Alpha Loren novel Chapter 124

Three hours later,

Whilst I was waiting in the gate for my plane, Leo called my mobile for about the five hundredth time. I sighed and switched off my phone. Leaving my family was hard enough. I couldn't deal with anything more right now- especially the rath of Leonardo Loren.

"You should talk to him," a kind voice said from beside me. I looked to my left to see an elderly woman sat alone with a little handbag on her knee. Her silver hair was in a cute bun with loose strands framing her face, that's wrinkles and lines only added to her friendly demeanour. She wore a baby pink cardigan and a long floral skirt. Beside her was a walking stick.

I looked at her confused as I wiped my teary, puffy eyes.

"You should talk to him. Whatever it is, talking can only make it better," she said placing her hand on mine.

I smiled gently but shook my head.

"I can't," I said the tears beginning again. "I don't expect you to understand."

"My dear, believe it or not, I was young too once. I had a lovely man and like every couple, we had our ups and downs but we always got through it by talking," she said. "His name was Henry. That's right. Henry. We were together for a long long time and he loved me no matter what I did and I did a lot. You'll get through it, I promise."

"Where is he now?" I asked already fearing the answer.

"Well," she said taking a deep breath. "We met in the summer of 54. Yes, 54. We married just 6 months later and stayed that way for 51 years, 5 months,  2 weeks and 6 days. Until the day that he died from cancer of the lungs. Since then, I've been alone. Can't imagine my self with anyone but my Henry," she explained.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Don't be, child. But do call your Henry. At least just let him know that you are safe. I don't know your situation but I can imagine his worry."

I nodded and switched my phone back on.

"Thank you," I said with a genuine smile before heading to a quiet spot to finally answer Leo's call.

"Ella?" I heard Leo's voice say.

"It's me," I replied my voice cracking slightly.

"Please tell me you are safe," he said worry and strife in his tone.

"I'm fine, Leo," I said holding back the tears. 

"Where are you? I'll pick you up and we can just go home-"

"No," I said. "I'm sorry that I have to do this again and I'm sorry that you don't understand but I have to get the amulet."

"Ella, just tell me where you are. This is ridiculous," he said the anger level in his voice rising.

"I'm not telling you where I am because I don't want you to find me. Please don't be angry," I begged.

"Don't be angry? I am already fucking furious! If you come home now, we can put this all behind us but if I have to hunt you down and drag you back again there will be trouble." he growled. "And I will find you. You can be sure of that."

He was talking to me like a kid. I hated it when he talked to me like a kid.

"I'll be back in less than a week. I promise," I said. "I love you," I added.

"Don't you dare hang up, Ella Marie Jones," he hissed. "Don't do it-"

At that point, a 'boarding' light came on next to my flight number popped up and everyone in the waiting area began to stand up.

"I have to go," I interrupted. "I'll see you in a few days."

"You will see me tonight," he replied in a deep, dark tone.

"I'm sorry and I love you."

"Ella-" he began again before I hung up and joined the end of the queue.

He didn't even say 'I love you back'.

I wanted to tell him that I was pregnant and I wanted to tell him what Luciano did to me but neither seemed right. He was worried enough and I cared too much to be willing to make it any worse for him.

I searched for the little old lady in the queue but I couldn't see her. I didn't see her on the plane either. Odd. Maybe she's my fairy Godmother or something.

I realised mid-flight that I had no way of contacting Max when I arrived in Moscow. Leo blocked and then deleted his number from my phone and I had no idea about his whereabouts.

Shit.

It's a little too late to change my mind now though...