely ,Athena. Do not mess it up. This is no ordinary viagra. It has tenfold effects than usual, just a few drops should do. No man will be able control their sexual drive no matter how resistant they are. They will prey on the first vagina they see. I want you pregnant by the time you come back or help me...God forbid what I do to you."

"Yes...mother."

She clenched her eyes tightly and swore to herself. Where did she get herself into? Why her?

"Ma'am, where should I serve this tea?"

The voice of the maid startled her. She quickly hid the bottle behind her back.

"On the table by the balcony."

The maid bowed and placed the tray containing two cups and a teapot with a little box of sugar cubes on the table and quietly left.

Athena paced around her room, her nerves skyrocketing with the plan she had in mind.

Just one night.

A night that will change everything.

She might lose his trust forever but her choice was limited.

The clock struck eleven. With a deep breath, she proceeded towards the tea.

***

"Does it taste good?"

Serenity asked with a scrunched up nose, pointing at the veg smoothie Alessandro had.

He nodded with a little smirk.

She gave him a disgusted look mixed with disbelief.

"Why don't you try it yourself?" He teased as he brought the glass near her.

He didn't think she will take it seriously but she had grabbed the drink and gobbled a huge part of it.

The next second, she splattered out the contents with wide eyes. Slamming her hand over her mouth to hold back the vomit, Serenity hobbled towards the washroom hurriedly.

Alessandro cursed under his breath as he ran after her.

She gasped and kneeled by the toilet as she threw up her dinner. He hold her hair back and massaged her shoulder.

Heaving, Serenity clenched her hand on her chest which had intensified the pain from the cramps of throwing up.

Alessandro carefully picked her up and brought her to the sink.

"H-Hurts..." Serenity mumbled incoherently.

He wetted the towel and slightly brushed it over her pale cheeks.

"Wash up, I will go find a change of clothes for you." He placed a kiss on top of her head and exited the bathroom.

Serenity grimaced, looking down at her dress was ruined with specks of vomit down the body line. She had finished brushing her teeth when Alessandro came in and placed the clothes. He left her again for some privacy.

Her eyebrows pulled together as she examined the soft button up shirt and the shorts. Why did he gave her his shirt? Too tired to care and complain, Serenity discarded her dress and slipped onto the new outfit. The silky shirt was so soft against her skin. She instantly fell in love. It even had a hint of Alessandro's perfume which she absolutely adore. She needed to know its brand but she will ask it later.

His shirt was so long that it swallowed the black shorts underneath it and reached her knees. She had to fold up the sleeves to see her small hands.

"Alessandro! You are a giant! See this." She giggled, giving a little twirl to show his shirt on her.

She immediately stilled when she met his eyes. Although the soft smile on his lips gave her an impression of amusement, his eyes told a different tale. The midnight blue in them had shifted into a darker shade with a eerie glint as they racked through her whole length.

His Adam apple bobbed up and down. His eyes straying towards her soft creamy legs for a minute. With her mass of red curls unkempt laying on her shoulders, her large eyes innocently peering at him, Alessandro hissed and looked away.

"Fucking adorable." He cursed under his breath.

Serenity sprinted to the bed and jumped under the covers.

She rested her back against the headboard and patted her side.

"Come on, I am sleepy."

He shook his head. As he lifted the duvet to slide into his side, Alessandro frowned remembering something.

Athena had asked him to meet her tonight.

Serenity looked at him confused as he didn't get in.

Alessandro hesitatingly turned to her.

"I will be back in a few minutes. Springton wants to talk about something important, love."

Her frown deepened as she registered their earlier encounter. Just as he was about to walk away, Serenity caught his wrist, "I don't feel good tonight, Alessandro. Please don't go." She begged.

The tense shoulder of the man dropped at her request. She was already so pale and so fragile, and he couldn't turn his eyes away when it was her very own amethyst orbs immersing his cold heart.

"Love..."

"Please." Her eyes flooded with tears, Serenity couldn't even understand why. Why it hurt her to see him go for another woman? Her intuition was hammering her to not let him go, atleast not tonight.

When he didn't reply, her grasp slipped off reluctantly, dejected.

Alessandro sighed and got under the covers, pulling her small self to his chest as he hold her tight in his arms.

"I am here."

***

How was the chapter?

Good?

Bad?

Or just meh?

Thank you so much for your constant support and motivation to write and for understanding my situation as I was not able to update due to covid.

I have changed Serenity's age to 15 and she would be turning 16 on her birthday ball.

And one question, where do you watch these Turkish shows? There are some shows I wanted to watch from your recommendations but there were no English subtitles or no proper episode on YouTube and Facebook.

How do you feel about to viagra thing?

Will Alessandro succumb to it?

Or will Serenity continue saving his fine ass without even knowing?

And what about our darling Athena?

Until then,

Adios,

Stella Cadante.